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

"Creative exchange, contact as well as the sense of community of the scene are extremely crucial to me, and have had a profound influence on my professional career," says Ines. This scene that is in Hamburg includes creative projects that are run by Ines as well as her own local artist's association: Hey Du Hey Du, which is their art shop and Ines's tattoo studio. Also, Live Art Club and Live Art Club, which offer "cheerful and refreshing" drawing class. "I wouldn't be where today if weren't open to all that the city and the people have to give me in the past couple of decades," Ines says.

A prolific artist since at a very young age Ines studied a variety of different creative fields during her college years, before finally settling on what felt right to her: designing. "But after just a couple of years in the world of agencies," she says, "I began to realize that my heart was more attached to what I was doing outside of work hours , and not so much for big clients and brands. That's why at one point I took the decision to start my own business and become a full-time an artist."

Discover more about how Ines manages her many projects, how customer feedback influence her design decisions and how helps her communicate her personal brand.

Using creative variety as motivational tool

"The diversity in my daily life is what keeps me energized and creative," she says. "The most difficult thing for me is doing the same thing every day. I like shifting between different tasks, working with various groups, and reaching similar goals. So, my job always is like a leisure activity."

"But naturally, it's sometimes difficult," she acknowledges, "especially during times of epidemics or when multiple deadlines for different parties get together. It can be extremely overwhelming and can be excessive. Here it is for me to figure out an equilibrium."

"In the end the sense of self-realization is always the dominant factor," Ines adds. "Sometimes it's still crazy that I could call the way I do a job. For me, it's more than just a job--it's a passion."