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Hamburg-based illustrator and tattoo artist Ines Hassler, also known as Frau Ines lives by her creative talent, bravery as well as her own local artist community.

"Creative exchange, contacts, and the community factor of the scene are extremely important to me and have had a significant effect on my work," says Ines. The scene in Hamburg is a creative hub managed by Ines as well as her own local artist's association: Hey Du Hey Du, which is their gallery and tattoo studio. Also, Live Art Club, their "cheerful and refreshing" drawing classes. "I could not be where I am today if I weren't open to all that the city and the people have to provide me during the past couple of months," Ines says.

Active artist from at a very young age Ines studied a variety of artistic professions throughout her time at school before settling at what she felt was the best to her: designing. "But after just a few years in the world of agencies," she says, "I began to realize that my heart was much more attached to what I did outside of my work hours , and not so much for big clients and brands. At some point, I took the decision to create my own venture working full-time as an artist."

Discover more about the way Ines balances her variety of tasks, and how feedback from customers affects her design choices, and the way she communicates her company's image.

Creative variety can be a motivator

"The diversification of my day-to-day routine is what keeps me creative and active," she says. "The best thing I could do is to be doing exactly the same thing over and over again. I enjoy changing between various projects, working with different groups, and reaching common goals. Therefore, my work seems like a pastime."

"But of course it is sometimes difficult," she acknowledges, "especially during times of epidemics or when multiple deadlines from different parties come together. This can be really stress-inducing and often too much. Here it is for me to figure out the right balance."

"In the end, the feeling of self-realization never fails to prevail," Ines adds. "Sometimes it's still crazy that I can call what I do a job. But for me it's not only a job, it's passion."