Meet Katy Hayward!
Katy is an artist and tattoo artist who specialises in detailed pencil drawings on paper and custom fine lined art for the body. Working from her art studio on the Tutukaka Coast, just east of Whangārei, Katy draws inspiration from her surroundings of ocean views, nature and native bird visitors (often spending a few extra minutes chatting to the birds and other creatures, looking form that special glint in their eyes). With the most delicate, intricate details, Katy’s illustrations and tattoo artworks bring people from far and wide, all with enough love for her art to have it indelibly etched into their skin.
Katy and her husband are passionate about conservation, enjoying the long winded journey of turning their block of land back into native bush in the hopes of bringing in new bird life and creating a more sustainable and welcoming future for their beloved daughter.
Keep reading to learn more about Katy and her creative journey, what inspires her art, working with Tikitibu, and see her stunning work in action!
Tell us about yourself & your creative journey!
My name is Katy and I am an artist / tattoo artist, working out of my beautiful studio space, based in the heart of the Tutukaka Coast, just east of Whangārei. I have been creating art since I was a young whipper snapper, starting with mud murals on the outside walls of my Dad and Mum’s four square shop in Ngunguru, Tutukaka! I began my tattoo journey just over 10 years ago; i have really loved amalgamating my drawing style with tattooing. I feel so lucky to be so inspired by all the different ideas that come through from people wanting a tattoo and I am immensely grateful for the trust I receive to permanently draw on people’s skin!
What was it that made you decide to start tattooing?
10 years ago I felt ready to tread up a new path and I had a strong gut instinct that tattooing was what I wanted to do. It was a little random, as I came from a conservative family where tattoo’s were not very ‘encouraged’, so naturally I always found tattoo studios quite intimidating. With this perspective in mind, I thought it would be fun to face my fears and give it a go, whilst potentially encouraging more people to face their own fears and get the tattoo!
Tell us what inspires your art?
My art is mainly nature inspired, focusing on the delicate and intricate details. The more I draw nature, the more I have been drawn to nature and the sense of peace it brings me and my little family. We really are so spoilt by all of our beautiful native and endemic flora and fauna species in Aotearoa / New Zealand, and it is so wonderful to be able to celebrate it through art!
Tell us about working with Tikitibu & your favourite product from your current collection?
I have been so blessed to take my art further by working with the incredible team at Tikitibu! It has been amazing, feeling the gentle guidance and encouragement from Anneliese, and I have really appreciated the excitement the team share with me for future plans and ideas! Right now I am loving all the ceramics we have created so far, with so much beautiful feedback from people all over.
Shop the complete Katy Hayward collection HERE!
