Johann Salzinger aka Hanzo: A Master of Neo-Japanese Tattoos
Hanzo aka Johann Salzinger, born on June 9, 1970, in Altötting, Germany, has taken a remarkable journey to become who he is today: a passionate and dedicated tattoo artist. His story is one of perseverance, dedication, and a deep love for art and craftsmanship.
From Amateur Soccer Player to Tattoo Artist
In his early years, Hanzo was an amateur soccer player in his hometown. His passion for sports has never faded; he remains a big fan of FC Bayern Munich and follows the NHL with enthusiasm. Before transitioning into the tattoo industry, he worked as a locksmith and chemical worker.
His love for drawing and painting began in childhood. As a kid, he was constantly creating art, but during his teenage years, his interests shifted elsewhere. It wasn’t until he turned 31 that he rediscovered his passion for drawing and painting, a moment that would change his life forever.
The Beginning of a Tattoo Career
While getting a tattoo himself, Hanzo realized that this was the path he wanted to follow. He started drawing again and eventually purchased a tattoo starter kit. His first works were small tribals on friends—many of whom remain close friends today.
However, the road to success was not easy. As a self-taught artist, he had to learn everything on his own, without a mentor to guide him. There were moments of doubt and frustration, but his strong will kept him moving forward.
A Unique Style: Neo-Japanese Tattoos
Hanzo describes his style as Japanese and neo-Japanese tattoos. He has a deep admiration for the Japanese tattoo tradition and draws inspiration from its rich symbolism and dynamic compositions.
His design process begins with a conversation with the client via email or Instagram. Once they have a plan, he creates the design using Procreate on his iPad and sends it to the client for approval. On tattoo day, he works with a stencil and further refines the design directly on the skin to ensure a perfect fit.
Technical Development and Mastery
One of Hanzo‘s biggest challenges was mastering linework. In the beginning, he struggled with creating clean lines, partly due to his machines and technique. After years of experimenting, he decided to switch from coil machines to rotary machines. This transition marked a turning point—his linework improved drastically, and he became increasingly satisfied with his technical skills. Now, he finds great joy in creating clean lines and smooth shading.
Art and Originality
For Hanzo, the interaction between the motif and the background is the most critical element in his designs. This balance brings dynamism and harmony to his work. He strongly believes in originality in the art world. While artists can and should be inspired by others, copying is not an option—one must develop their own unique style.
The Greatest Reward
What gives Hanzo the most satisfaction is his clients’ reactions. When a client is excited about his design and leaves the studio happy with a completed tattoo, that is the ultimate reward for him.
Johann Salzinger aka Hanzo is a tattoo artist who has turned his passion into a successful career. His journey from self-taught beginner to master of neo-Japanese tattoos is an inspiring story of perseverance and artistic dedication.
