We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hannah Copeskey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Hannah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

I have a few examples, one which is from my clients who continue to show me by surprising me with my favorite teas, bringing snacks or presents for me, hold space for me as much as I do for them to share stories together while tattooing, for great reviews, recommendations, sharing my work, and the MVPs who continue to get tattooed from me from the very beginning. It’s always an honor and I am so grateful for them.

The kindest thing that anyone has done for me was from a friend who was there for me early in my tattoo career. My apprenticeship and shop experience into tattooing was hard, like many have been. It was full of ups and downs. Unfortunately, it came with a lot of verbal/emotional abuse, some physical, and sexual harassment. At that time, I was struggling mentally and had rock bottom confidence. He showed me his early work and where he began, talked me up, and reminded me how good I was in reality for the short time I have been tattooing. He always gave me good tips or critiques and created a safe, fun environment to be around when everything else around me wasn’t. He was a great friend when I probably needed one the most. I eventually ended up leaving that shop to continue to grow as an artist and seek a better work environment. I’m so forever grateful to have met him and have him as a friend.

Hannah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello. My name is Hannah Copeskey. I’m a tattoo artist from Wisconsin. My business pages are Ink by Hannah. I’m at a private studio called Bird of Paradox Studios in downtown Kenosha, Wisconsin. My favorite styles to tattoo are neotraditional and illustrative styles.

What got me into tattooing is kind of an interesting story. I’ve been creating and drawing ever since I can remember. I knew somehow I had to be in an art field for a career path. Everything else felt soul crushing. Tattoos always caught my eye. They’re bold, expressive, and a walking art gallery. I believe I middle school when I fell in love with them. I was planning which ones I was going to get when I was older with my friends. I wanted to be covered in tattoos, luckily never got any of my ideas from back then. It definitely sparked my interest to look into tattooing for a career.

However, my parents didn’t agree, at least not back then. Going for higher education (I.e. college) was expected. Yet, I did have some struggles with school. I’m sure others can relate. Finding something within the art world that I was passionate about along with being a wise career move was tricky. Eventually, I settled on art teacher. It was going well, but I was slowly becoming increasingly more depressed as time went on. It felt how it sounded, I settled on what I thought felt like was my last not option at that time. Teaching was rewarding and I believe is an important job, but it didn’t feel like it was the right move for me or what I really wanted to do for the rest of my life.

There was a moment where I was just about to do the last part of my degree. I was sitting in a room with fellow soon-to-be teachers, everyone elated for their classrooms…except for me. My depression was at its peak, and I ended up broke down while there. I realized that teaching just wasn’t for me. It wasn’t my dream.

I graduated with my degree, pondered what I really wanted to do. What really resonates with me, not what others thought I should do or what my family would think? Tattooing I was still fascinated by. I decided it was worth the risk to follow what I felt alighted with. I built a portfolio up and went out to shops seeking an apprenticeship. Faced a few rejections, but I finally got my yes, and I hit the ground running. I knew the moment I held a machine in my hand for the first time everything clicked. This was the beginning of everything really.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was being so self critical (detrimental and perfectionism based rather than constructive) and building a kinder self talk. Every person is their own worst critic, unfortunately by hearing unkind words to us, about us, or around us about others in our formative years. I think it’s a lifelong battle to be kinder to ourselves, unlearn patterns and belief systems we were taught so young. Breaking those cycles and rewiring our thought patterns helps us continue to grow and show ourselves self love. By working on kinder and better self talk, I definitely can see my growth within my confidence and mental health. We all have some critiques for ourselves, but it’s about finding the silver lining and celebrating where you are at now and looking forward to where you’re going. Meeting other artists who I admire who also have imposter syndrome was so relieving. That’s why community is so important! We all go through this. None of us are alone and we all go through the same self doubt from time to time.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I think being yourself! I like to get to know my clients, talk, create a safe space to chat, get all the details of the piece during consultations to capture their vision and bring it to life!
Following this, I would say word of mouth/recommendations! This always means the most to me. There’s nothing better than someone loving their piece so much or getting complimented, and recommending me to others. I love reading referral messages!
Besides these, it’s all about getting your name out there. Social media is a great tool! I also like to handout or leave business cards and stickers. Lastly, conventions are a wonderful way to meet fellow artists, get inspired, and meet new people!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Inkbyhannah?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=dec3d3b2-fe63-4c6d-a768-e7f768fa1dcc
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkbyhannah
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inkbyhannah?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: https://theletteringmachine.com/ink_by_hannah/shop/home

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