We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christine Hettinger a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Christine, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I first knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally when I was about 11 or 12 years old. It all started when my parents gave me a drawing book on how to draw manga. I instantly fell in love with the process of creating art—it became my escape and my passion. Fast forward to when I was 18, I decided to take a bold step and applied to work at a tattoo shop. Unfortunately, I was turned down, but I didn’t let that discourage me. Years later, I finally got an apprenticeship, and after dedicating myself to learning and growing as an artist, I made the leap. I quit my other job and became a full-time artist. Looking back, it was that spark in my childhood, combined with persistence and patience, that led me to where I am today.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I got into the industry through an apprenticeship at a tattoo shop. I’ve always been drawn to tattoos—not only was I passionate about them, but I was also already tattooed myself. Throughout my journey, I never stopped believing in myself, and that determination paid off. Today, I’m proud to say that I own my own shop, All Eyes on You Tattoo, located in Hanau (near Frankfurt, Germany).
Over the years, I’ve competed at numerous conventions and have been honored to win 17 awards. These accomplishments reflect the hard work, dedication, and love I have for my craft. Beyond the awards, I’m incredibly proud of my team and the kind of tattoo shop we’ve built. All Eyes on You Tattoo is more than just a business—it’s a safe space for our clients, where they can feel comfortable and supported while creating something meaningful with us.
I’ve also been fortunate to have my work recognized in magazines, radio interviews, and other platforms. But what I’m most proud of is inspiring others. I want my followers and clients to know that they should always follow their dreams. No matter the obstacles, it’s possible to achieve what you set your mind to—you just have to put in the work. The sky is NOT the limit.
On a personal note, I’m also proud of my skydiving license. While it’s unrelated to tattooing, it reflects my adventurous spirit and how I approach life—taking risks, embracing challenges, and pushing boundaries.
Have you ever had to pivot?
When I won my first award at a tattoo convention, it was a pivotal moment for me. It made me realize that I wanted so much more from my career and that I had the potential to achieve it. That moment fueled my ambition and set me on the path to becoming a recognized artist in the industry. While I’m proud of how far I’ve come, I know there’s still a long way to go—but I’m ready to put in the work and keep striving for greatness.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My creative journey is driven by a deep passion for pushing the boundaries of tattoo artistry. One of my main goals is to collaborate with renowned artists, particularly Harris, whose work I greatly admire. I’m also eager to challenge myself on a larger platform, and participating in a show like *Ink Master* would be a dream come true. It’s an opportunity to grow, learn from the best in the industry, and showcase my skills on a global stage. Ultimately, my mission is to continuously evolve as an artist, while contributing to the tattoo community in a meaningful way.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hettys.tattoos
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hettys.tattoos
Image Credits
Thanks to my shop team for the portrait pictures.