Nikki Hall

What inspired your most recent tattoo?

My most recent tattoo was done by my nonverbal teen daughter. She’s always been fascinated by the process, and I wanted to give her the opportunity to try it for herself. She chose a plague doctor—something totally unexpected but fitting, because she’s a quirky, curious soul just like her mom. Watching her expression while tattooing me was pure magic. It was about bonding, breaking norms, and giving her a sense of agency and creativity that traditional schooling never offered h

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

“I’m not just art—I’m legacy, love, and learning. I hold stories from family, friends, and my daughter, each marking their beginning while celebrating mine. I’m a living canvas of connection, courage, and curiosity.”

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would take my daughter around the world to give her real-life lessons that no classroom could teach. With her disability, traditional schooling never clicked, but the world has so much to offer her in experiences and perspectives. I’d also invest in better tattoo equipment and education to keep improving my craft—and to keep creating a space where my daughter and others can express themselves freely and meaningfully.