Kat Von D

Early Life

Katherine von Drachenberg, known as Kat Von D, was born on March 8, 1982, in Montemorelos, Nuevo León, Mexico. She moved to the United States at the age of four, growing up in Colton, California. Von D was classically trained in piano from the age of six and began her artistic journey early, influenced by her grandmother and the punk rock music of bands like the Ramones and Misfits. She got her first tattoo at 14 and left school at 16 to pursue a career as a tattoo artist.

Career

Kat Von D gained fame as a tattoo artist on the TLC reality show "Miami Ink" before launching her own series, "LA Ink," which showcased her work at High Voltage Tattoo in Hollywood. During her time on "LA Ink," she set a Guinness World Record for the most tattoos given in 24 hours, completing 400 tattoos. Beyond tattooing, she has authored books, including "High Voltage Tattoo," which became a bestseller. In 2021, she ventured into music, releasing her debut single "Exorcism" from her album "Love Made Me Do It," followed by her second album, "My Side of the Mountain," in 2024.

Personal Life

In July 2007, Von D made the significant decision to stop drinking, citing its negative impact on her work. She has a deep connection to music, having tattooed herself with emblems of her favorite bands and appearing in several music videos. Known for her vibrant personality, she has had notable friendships and public disputes, including a well-publicized falling out with makeup artist Jeffree Star in 2016. In 2022, she relocated to Vevay, Indiana, marking a new chapter in her life.