Kirsty McCready

Kirsty has been a part of the studio since its inception in 2003. As the studio has diversified so has Kirsty’s role within the studio. The Yard first opened when Kirsty was in matric, during which time she assisted in the shop over weekends and public holidays, and helped Mel behind the scenes with events and gallery show concepts.

Kirsty has always had a love for all forms of creativity. She found sanctuary in art, poetry, writing and music from a very young age. Growing up, Kirsty would be seen “doodling” or writing , and listening to music at every chance she had. After matriculating, and the loss of a friend to suicide, Kirsty’s focus turned to her studies and her passion for music. Whilst she studied towards a degree in psychology and criminology, Kirsty realized she wanted to help people and make a difference. Unfortunately , A car accident put an end to Kirsty’s studies, and she returned to working in the shop.

In 2011 Kirsty trained under the guidance of Durban's renowned tattoo artist, Dave Edwards (from Body art) and piercing artist Renette Edwards (From Body art).

In 2013 Patrick Aquinas Rutter (Needle Damage-Cape Town) and Clinton Naidoo (Primal Culture -Cape Town) furthered Kirsty’s understanding of the art that is tattooing and piercing

Mixing her love for art and a passion for helping people, Kirsty is known for a more holistic approach to tattooing and interacting with her clients. For this reason she offers continued encouragement for tattoos supporting causes such as the semicolon project (suicide and mental health awareness), Autism awareness and “TELL” (organ donor)Tattoos to name a few.

Kirsty enjoys tattooing many different styles: especially delicate fine line work, black and grey, watercolour, anime, and trash polka tattoos

Instagram: @tattoo_lady_k // @stepup.dbn