Community Outreach: Kapten Hanna

Being a city covered in tattoos, San Francisco plays host to more than a few formidable tattoo artists. Perhaps one of the most talented, and definitely the most photogenic, is Kapten Hanna. Originally from Sweden, those eager to go under the needle are lucky she now calls SF home. Hanna was kind enough to pose for a Polaroid and answer our questions.

Q: How long have you been tattooing?
A: In 2004 I started a traditional tattoo apprenticeship under Marcus Kuhn in Portland ME. I worked with him for five and a half years before the shop closed. I then co-founded Squid & Whale Tattoo in Portland ME with my dear friend Cyndi Lou and stayed there until my move to SF two years ago.

Q: What’s the best part about working in the Lower Haight?
A: The neighborhood feel. There’s not a lot of solid close-knit neighborhoods anymore, but Lower Haight is a family, we all know each other. Also, the location is gold. It’s the geographical center of San Francisco so you’re close to practically everything. It’s just busy enough, without being hectic.

Q: What inspires you?
A: Right now, California. I travel a lot, and since I moved here its been mainly road trips and camping around the state. I’m an outdoors nerd through and through, and the wilderness of California is a huge source of inspiration for me. Also, my coworkers. I am so fortunate to be working with such an amazing group of talented artists. They all work so hard, and we truly are a family, and they push me to be a better artist every day.

Kapten Hanna can be found tattooing at Idle Hand in the Lower Haight. Check out Hanna’s blog and follow her on Instagram (kaptenhanna) to keep up with her latest work.