Meet Alexandra Husmann | fine line, abstract, freehand tattoo artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandra Husmann and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I actually resisted pursuing a creative career for the longest time. I really bought into the narrative that once you become an adult, it’s time to get a big kid job – a job that pays well, a job with benefits, a job with stability, etc etc. In fact, I bought into this narrative so much that for the longest time, I completely neglected and forgot about my creative side all together. When I discovered tattooing, it’s like my creative side was reawakened. She had a reason to come out, she had a reason to play again. And that has been such a gift. I didn’t realize how big a void I was creating by suppressing my creative side and once I started filling it again, there was no going back. So why am I now pursuing a creative career? Because I already tried not pursuing one, and that’s no longer an option for me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I specialize in fine line, abstract, and freehand tattooing. I grew up spending a lot of time in the outdoors (hiking, backpacking, camping, etc.) and went to UC Santa Cruz where I studied philosophy and math. So you’ll see a lot of nature, math, and philosophical influences in my designs. I love working more in the abstract as I feel that our experiences and our feelings and our connections to the people and world around us as well as to ourselves can be difficult to capture more explicitly. Plus, the freedom of interpretation that abstract designs offer is something that I really love. “What’s the meaning behind this design you drew?” someone might ask. To which I would reply, “It doesn’t matter. What does it mean to YOU?”

I feel as though my creative journey is still in its infancy and I think it will always feel like that. As is the magic of creativity and imagination. There is always more to discover. There is always more to be curious about. And I think the most important thing is learning to be open to that and to be brave enough to go for it. Because it’s scary. Life isn’t a walk in the park to begin with, but pursuing anything creative is extra difficult and challenging and terrifying. But if you love it enough, the only way to do it is to do it scared. And that’s what I have discovered. I resisted pursuing anything creative for a long time. I graduated college and got the big kid job – I was a middle school computer science teacher for a few years. And while I had such a wonderful experience, it wasn’t IT for me. I had really suppressed my creative side and when I finally woke it back up, there was such a huge world for me to dive into, the depths of which I am still uncovering. And I am so grateful to be able to share my art with others in such an intimate and meaningful way through tattooing.

I got really lucky when I found my mentor, Justine Almaraz. A heavily male dominated field, the traditional culture of tattooing is one that I would never have seen myself being a part of. But Justine’s tattoo apprenticeship offered a deep focus into the artistry and experience of tattooing (in addition to technique and proper hygiene practices, obviously) and opened my eyes to what tattooing could be. Tattooing is an incredibly intimate thing to be doing with and to another human. It requires a huge amount of trust, communication, and openness on both the client and artist end. When you get a tattoo, no matter where you go, you should feel confident that you’re going to walk away with a quality piece of work (hopefully). For me, what’s equally important as the work, is the client experience and relationship. My hope and goal is that you when you book a tattoo with me, at any point in the process (i.e. from the moment you submit that appointment request form all the way through the healing process and beyond), you will feel comfortable to share any and all questions, concerns, hopes, fears, etc with me. Have a crazy idea for a design? I want to hear it! Stencil not exactly where you want it? Let’s move it again! Nervous about needles? We’ll move slow and I’ll talk you through it. New tattoo starting to itch and peel? Shoot me a picture! (This is a normal part of the healing process, btw.) My favorite thing is working with clients. I love hearing why you chose a specific flash design of mine. I love collaborating with you on custom and freehand tattoos. I love discussing the designs and all the different meanings you find in them. I love answering your questions. And I love when our time together and your new tattoo fills your cup, even the tiniest amount. I can’t wait to hear your ideas. I can’t wait to work with you. And I can’t wait to create something meaningful together.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh gosh, where do I begin?? I’m an LA native so I could probably write an entire essay full of different LA itineraries… but I’ll try to be *somewhat* brief. For food (I’m vegan so these are are all vegan or vegan-friendly places), I’d highly recommend Maciel’s and Kitchen Mouse in Highland Park, Din Tai Fung (an LA staple with multiple locations and great vegan options), Crossroads, and Gracias Madre. For things to do, my favorite museums are the Getty, the Getty Villa, the Broad, and the Academy museum. I also absolutely love Descanso Gardens and the Huntington Gardens. The Angeles Forest offers some amazing hikes and views of the city. And Zuma beach is fantastic – less touristy and farther north so it gives you a reason to enjoy the scenic drive along the PCH.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A huge shoutout to Justine Almaraz, founder of Earth Altar Tattoo Collective. She was really the first person in my life to fully encourage my creative and artistic interests. Not only that, she also made me see that it is possible to pursue and have a successful creative career. She has been the most supportive mentor and I would not be here without her.

Website: https://alexandrahusmann.com

Instagram: @alexhtattoos

Image Credits
Beth Hawkes