Sometimes the most interesting tattoo careers don’t follow a traditional path. Frederik Heil didn’t grow up sketching flash sheets or apprenticing under a veteran artist. He started on his couch in 2019, taught himself to tattoo, and within a few years carved out a distinctive niche in the industry: palm tattoos.

Now based in Hamburg, where he recently opened his own studio, Dream Machine Tattoos, Frederik has built a growing international following and a reputation for clean, lasting palm work. As a Tattoodo partner, he runs his entire process through the platform, from first request to final payment.

We sat down with Frederik to learn more about his journey, what drew him to palms, and what keeps him motivated.

Where did your passion for tattooing begin? Was there a particular moment you knew this was what you wanted to do?

I was working as a carpenter, then moved into sales. I’ve always been interested in machines and technical processes. At one point I was even building my own tattoo machines, experimenting with different setups and materials.

In 2019, I decided to quit my job and fully commit to teaching myself tattooing. I started on my couch. After about a year, I got the opportunity to work in a studio in Germany where experienced artists helped me refine my fundamentals — especially in neotraditional and bold black work. That’s where things really started to come together.

Can you talk about your style and how it developed over time? What drew you to palm tattoos specifically?

In the beginning, I explored a lot — neotraditional, blackwork, ornamental pieces, sleeves, larger compositions. I was trying to understand where I fit creatively.

In November 2022, a friend asked me to tattoo his palm. It was my first time doing it, and the result healed better than expected. That experience stuck with me.

What I really connected with was the nature of the process. Palm tattoos are usually completed in a single session. There’s something very satisfying about finishing a piece in one go and seeing the result immediately. Over time, I also realized I had a good understanding of how to make them last, which is one of the main challenges with this placement. That’s when I decided to focus more on it.

You’ve built a strong following over the past few years. What do you think contributed to that growth?

Consistency and clarity. Since I started focusing on palm tattoos in 2022, I committed to it fully — both in my work and in how I share it. When you find something specific and put your energy into it over time, people start to recognize it.

You’ve built a very structured booking process. How does that work in practice?

It’s very streamlined. When someone reaches out, they receive an automatic reply with the most important information — pricing, process, expectations. If they’re interested, I send an appointment request where they can submit their details and secure the booking with a deposit. After that, we go into the design.

The whole system is simple and efficient, which is important for me. Over time, I’ve learned that having clear structures and reliable tools makes a big difference in day-to-day work.

What’s been the biggest change in how you work since using Tattoodo?

Everything is in one place — scheduling, communication, payments. It allows me to stay organized without switching between different tools. The process feels clear and easy, both for me and for my clients.

Many artists have a philosophy about their work or why they create. Do you have one?

For me, it’s about balance. I want to grow as a person as much as I grow in my work. I spend a lot of time focusing on my mental health and personal development, and I want my work to support that, not take over everything.

Looking ahead, I’d like to build a life where I have more freedom — financially and creatively. Maybe that includes other projects or businesses, maybe even something completely different. I’m vegan, I care about animals, and I can see myself creating a lifestyle that reflects that more strongly over time.

Tattooing is something I enjoy deeply, and the goal is to keep it that way.

What are your favourite parts about the tattoo industry and how do you feel about its future?

The freedom it offers. If you find your direction and stay consistent, you can build something meaningful. Going from tattooing at home to opening my own studio in a few years has been a big step for me.

At the same time, I think it’s becoming more important to approach it professionally — with clear communication, good systems, and a strong sense of direction. The industry is evolving, and the artists who adapt to that will continue to grow.

Do you have any projects, events or plans coming up that you’d like to share?

I recently opened Dream Machine Tattoos in Hamburg, which is a big milestone for me. It’s a vegan studio, which is something I care about a lot. I’m also planning to host guest artists and continue building the space.

You can see more examples of Frederik’s work and book your next tattoo appointment with him here.