IN THIS FORMAT WE INTRODUCE YOU TO A TATTOO SHOP PRESENT IN THE “TATTOO ARTISTS YEARBOOKS”, A HANDY GUIDE TO THE TATTOO SHOPS IN EUROPE.
The owner of this cozy, plant- and art-filled private studio in Vienna’s 5th district shares the secrets behind her elegant, freehand, and ‘flowy’ black tattoos.
Hi Laura, was there a specific moment in your life when art took over everything else?
Honestly, there wasn’t a single defining moment – it’s always been a part of me. From a very young age, I had this constant urge to create, and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.
How did you discover tattoos? Did you get one, notice the tattoo artist’s movements, and think that one day you’d want to do the same?
My journey into tattooing was a bit different. I was always searching for new ways to express myself, and at some point, I got involved in the street art scene. My friends and I would spend hours drawing together until one of them bought a tattoo machine. That’s when I first felt the excitement of tattooing. Later, I got my license and started working in a studio.
When did you realize you could use the freehand technique with such naturalness and skill? Did you train for years, or do you believe drawing freehand on people’s bodies is an innate talent you’ve honed over time?
I don’t think anyone is born with these skills – they develop over time through trial and error. For me, it took a lot of experimentation.
In the early days, I practiced on untattooed friends, drawing sleeves, backpieces, and other designs directly on their skin. This helped me study body flow and refine my technique. It’s also a great way to explore new styles and showcase ideas. I’d definitely recommend this approach to any artist looking to improve their work.
Do you think you’ve had a mentor in your life?
I never had a mentor in the traditional sense. I started working in a shop right after getting my license and learned by traveling, doing guest spots, and attending conventions. That experience exposed me to incredible artists who inspired and influenced me.
I’m grateful to everyone I’ve met along the way.
Your way of using black ink is very delicate and elegant. How do your subjects come about? Where do you find inspiration?
My style has evolved over the years. I started with smaller flash designs that had a graphic feel, and over time, I incorporated elements of calligraphy, which helped create my signature “flowy” shapes. Eventually, I transitioned into large-scale body concepts, focusing on how designs move with the body. Travel has also been a major inspiration – different cultures and their approach to shapes and aesthetics have influenced my work in many ways.
Tell me about the ‘Atelier Hochmond’? Is yours a private studio? What is the atmosphere like in this corner of Vienna where you work daily creating tattoos?
I founded ‘Atelier Hochmond’ (IG: @atelier_hochmond) three years ago to create a peaceful and inspiring space where I could fully focus on my art. Before that, I worked in both street shops and private studios, but I never felt truly comfortable.
Now, my studio is private, and it feels like a cozy living room, filled with plants and artwork.
It’s located in Vienna’s 5th district, a vibrant area known for its art and food scene. I also invite guest artists from time to time, which keeps things exciting and fresh.
Last question – Where would you like to be in ten years and what would you like to achieve, in terms of personal challenge, in the short term?
That’s a tough one! Ten years ago, I never imagined I’d be as successful as I am today – I just wanted to make a living as a tattoo artist. So honestly, I already feel incredibly lucky. My biggest hope is that I’ll still be tattooing in ten years because it’s the greatest passion I’ve ever had.
Follow ‘Atelier Hochmond’ on Instagram: @atelier_hochmond
PUBLISHED IN GERMAN, ITALIAN, FRENCH, ENGLISH AND SPANISH EDITIONS. EVERY YEAR EACH VOLUME SHOWS HUNDREDS OF TATTOO IMAGES AND PRESENTS THE TATTOO SHOPS IN EACH COUNTRY WITH ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED.
