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Nationally Inked: Local tattoo artist given national recognition

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Krista was awarded “Most Unique Tattoo” during a recent National Tattoo Association convention in Concord, N.C.
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Fort Myers Beach Tattoo apprentice Stephanie Baumberger displays her colorful tattoo created by Krista Kerr, owner of the shop.

While attending the National Tattoo Association’s annual convention in Concord, N.C. (one of the largest international tattoo conventions in the world), local girl Krista Kerr, new owner and longtime artist of Fort Myers Beach Tattoo (1901 Estero Blvd.) was awarded “Most Unique Tattoo” for her work done on Stephanie Baumberger, an apprentice at the shop.

Krista’s artwork on Stephanie displays a beautiful set of angel wings that have been “patched up,” “stitched together,” held on with whimsical “buttons.”

“Stephanie’s a very artistic young lady and she’s pretty specific about things she wants,” Krista said. “She brought in a rough sketch and we took it from there.”

All in all, Krista, a nearly 14-year tattoo artist, said the piece took about three to four months to complete, from original design concept sketches to the final inking.

About the tattoo shop

Fort Myers Beach Tattoo was the first tattoo shop on the beach, opened in 1991 by master tattoo artist Bill Hannong. Krista began her career as an apprentice for Bill about 13.5 years ago. She has since become the owner of the business about a year ago.

The shop specializes in tattoos of all kinds. If you’re not sure what you want, bring in your ideas and Krista and her staff of three artists and one apprentice will whip up a customized masterpiece for your skin.

For more information on the shop, call 463-7273.