Kat Von D
Actor
About Kat Von D
Kat Von D, born Katherine von Drachenberg, is a multi-faceted artist who rose to international prominence in the early 21st century, primarily through the medium of reality television and the tattoo industry. Born in Mexico and raised in Southern California, she began her professional journey as a tattoo artist at the age of 16, quickly gaining a reputation for her intricate, realistic black-and-gray portraits. Her career reached a turning point when she was cast in the TLC series 'Miami Ink' in 2005, though she later departed to headline her own highly successful spin-off, 'LA Ink', which ran from 2007 to 2011. Beyond the tattoo parlor, she expanded her creative reach into the beauty industry with the launch of Kat Von D Beauty in 2008, a brand that became a global powerhouse known for its high-performance, vegan products. In the realm of cinema, her contributions are primarily seen in documentary and independent projects, most notably as a narrator for the 2018 animal rights documentary 'Dominion'. Throughout her career, she has remained a distinctive figure in popular culture, blending a gothic aesthetic with a diverse range of artistic pursuits including music, literature, and fashion.
The Craft
On Screen
Kat Von D's screen presence is characterized by her authentic, unfiltered persona, which was first established in the reality television format. In her documentary work, such as 'Dominion', she utilizes a somber and evocative narrative tone, leveraging her recognizable voice to bring emotional weight to the subject matter. While not a traditional dramatic actor of the classic era, her 'acting' is rooted in the performance of her public identity—a blend of gothic elegance and raw, punk-rock sensibility.
Milestones
- Starred in the reality television series 'LA Ink' (2007–2011)
- Set a Guinness World Record for most tattoos given by a single person in 24 hours (2007)
- Launched the globally successful Kat Von D Beauty line with Sephora (2008)
- Published the New York Times Best Seller 'High Voltage Tattoo' (2009)
- Narrated the acclaimed animal rights documentary 'Dominion' (2018)
- Released her debut studio album 'Love Made Me Do It' (2021)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Hollywood International Independent Documentary Award for Excellence in Narration (2018)
- Farm Sanctuary's Compassion in Action Award (2016)
Nominated
- Teen Choice Award for Choice TV: Female Reality/Variety Star (2008)
- Teen Choice Award for Choice TV: Female Reality/Variety Star (2010)
Special Recognition
- Guinness World Record Holder (2007–2008)
- New York Times Best Selling Author
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Kat Von D played a pivotal role in mainstreaming tattoo culture for women in the mid-2000s. By showcasing her technical skill and artistic vision on 'LA Ink', she challenged the 'tough guy' stereotypes of the industry and introduced a high-fashion, gothic aesthetic to a broad audience. Her influence extended into the beauty world, where her brand was a pioneer in the 'vegan and cruelty-free' movement, proving that ethical products could achieve massive commercial success without compromising on pigment or performance.
Lasting Legacy
Her legacy is defined by her status as a 'tattoo icon' who successfully transitioned into a multi-industry mogul. She remains a symbol of the 'alternative' becoming 'mainstream' while maintaining a fiercely independent identity. In film history, she will be remembered for using her platform to advocate for animal rights and for her contribution to the visual language of the modern gothic subculture.
Who They Inspired
She has influenced a generation of female tattoo artists and beauty entrepreneurs to embrace dark, unconventional aesthetics. Her success paved the way for other reality-based artists to build global brands based on their personal artistry.
Off Screen
Kat Von D was born to missionary parents and moved to the United States at age four. She was classically trained in piano from age six, an influence she credits to her grandmother. She has been open about her journey with sobriety, which began in 2007, and her evolving spiritual beliefs, including her public baptism in 2023. She currently resides in Indiana with her family, having moved away from Los Angeles to seek a quieter life.
Education
Dropped out of high school at age 16 to pursue tattoo artistry professionally.
Family
- Oliver Peck (2003–2007)
- Rafael Reyes (2018–Present)
Did You Know?
- She has over 40 tattoos on her own body, including portraits of her father and mother.
- Her first tattoo was a Misfits skull logo on her ankle, done with a homemade machine.
- She is a polyglot, speaking fluent English and Spanish.
- She once owned an art gallery called Wonderland Gallery next to her tattoo shop.
- She provided guest vocals for the Finnish gothic rock band The 69 Eyes.
- She sold her stake in her beauty brand in 2020 to focus on other creative ventures.
- She is a skilled classical pianist and often shares videos of her playing Beethoven.
In Their Own Words
I am a big believer in the idea that you can't really judge a book by its cover.
Tattoos are a timeline of your life. You can look at them and remember where you were when you got them.
I think the most important thing is to be true to yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kat Von D?
Kat Von D is a famous Mexican-American tattoo artist, television personality, and entrepreneur. She gained worldwide fame starring in the reality shows 'Miami Ink' and 'LA Ink' before launching a successful global beauty brand.
What films is Kat Von D best known for?
While primarily a television personality, she is known in film for narrating the 2018 documentary 'Dominion' and appearing in the action-horror film 'The Bleeding' (2009).
When was Kat Von D born?
She was born on March 8, 1982, in Montemorelos, Nuevo León, Mexico.
What awards did Kat Von D win?
She won an Award of Excellence for Narration from the Hollywood International Independent Documentary Awards in 2018 for her work on 'Dominion'.
What is Kat Von D's artistic style?
She is renowned for her fine-line, realistic black-and-gray tattoo portraits. Her overall aesthetic is heavily influenced by gothic culture, punk rock, and classical art.
Is Kat Von D still tattooing?
In recent years, she has stepped back from full-time tattooing to focus on her music career and family, eventually closing her famous High Voltage Tattoo shop in 2021.
Learn More
Films
1 film
