Hannah Tallman
Hannah Tallman has that sparkle in her eyes that only the youth possess.
That kind of excitement and wonder for the world that makes it feel so full of promise. And why the hell wouldn’t she? She skates and acts, draws, sews and moves through life as if it was a lemonade competition - squeezing the very best bits out of it. The kids want to be her, we want to be her and the world can’t seem to get enough of her. At the precipice of what is surely going to be an exciting skate career, Hannah already understands that to be good at skating, is to be good at being creative. To tap into the other parts of herself is both compelling and admirable at her age and we have a feeling she is only just getting started.
Who are you?
My name is Hannah Tallman.
What do you do?
I am a skateboarder and creative.
How long have you been doing that?
I’ve been skating for ten years now. I started when I was thirteen and I just turned twenty three.
Where is home for you?
Redondo Beach, California.
Photo Left: Ishod Wair
If you weren’t skating, what would you be doing?
I would be doing anything creative, such as sewing, painting, graphic design and acting would be cool too. Those are ways that I already express myself and are hobbies of mine.
What do you think about the current state of skating?
I think skating has grown so much, even since I started in 2014. It’s an Olympic sport now and women are getting a lot more coverage than they used to. Also the level of skating has increased so much. It is really cool to see. But at the same time it doesn’t really matter all that much to me. I skateboard because it’s fun. I am addicted to it. I couldn’t imagine my life without it and if it was the same as it was in 2014 when I started, I would still be doing it.
What do you do outside of skating and how does that thing influence or affect your craft?
I sew a lot and draw. I love challenging myself in different ways. Sewing has challenged me a lot and made me view what I wear and how I present myself a lot. It influences my skating, because when I think I look good, or like my outfit it makes me skate better. And when I watch skate videos all I pay attention to is style, both the way the person is dressed and how they skate.
The best/worst thing about the skate industry?
The best thing is how many amazing people I’ve met. Some of my closest friends I’ve met through skating. The worst thing is probably that so few skaters can actually maintain a sustainable life with skateboarding as a career. It’s hard to fully commit when it’s not paying the bills. I wish there was more funding like other athletes have. Especially because it’s so mainstream now.
Something you’re most proud of?
I am probably most proud of filming my first full part and getting on Nike. That really solidified that I can do this. Having such a huge company support me and believe in me is an awesome feeling.
Biggest lesson you’ve learned in life so far?
Treat everyone with kindness because you never know what they might be going through.
Something anyone can do today to make the world a better place?
Make someone smile.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome so far in your industry?
Just getting injured over and over throughout the years and having to work really hard to come back stronger and better every time. It’s really difficult mentally and physically.
What is something people might not know about you?
I grew up in South Africa and Colorado before coming back to California.
Who do you think is doing it the best/coolest in your industry right now?
Rassvet skateboards, the whole team is awesome and great people. One of the most creative and stylish companies. Clothing and skateboard designs are amazing.
“When I think I look good, or like my outfit it makes me skate better. And when I watch skate videos all I pay attention to is style, both the way the person is dressed and how they skate.”
What do you think the biggest issue young people are facing today?
I think socialising and having deep conversations in real life because this generation is always on their phones. It feels like all conversations are small talk. It’d be nice to dig deeper as a generation.
What is style to you?
The way you dress and how you hold yourself.
What are your favourite things to draw?
Little characters, mushrooms (that was the first thing I really started drawing) cities and landscapes, random things. Kind of whatever comes to my head.
What is a big goal you want to achieve?
I want to become a professional skateboarder and eventually have my own clothing line. Just to make cool stuff that people will wear and is functional.
Who do you look up to the most?
My friends, my girlfriend, the people closest to me doing amazing stuff in their lives. It’s insanely inspiring to me and makes me want to keep pushing myself to get to where I want to be in my life.