Nicole Zummo shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Nicole, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Currently, I am most proud of organizing every aspect of my life. Growing up I never understood why I was so easily distracted and it took so much time to get myself to do the most basic of tasks. Getting diagnosed at age 27 with attention deficit was life altering. Now I can understand the way my brain works and have been creating new habits to help myself move forward in a way that works for me. I am building the foundation for my personal life so my business and passions can be even more successful.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! My name Nicole Zummo, and I’m a professional tattoo artist based on Long Island, New York. It’s hard to really say when my creative journey started. It’s always just been apart of who I am. From a young age I was always experimenting with different mediums like drawing, painting, wood burning, calligraphy, and fluid art to name a few. I never really had a direction for what I wanted to do with my life (it seemed everyone had it figured out) but all I could ever think is I wanted to be an artist. Eventually, I began a four-and-a-half year apprenticeship at 19, and I’ve dedicated my life to the art of Tattooing ever since.
In 2022, I opened my own private studio in Hauppauge, which has become my sanctuary. I truly enjoy working in a shop setting but having my private studio to retreat to and work with clients has become something very sacred. I love that I can give my clients a one on one appointment in a safe and relaxing environment. Most of the time I am working in NY but I also love traveling to do guest spots. I’ve done conventions / guest spots in Puerto Rico, Texas, California and Florida. I most frequently visit Saint Augustine, Florida, and San Diego, California for guest spots.
I’m now in my eighth year as a Professional Tattoo Artist, and over time I’ve really developed a signature style in black and grey illustrative that blends fine detail with inspiration from botanicals, sea life, and antique design elements. What makes my work unique is the way I approach each tattoo as both art and personal storytelling. To consult with a client and be able to pull ideas out of their brain to make a tattoo that is so special and unique to them… is by far one of my favorite pieces of what I do. I believe tattooing is ultimately about connection and honoring my client’s ideas while adding my own thoughtful artistry to bring them to life. Right now, I’m focused on continuing to refine my style and expand my creative reach, so that every piece I create feels timeless, meaningful, and special.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Dana. I met Dana Fischer when I was 15 getting my ear pierced. Again when I was 17 and watching her tattoo a friend. I was a shy little awkward thing, I mean most teens are. I remember that day when I was in her shop for a second time, I was watching her draw up his design ( it was a penguin playing hockey ) and above her drawing desk was all the Board of Health papers every tattoo shop is required to hang up. One of them was apprenticeship guidelines. I remember nervously saying ” I love learning new forms of art, would you ever consider taking on an apprentice?” and her responding ” No I don’t do that” and I left it alone. One year later I got a call that she wanted to speak with me, so I went in and that day my life changed forever. She told me she was ready to teach me now and I started the next day. Dropped out of college and was at the tattoo shop morning to night. Dana taught me so much more than just tattooing. From trying new foods ( all the time because she knew I ate the same damn thing every day ) to breaking me out of my little shy shell, to giving me the courage to travel and the boldness to find who I am. She really changed my life and awoken parts of me I never knew could exist. Years later I asked her why she took me on as an apprentice, especially since she never saw any of my artwork before I began. She told me she saw herself in me. I really am forever going to be grateful for the friendship and knowledge she has gifted me. I truly do know she saw me to my core and helped me grow into the version of myself I see today.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Everyone finds their place in the world. Just because you were always the odd one out isn’t a bad thing. It’s brave and authentic to be different. To be weird. Standing out is a good thing and remaining true to your core is important. Also – yea you were right you became an artist and you freakin love your job.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
Tattooing is an energy exchange. To be able to physically alter skin with everlasting art is not something I take lightly. Every time I make a tattoo, I’m holding space for a clients story, their healing, their self expression, and at the same time, I’m channeling my own creative energy into that piece. That mutual exchange shapes not only the tattoo but the entire experience. At my core, it truly is my unspoken values to make sure each client knows they are seen and listened to. It’s why I see tattooing as more than a service or a job. it’s a sacred collaboration that connects people in a way that lasts forever.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
From a young age I was always reminded I would be the first Zummo to graduate college. Unfortunately.. I did not succeed doing that one. I did go to college but it never felt right. I never even picked a major, just coasted by for about 2 years not really knowing what to do. The thing is, unless I am wildly interested in the subject, I cannot sit down and read to teach myself in the way colleges make you. But if you show me something with your hands rather, like a painting technique, or a specific motion to move your hand while tattooing for example, I will never forget it. My boyfriend always tells me I have a photographic memory and in ways I definitely do. I believe it’s why I was able to learn the art of tattooing fairly quickly. Tattooing is the only path that has ever made sense for me, so I am definitely doing what I was born to do. Every day I am grateful for that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nicolezummo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluidnix/
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