Marianne Drost on Crafting Masterpieces Through Realistic Tattoo Art

Marianne Drost is one of the most inspiring tattoo artists of our time, renowned for her mastery in black-and-gray realism. Her journey in tattooing began with a passion for drawing, and today she is the recipient of numerous awards, recognized by leading international tattoo brands, and a jury member at major conventions. In this interview, Marianne shares her views on art, talks about her sources of inspiration, the challenges of the profession, and her philosophy when working with clients.

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Can you tell us about your journey into tattooing and what inspired you to specialize in black-and-gray realism?

- I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember, and I considered a few different creative professions — such as a CG artist — before realizing my calling as a tattoo artist. I tried out different styles in the beginning of my career, but quickly learned that black and grey realism was where I felt challenged and passionate.

You blend realism and graphic elements beautifully in your work. How would you describe your artistic style, and what techniques do you find most effective in achieving your desired results?

- Thank you. I’d definitely categorize it as hyper realism - the graphical elements that sometimes appear in my pieces, well, let’s just call that a bit of extra magic. Technique is always hard to talk about without a hands-on approach, but I’m definitely in love with softness and smoothness, plus light in all its forms, such as backlit faces and subsurface scattering.

Are there specific artists or styles that have influenced your work? How do you incorporate those influences into your tattoos?

- There have been a lot throughout the years, and it’s ever-evolving. Sometimes it’s about elements in a design, and sometimes it’s about technique and result.

Can you share a memorable project or tattoo you’ve completed that stands out in your career? What made it special?

- Definitely the first Harry Potter piece I made. It went viral and put me on the map, which was the start for a lot of international clients flying across the globe, to get work done by me.

What challenges do you face when working on detailed realistic tattoos, and how do you overcome them?

- Hmm, nowadays they’re honestly very few; if there are any, it could be things like the client’s skin being a bit tougher to work with or a placement that causes me to get fatigued in my shoulders or back, but it’s never a hindrance.

How do you ensure that your tattoos maintain their quality and detail over time?

- Many years of practice, having faith in your gut feeling and explaining in detail how the client should take care of the tattoo afterwards.

What role does light and shading play in your work, and how do you achieve that depth in your tattoos? Do you have a background in art?

- It’s so important to understand light, shape, etc., when creating designs and executing them as tattoos. There are a lot of "rules" I abide by when it comes to achieving things like a well-balanced and easily readable tattoo. I don’t have a background in art, it’s just always been second nature for me; instincts and eagerness to find and learn new information.

Can you talk about any particular themes or subjects you enjoy exploring in your work?

- I’m definitely a sucker for all things "nerdy" as I’m quite the nerd myself and therefore love diving into those universes when creating a "story" for the piece.

How do you balance your artistic vision with the preferences of your clients?

- I’m blessed that my clients have so much trust in me and my skills that it’s never a problem to merge those two. That’s one of the main reasons why I have many returning clients and new ones who travel to get work done by me.

How has your style evolved since you first started tattooing, and what do you think has contributed to that evolution?

- I believe my style has and still evolves alongside me as a person. Both technique and taste preference in designs. Places I’ve worked, guest spots, observing nature, friends in the industry — and the list could go on.

Where do you work now?

- I opened my own little magical studio - in Aarhus, Denmark.

Your awards at HCA Ink 2024 for both best small tattoo and best realistic tattoo categories are impressive. How does it feel to be recognized at Denmark's largest tattoo convention among 150 elite artists?

- Winning these awards at HCA Ink 2024 was particularly meaningful because of the caliber of competition and judges involved. Having my work evaluated by industry legends like Michelle Vestergård Andersen, who holds 20 first-place international awards, and Dennis Akin Isac Hjarsø, a champion at prestigious events like 50 Shades of Ink Copenhagen, validates my artistic approach and technical execution. The convention's partnership with industry leaders like Cheyenne Professional Tattoo Equipment and InkFillers adds another layer of prestige to these achievements.

You've secured a sponsorship with Ink Defense Tattoo Care, winner of Best All-Natural Tattoo Skincare Brand 2023 at the Global Vegan Awards. How did this collaboration enhance your professional standing?

- This partnership represents a significant milestone. Ink Defense’s presence at high-profile events, including the 2022 Academy Awards pre-show events, and their recognition at the Global Vegan Awards position me alongside a brand that shares my commitment to quality and natural skincare.

Being selected for Bheppo's Pro Team puts you among artists with a combined social media following of over 8 million. What responsibilities come with this prestigious position?

- As a member of Bheppo's Pro Team, I represent a brand created by tattoo artists for tattoo artists since 2018. This Hamburg-based company's commitment to superior tattoo processes and equipment aligns perfectly with my professional standards. Being selected to be an ambassador for them is a testament to the trust Bheppo places in my expertise.

Your sponsorships align you with award-winning companies like Ink Defense and Bheppo. How do these partnerships reflect your professional values?

- These collaborations represent more than just brand endorsements. Ink Defense's commitment to natural, sustainable products, evidenced by their Global Vegan Awards recognition, mirrors my dedication to ethical practices in tattooing. Similarly, Bheppo's foundation by experienced tattoo artists ensures that I'm associated with products developed with real understanding of artists' needs. These partnerships reflect my commitment to using only the highest quality, ethically produced materials in my work.

You served as a jury member alongside renowned artists at Nordic Ink Festival in 2021, arguably one of the most prestigious conventions. The festival's collaboration with major sponsors like Onyx Tattoo Supply or Ritus Tattoo Supply, and has the presence of internationally acclaimed judges. How does this dual role reflect your position in the industry?

- Being selected as a jury member at Nordic Ink Festival in 2021 represents a significant milestone in my career, as it places me alongside distinguished artists. This unique position of being a judge at the best convention in the North makes this achievement particularly meaningful.

With your impressive accolades and partnerships shaping your career, what are your future aspirations within the tattoo industry?

- Looking ahead, I aim to leverage my recent successes to further develop my artistry and influence within the tattoo community. I plan to participate in more international conventions to showcase my work and collaborate with other esteemed artists. Additionally, I am interested in exploring mentorship opportunities to guide aspiring tattoo artists. My association with eco-conscious brands like Ink Defense inspires me to promote sustainable practices within the industry while continuing to push creative boundaries in my own work.

How do you stay motivated and inspired in your creative process, especially during challenging projects?

- I always have a visual in my head, before I even start working on the design. So even though I might not be able to find reference photographs for exactly what I want, I know how I want the end result to look — and therefore how I need to alter it to achieve my goals.

Can you discuss any upcoming projects or collaborations that you're excited about?

- There’re definitely a few nerdy projects cooking - entire sleeves and leg sleeves - that I can’t wait to be able to share.

Many successful tattoo artists share their experiences with young tattooists. Do you conduct workshops? If so, what level of artists are they for?

- I’m all for artists helping each other out - but so far chosen to focus on seminars. I’m still too much in love with the aspect of client relation and design creating, so that’s where I have put all of my focus.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career as a tattoo artist so far?

- Honestly just the fact that I’m so lucky to have such amazing clients that make sure I get to do what I love, every single day. Also; The deep talks I have with my clients and the trust they place in me, when sharing personal stories from their lives, while I tattoo them. This is both humbling and heartwarming.

How do you see your artistic journey progressing in the coming years, and what are your goals moving forward?

- I see a lot of very exciting things happening in 2025 - and I honestly can’t wait! But I’m keeping the details quite close to heart, until they’re 100% ready to be shared with the world. So, stay tuned!

What advice would you give to aspiring tattoo artists looking to develop their skills in realism?

- It depends on where they are in their career, but first and foremost; know light, shape, anatomy. Practice on paper before moving on to skin. And last but not least; trust your instincts - they were and still are crucial to me.