Meet Anna Williams | tattoo artist and illustrator

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

Hi Anna, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
I am extremely routine driven, and have found that having a weekly schedule sets me up for success. I like thinking about art-making and creativity as a job. I wake up in the morning and go to work. I think setting up habits like a morning routine and sleep schedule are super helpful. Reframing my art practice as what I do for a living, and having set hours that I work has been majorly helpful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What excites me most is the prospect of continuing doing what I’m doing and growing and meeting new people and artists. What sets me apart from others is less about me and more about the clients. I feel honored to know that there are hundreds of people who have chosen to live with my art on them permanently. I got to where I am today because of the help and support of friends, mentors, professors and family. I have had a wonderful experience in the tattoo world thus far, and feel incredibly lucky to be able to say that as I know that is not true for many tattooers. I think one of the best lessons I’ve learnt has been to never stop asking questions. I will never know everything about tattooing, and becoming an expert in something doesn’t mean you stop learning about it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friend was here last weekend so this is all fresh in my mind. Unfortunately in LA you really need a car so all of my recommendations are car-oriented. Number one, fly into Burbank Airport I will pick you up but I’m not schlepping to LAX. We have a picnic in the Silver Lake meadow and do some people watching and then walk around Echo Park and I show you Angelino Heights and point out the house from Charmed, a show you didn’t watch. We have dinner at Osen Izakaya. We go shopping at the Crossroads in Silver Lake the one opposite the Gelson’s not the one on Sunset. We see a $10 movie at the Highland Theater and we go to the beach weather permitting, but also you’re just thrilled to be warm in February so it doesn’t really matter if its sunny. On Saturday we are going to the Los Feliz Flea and you’re buying all of my friend Eva’s amazing vintage from her shop Cartouche Clothing (@cartouche.clothing). We might go to In-N-Out. It feels obligatory. I drop you at your terminal.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I really believe that no one is self-made. Any success I have had is because of the incredible people who I have worked with and who taught me. I want to dedicate this shoutout to my mentor, Angie (@curly.medusa). She is a remarkable artist, creative, witch, and friend. I met her when I was a Junior in college, and we instantly connected. She taught me how to tattoo after I graduated, and launched me into the world of tattooing. She is gracious, and talented and I can’t sing her praises highly enough. There’s no question I wouldn’t be where I am without her. Another person that deserves some credit is my best friend Saskia (@saskiadbn). We met when we were 16, and a decade later our friendship is one of the most valuable relationships in my life. She was one of my first clients, and instantly trusted me. When we were in college and I was doing weird street art she supported me and collected my work. She’s an insanely talented producer and photographer and constantly inspires me.

Website: http://www.annadwilliams.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annadwilliams/