From Tattoos to NFT Art with Ichi Hatano
Description
When Covid closed his bustling Tokyo studio, Ichi Hatano turned to his ink wash paintings and digital art to stay inspired.
From crowdfunding a sumi dragon book to renovating a countryside house and launching NFT art, he reinvented his creative practice.

‘Challenging yourself is very important’ – discover how Ichi reinvented his art across mediums.
Episode summary
Ichi Hatano
Ichi Hatano is a Tokyo-based tattoo artist and Suiboku-ga painter whose work honours centuries-old Japanese traditions. When the pandemic emptied his studio, he published a Kickstarter-funded dragon painting book, restored a rural house via YouTube, and exhibited his digital art at CrypTOKYO, Japan’s first in-person NFT show.
Big ideas in this conversation
- Embrace disruption – unexpected challenges can lead to new creative paths.
- Blend old and new – update traditional forms with modern technology.
- Diversify projects – pursue multiple ventures to sustain momentum.
Advice worth hearing in full
- Trial and error is vital – experiment boldly with new mediums to keep your practice alive.

Where next?
Explore Ichi’s sumi ink paintings, digital art and his crowdfunded book at ichihatano.com, and follow his studio on Instagram at @ichi_hatano.
About The 21st Century Creative podcast
Hosted by creative coach and award-winning poet Mark McGuinness, The 21st Century Creative podcast helps you succeed as a creative professional amid the demands, distractions and opportunities of the 21st century.
Each episode features insights from Mark and interviews with outstanding creators – including artists, writers, performers, commercial creatives, directors, producers, entrepreneurs and other creative thought-leaders.
Make sure you receive every episode by subscribing in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.
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The post From Tattoos to NFT Art with Ichi Hatano appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness.





