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The Hamburg-based artist and illustrator Ines Hassler, known as Frau Ines, thrives by her creative talent, bravery, and her local artists community.

"Creative exchange, connections, and the community factor in the community are important to me and have had an effect on my work," says Ines. This scene in Hamburg is a creative hub run by Ines and the local artist's group: Hey Du the art shop and Ines's tattoo studio, and Live Art Club, their "cheerful and refreshing" drawing classes. "I wouldn't be where I am today if I weren't open to the opportunities that Hamburg and its people could offer me over the last couple of years," Ines says.

A prolific artist since an early age, Ines studied a variety of artistic professions throughout her school years before landing on what felt right to her: designing. "But after just a couple of years in the world of agencies," she says, "I discovered that my heart was much more attached to what I was doing outside of work hours and less to working with large brands and clients. That's why at one point I just had the courage to start my own business working full-time as an artist."

Discover more about how Ines is able to balance her diverse projects, how the feedback of customers influences her design decisions, and the way she communicates her personal brand.

Using creative variety as a motivator

"The variety in my everyday life keeps me energized and creative," she says. "The most difficult thing for me is to be doing exactly the same thing over and over again. I enjoy changing between various tasks, working with various people, and achieving the same objectives. My job feels like a hobby."

"But naturally, it's often challenging," she acknowledges, "especially when there is a pandemic or when deadlines of different parties are brought together. It can be extremely overwhelming and can be way too much. Here it is for me to figure out the right balance."

"In the end, however it is the self-realization that is always the dominant factor," Ines adds. "Sometimes you're still amazed that I could call the way I do as a job. But for me it's not just a job--it's a passion."