4 minute read
Westerville-Raised Entrepreneurs Make Their Marks
Traveling a mile along State Street, between Main Street and Huber Village Road, you’ll spot a number of tattoo shops housing in-demand tattoo artists entrusted with adorning their clients with permanent, personal expressions. Almost bookending this row of artists are two born-andraised Westerville women who have been tattooing for a combined 54 years.
Naomi Fuller’s Thrill Vulture Tattooing, 39 E. College Ave., is touted as one of the Columbus Region’s oldest tattoo shops. December marked the business' 29th year in the historic heart of Westerville.
“At first it was kind of a joke I made about opening in Uptown, which was a very different place in 1995 than what it is now,” said Fuller. “One day my mom, who worked in Uptown, told me there was a place for rent and I should put my tattoo shop there, and the rest is history.”
Fuller describes Thrill Vulture as an old school, street-style tattoo shop.
“My shop is an inclusive place where everyone is welcomed and treated to the best of our ability and will leave with a quality tattoo,” said Fuller.
Thrill Vulture employs four artists, including Fuller.
“Every tattooer is different in how they tattoo," said Fuller. "Overall we enjoy traditional tattooing the most, but we enjoy doing a broad range of tattoo styles."
Fuller’s work has attracted clients from as far as Germany and Canada. She estimates her shop provides thousands of tattoos each year. Like any artist, she struggles to choose a favorite tattoo but recalls turning a client’s body into a tapestry of playful cartoon characters, florals and decorative elements.
“I have a lot of tattoos I’m proud of that can range from extensive work like that to a small rose or something ‘simple’ that just looks clean and nice,” said Fuller.
Further south, Atattooed Tattoo, 549 S. Otterbein Ave., is the brainchild of Nadine Morris-Kraft. She's been tattooing for 25 years; 18 in Westerville. Last year, she moved her shop from Uptown. Morris-Kraft says the new location allowed her to expand her offerings.
“Our new shop is much larger, so I created a blend your own perfume bar. That has been a big hit. There’s a large retail space full of New Moon Skin Care items and an extensive jewelry selection,” said Morris-Kraft.
She began her tattooing career in Montana. When it was time to return to Ohio, Morris-Kraft says the charm of her hometown called her back. Today she employs three artists including herself, an esthetician and a permanent/semi-permanent makeup artist.
“The vibe in our shop, I guess, could be described as laid back, family-friendly and fun,” said Morris-Kraft. “All of us are open and nonjudgmental; we really try to listen to our clients. We’re all quite creative so we can offer guidance and help clients through the process of the design and on to their actual tattoo appointment. Atattooed is definitely a safe space for everyone.”
Attattooed’s artists have their preferred styles but are comfortable working with any genre of work. For her part, Morris-Kraft enjoys realistic dog portraits. A glance at her portfolio reveals a penchant for coverups as well. When asked about a favorite piece, she’s understandably torn.
“I quite like an autumn lady I did this summer. I’m working on a Japanese dragon back piece that is going nicely, but trying to choose a favorite is like choosing a favorite child,” said Morris-Kraft.
Like Fuller, Morris-Kraft’s reputation proceeds her. In September 2024, a client came from the Netherlands.
Westerville is home to six full-service tattoo shops with style specialties as diverse as the artists.
Atattooed Tattoo 549 S. Otterbein Ave.
Cosmetic Ink Studios 14 W. College Ave.
Cultivate Cosmetic Tattoo Studio 585 Office Parkway Suite B
Mammoth Tattoo Studio 787 S. State St., Unit B
Thrill Vulture 39 E. College Ave.
White Raven 14 N. State Street, Suite 2
The studios named above are located within Westerville city limits and are noted for their focus on tattoo body art. Ink types, application techniques and design styles may vary by studio. Westerville is also home to studios specializing in permanent and semi-permanent makeup using tattooing methods. Some spas and beauty salons also employ cosmetic tattoo artists.
Common Tattoo Styles
American Traditional/Old SchoolNeo TraditionalNew SchoolBlack and GreyRealismJapaneseTribalScript/LetteringWatercolorGeometric
