Meet Krista Drummond

Today we’d like to introduce you to Krista Drummond. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As a child I grew up in rural Sugar Grove, OH. The lush landscape surrounding me inspired much of the art I created. I would paint florals and animals on slate, draw on wood panels and paper- putting art on every medium I could get my hands on. I was very drawn to the colorful and vibrant. I was also inspired by Saturday morning cartoons, Disney classics and the artistry of Don Bluth. Fascinated with the animation, watercolor backgrounds, and all of the tiny details; I was utterly enthralled with art. I even recreated my favorite characters on paper or through Microsoft paint.

When I was sixteen I transferred to Lancaster City High School.

I wanted to expand my education and pursue more opportunities as a young artist. I spent time developing my portfolio junior and senior year thanks to my art teacher Cathy Carpenter. I happily left for CCAD to pursue Fine Arts in the fall of 2007.

After two years of creating art on a rigorous schedule at CCAD I decided I needed a break and transferred to OSU. There I pursued creative writing and fell in love with poetry. Drawing and painting slowly became a hobby, as poetry took most of my creative energy and was at the forefront of my studies.

It wasn’t until after earning my MFA in creative writing poetry at Sarah Lawrence College in 2015 that I rekindled my love for fine arts. I returned home to Ohio, unable to find work in editing & publishing, but found my greatest love yet- tattooing.

I was offered an apprenticeship in late 2015/ early 2016. I learned the basic skills of tattooing at that time.

It wasn’t until January of 2020 when I opened my own tattoo studio and art gallery in downtown Lancaster with my fiancé that I really blossomed as an artist. It’s called MermGoddess Tattoo studio & Gallery. I’m the only tattooer but I host guest spots for other tattooers. The entire front of the space is dedicated to a gallery featuring incredibly talented local artists.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Tattooing has been challenging for many reasons. It’s taken me years to find my style. I first fell in love with the style of colorful/ cartoon tattoos but have sense taught myself how to do more illustrative work in the style of pepper shading.

The physical and mental aspect of tattooing is quite demanding. Thankfully the art skills I’ve developed over the years have led me to being a better tattoo artist.

Another obstacle has been finding community and developing friendships  in the industry. I always had a sense of camaraderie in poetry workshops or service industry jobs I had when I was younger. As an adult and in a creative field I craved it even more. Tattoo shops can very isolating. I think traditionally tattooers viewed other tattoo artists as competition instead of members of their community; People to collaborate with instead of turning their back to. I worked at a shop in Chicago part time in 2017-2018 and they showed me how welcoming the tattoo industry can be. My friend Ben was a great mentor to me there and made the industry feel less cut throat. The wonderful thing is there are plenty of people who want tattoos and plenty of tattooers who do different work.

I think another major component, other than being formally trained in drawing, color theory/design, is being able to communicate with people. It’s my number one priority that people feel comfortable and safe with me and in my studio. It’s a bonus they feel more confident after being tattooed! I’ve heard so many horror stories from clients who weren’t valued or listened to while being tattooed. I think it’s very important in this industry to be respectful and kind and listen to your clientele.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My tattoo style is primarily done in blackwork. I use pepper shading, high contrast and lots of detail to define my art. I do colorful work (primarily to recreate cartoons) only sometimes but do enjoy it. My inner child enjoys the colorful, whereas the poet in me is drawn to the darker and moodier elements of art. I focus on themes such as: floral and fauna, folklore and fairytale, nature and her details.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The industry is always changing in tattooing thanks to technology. Inspiration can be found anywhere on social media. It’s also the reason so many tattooers, including myself have been able to grow a successful business.

I think there will continue to be a rise in the number of tattoo artists- many art students now have a chance to learn this art form and to possibly have a bountiful career thanks to tattooing.

Tattoos are more socially accepted than ever and the number of people getting tattooed continues to grow. I think it’s a better time than ever to be a tattooer.

Something I’m excited about over the next few years is the growth of MGT’s gallery. The gallery features local artists. It’s been incredible to see the response to a gallery in historic downtown Lancaster. People want to spend money on tattoos and the same clientele wants to spend money on fine arts. Some of the profits from sales go to a scholarship fund to a local Lancaster High School senior. The senior must be attending college for fine arts to be awarded the scholarship. This past year we had two gallery shows and raised $1400 for said senior.

My fiancé Jason Fisher and I thought that would be a good way to give back. We’ve been so lucky to have each other and the support of loved ones.

Pricing:

• $150 per hour

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mermtattoo.com
• Instagram: Merm_tattoo

Image Credits
Theory Image