Today we’d like to introduce you to Krystina Arielle Tigner.
Krystina Arielle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I moved to Los Angeles from Columbus, Georgia in November of 2015. I didn’t really have a plan aside from the fact I wanted to do at least one science fiction project so I could go to conventions for the rest of my life. I ended up meeting my now husband in December and settling into life.
In 2017 after our wedding, I decided that I wanted to focus on my passions. I started cosplaying and the response to it was really positive. By 2018, I was determined to entertain full time. I met with Satine Phoenix about Dungeons and Dragons and dove headfirst into a wild world of fantasy and collaborative storytelling.
With Dungeons and Dragons, we get together and tell a story as fantasy characters and stream it on twitch. It’s such a great opportunity to create and play. I started on Satine’s show “Sirens Show” and have gone on to be a part of many shows such as Critical Role, Saving Throw, and the big D&D Live event thrown by Hasbro and Dungeons and Dragons each year. I now stream, act in short films and devote my life to entertaining.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road but it has been a worthwhile one. Getting a seat at the table is always a struggle and I try to ensure that with my seat, I create space for other people that look like me. In January of 2019, I found out that I was pregnant after dealing with infertility. On top of the fear of what could go wrong, I had more people than I’m comfortable with ask me what I would do “now that my career was over.” My son didn’t end my career he inspired it even more. It’s important for people to see me not only as a black woman in the gaming space but as a capable mother and person. I think it’s important for my son to see that nothing should stop you from pursuing your dreams and that you can balance work and life, even when it’s hard.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
As an actress, tabletop role player and cosplayer, it’s my job to entertain. However, I think with the voice that my platform has afforded me it’s even more important to be vocal about issues that affect my community. To know that my voice is heard is a powerful thing that I don’t take for granted. With every job I undertake, I try to stay true to myself and utilize these opportunities to speak truth to power. I think what sets me apart in my field is that I am not trying to be anyone else… even when I’m dressed as someone else.
When I cosplay, I choose characters that inspire me and that have meant a lot to me. Then I take those characters and try to put my own spin on them. Be it Wonder Woman with an Afro or Alexander Hamilton with full glam makeup. The greatest feeling in the world is seeing young black girls at conventions that feel as if they don’t have a place tell me that seeing me cosplay made them feel as if they have permission to. Representation is important. If we don’t see people that look like us creating and thriving it creates a fear that it might not be possible. I will continue to create and fill seats in gaming venues that some gatekeepers may not think I deserve to be in. This year I was honored to be named the 2020 PAX ambassador for Tabletop Gaming. It felt good to be asked to represent my passion on such a level.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’m so thankful to my husband, Anthony Tigner for his support. My children Ezekiel and Luke for inspiring me. My mom and business partner, Leighala Hall of Leighala J Management. I’m grateful to the team that have made my looks possible behind the scenes. My makeup artist, Bonnie Ayala. Corena Gibson and Lauren Matesic who have crafted some of my favorite costumes. I truly believe that having their talent beside me has been a game changer. Satine Phoenix, who trusted me to play with her on Sirens and started what will continue to be a life long love affair with Tabletop Gaming.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Instagram.com/KrystinaArielle
- Twitter: Twitter.com/KrystinaArielle
Image Credit:
Dungeons and Dragons photo “L-R Satine Phoenix, Krystina Arielle, Vivka Grey”
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