The Business of Art - Artist Tammy Derwick makes a living by sharing the merlove

Gypsea Mermaid

Gypsea Mermaid is a journey for Vintage Found Object Treasures! Perfect place to display treasures on a 1971 Cuddy Cruiser Boat!

Tammy Derwick, Entrepre-mer

Tammy (left) & her mer-model Mermaid Prints, Cutting Boards, Flasks, Coasters, Mermaid Scales Jewelry, Stickers, License Plates, Bags, Aprons, Ladies Shirts Tammy does it all!

Tammy's traveling Be the Myth shop

She created the Be the Myth Mermaid Facebook group that is now more than 750 mermates strong. She'll even turn you into a mermaid without your ever getting wet... by custom-drawing your face on one of her original mermaid illustrations.

Even Lady Gaga collects her stuff!

I grabbed a few moments of Tammy's time to find out what it's like making a living as a mermaid artist.

What first drew you to specializing in mermaid themed art?

Other mermaid enthusiasts! Figure drawing has certainly been one of my many passions, most likely because I am drawn to the appeal of the human figure. I have been an artist and designer for 20 years, and in the art community, I had multiple requests for mermaid art, so I obliged. After pencil drawing maybe half a dozen pieces, I found myself intrigued with the whole mermaid myth. They also happened to sell. All of them sold, ironically, during their very first showing. Naturally, I created more, and wanted to learn more.

For me, each mermaid takes on a life of their own. Mermaids possess an incredible versatility, intrigue, and challenge.

You have done an incredible job at making a career out of your passion. What sorts of lessons have you learned along the way as a business woman?

I have learned so much, undoubtedly more than I could ever express during this short interview! But one of the most important things I have learned has been to listen. Dealing with custom projects throughout my entire artistic career, it has been imperative to design exactly what someone wants. The only way to figure that out is to ask a few questions, then let them do the talking. Always treat people well. Be generous, share your ideas, be encouraging to others.

Your design was chosen as the poster art for the famous Coney Island Mermaid Parade. What did that do for your career and what was that experience like?

My first thought when recalling that experience was the joy I felt by being given such an honor. The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is an icon, and to be recognized by the ultimate authority of all things mermaid was of course way beyond encouraging!