Today we’d like to introduce you to Marianne Fredericks.
Hi Marianne, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story started with getting tattooed pretty young and being very into the local music scene growing up. I’ve always been surrounded by people with tattoos and inspired me to want to learn the trade since I’ve always been an artist. I’ve been drawing portraits, painting acrylic- recently developing a love for oils as well. It was a difficult journey to learn and break into the tattoo industry, I’m not going to lie. Being a young woman in a male-dominated industry isn’t always the easiest route to take, but I stuck it out and persevered. I had my mindset on what I wanted to do and worked hard until it happened.
Being in the industry professionally now for seven years, I’ve learned so much about art, the tattoo world, and most importantly how tattoos make people feel. There’s such a great sense of accomplishment and pride when your client looks at the tattoo in the mirror and smiles so brightly, and expressing how happy they are after the tattoo you did.
It can be just as simple as them appreciating the art, to having a design being personal and meaning something very important to them.
Tattoos in itself have been around for thousands of years, being an avid history fan, I love to research old tattoos all the way from predynastic Egypt/ Otzi the iceman to more recently: the boom of tattooing in the 1900’s. Most people know of American traditional tattoo history, but it goes so much farther than that. We (as humans) have appreciated tattooing and the art form across the world, in so many cultures, for much longer than most may realize. I’m happy it’s becoming such an accepted and normal part of society now. I have clients who come from all walks of life: with their grandchildren, nurses/doctors, moms, dads, newly 18-year-olds, you name it. It’s always something different and a new story to hear with every client… I actually think it’s harder to spot someone without tattoos now!
Secondly, I’m a woman of many hobbies. So another thing people might associate me with is cosplaying! I’m sure if you’ve been to any comic convention, you might’ve seen cosplayers inside or out, dressed as beloved characters from comics, movies, video games, anime, etc.. I’ve been attending San Diego comic con since 2007. Growing up, I’ve always dressed up (even to elementary school in a Harry Potter wizarding cloak- when it wasn’t cool to do, lol) but in 2013, I consider it my first year of being a cosplayer. I built my costume completely from scratch. Since then, I’ve been given opportunities to go to different conventions in different countries and meet like-minded fans of comics and video games. I love attending conventions outside of the USA as well, to travel and experience culture, food, history, and like I’ve just mentioned- meeting friendly faces from afar. I’ve met some of the sweetest people through my travels as a cosplayer and am appreciative of everyone who supports me in cosplay/ my photoshoots as well as my art. ❤️
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve noticed one of my more popular cosplays have been Cammy, from Street Fighter-as well as Harley Quinn! I think both of them are such fun characters to portray and be.
For my art, I mainly love to do black and grey realism in tattooing. I’ve really been loving micro tattoos as well that are full of detail in a tiny space. When I do art for myself, it has been a lot of black and white portrait drawings and color oil painting.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy? Food. Haha, but really a huge enjoyment in life is eating good food, am I right?! That goes hand in hand with traveling, experiencing other cultures and their history. Any chance I get to travel, I want to try new local foods and learn about the history/ visit archaeological sites and museums. Creating obviously makes me really happy as well… from photoshoots to cosplays, drawings, tattoos, paintings, etc… being crafty and always making something with my hands is a part of who I am.
Contact Info:
- Email: mariannefredericks@yahoo.com
- Instagram: Personal/main account: mariannefredericks Art/tattoo account: maritattoos
- Facebook: Cosplay: https://www.facebook.com/mariannefredericks/
Art: https://www.facebook.com/maritattoos - Twitter: https://twitter.com/maritattoos?lang=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClRkyLm7HmUFd2qe0EoqC9g
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariannefredericks?
Image Credits:
Cesar, Wendy W. Smith
