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High Voltage Tattoo
From the charismatic star of The Learning Channel's number-one program "L.A. Ink" comes a rich view of contemporary tattoo culture, as only a true insider can offer. Full-color throughout.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 20, 2009
About the author
Kat Von D.
5 books154 followersKat Von D (born Katherine Von Drachenberg) is a Mexican-born American tattoo artist and television personality. She is best known for her work as a featured tattoo artist on the TLC reality television show Miami Ink. A subsequent TLC series LA Ink, premiered August 7, 2007 in the United States and November 11, 2007 in the UK.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
September 27, 2010
I'm going through a huge Kat Von D phase, not unlike my vegetarian cooking phase, addiction memoir phase, running phase, Swedish pop duos phase, learning to play guitar phase, Belinda Carlisle phase -- well, the last one is more of a lifestyle.
She's the Kat Von D'jour.
The punk rock tattoo artist who busted out of the super-vanilla "Miami Ink" for her own show -- "LA Ink" based in Hollywood (next door to Edible Bouquets, ohfer cute) -- is this fascinating gravitational pull. She looks like a Barbie doll that was attacked by an angsty "Rocky Horror Picture Show" art weirdo teen armed with Sharpies. And based only on the edited version of her life that appears on TLC, I'd it isn't hyperbole that she has "DILLIGAF" (does it look like I give a fuck) tattooed on her hand. She dated Nikki Sixx. She lives in something that looks like a mini Castle Grayskull. Her tattoo lair within High Voltage tattoo shop is a dripped candle wax gothic cave, think "I Dream of Jeannie" as meets Elvira meets Buffy's exboyfriend Spike.
"High Voltage Tattoo" -- the book -- is part celebrity memoir for the Tiger Beat-style fan, filled with photos and deets like Kat's favorite songs and a few growing up photos. It is part How-To-Tattoo (don't show up drunk!), part portfolio. It's billed as a coffee table book, and shelved in the pop culture section of the bookstore. It's got a padded cover, and worn-journal style pages -- some that feature hand-written musings, sprawling script Kat. There is a foreward from Nikki Sixx, whom she dated for two years, which is the best written part of the book: "She's definitely a top-fuel funny car, a superhero cartoon character with a tattoo machine firmly in hand 24 hours a day," he writes.
Kat Von D didn't reveal much more about herself beyond the bare bones biographical information that you could find on Wikipedia. Anyone looking for juicy juice would be better served by watching E! (She started tattooing at 14, dropped out of high school, ran away, ran back, married a Texan who has accumulated a body suit, loves her family).
There is also a multi-page full body spread, a tat-tour if you will, of the stories behind some of the countless markings inked into Kat's legs, face, hands, neck ...
People who watch "LA Ink" will recognize one of the final sections of the book as similar to the format of the show, where a costumer walks in, explains that they want a portrait of their cat, then tell a real sob-story about how Fluffy was hit by a car. Although, in book format, the narrative takes a back seat to the art and so there isn't a ton of emotion to it. These are just quick hitters about dead grandparents and drunken rock tours around Finland.
This isn't a book to sit down and read, per se. But it is definitely worth taking a ton of time to flip through. The art, the actual reason for the season, is amazing (not just Kat's tats, but also the photography by Lionel Duley), ranging from a watercolor Kat Von D painted when she was seven years old to the angel that took four sittings to perfect on Nikki Sixx's ribs. Kat Von D is known for her black and gray portrait work, and has mastered shading and white contrasts to make realistic likenesses, twinkles in eyes and gaps in teeth. She's also heavy into big bold heavy lettering like you'd find on the cover of an 80s hairband album, tinged with the sort of gothic aesthetic. Carnival colored Catholic art, featuring the Virgin Mary. Details and small touches, like a Prince Charming making the metal sign, or a pirate ship motif with a subtle treasure map as the back drop. And there is humor: Skateboarder slash professional prankster Bam Margera commissioned one of a bear making furious love to a kitty, with a message for a friend: "Fuck Jeff."
On "LA Ink," Kat Von D is more of an all-consuming personality that her staff revolves around, and the art is just another facet in each drama-encased episode. In her book, you get the chance to see the work she does close up. And it is amazing. She is basically this person who broke every single rule on "how to be a success" and has come out on the other side as this incredible artist.
She's the Kat Von D'jour.
The punk rock tattoo artist who busted out of the super-vanilla "Miami Ink" for her own show -- "LA Ink" based in Hollywood (next door to Edible Bouquets, ohfer cute) -- is this fascinating gravitational pull. She looks like a Barbie doll that was attacked by an angsty "Rocky Horror Picture Show" art weirdo teen armed with Sharpies. And based only on the edited version of her life that appears on TLC, I'd it isn't hyperbole that she has "DILLIGAF" (does it look like I give a fuck) tattooed on her hand. She dated Nikki Sixx. She lives in something that looks like a mini Castle Grayskull. Her tattoo lair within High Voltage tattoo shop is a dripped candle wax gothic cave, think "I Dream of Jeannie" as meets Elvira meets Buffy's exboyfriend Spike.
"High Voltage Tattoo" -- the book -- is part celebrity memoir for the Tiger Beat-style fan, filled with photos and deets like Kat's favorite songs and a few growing up photos. It is part How-To-Tattoo (don't show up drunk!), part portfolio. It's billed as a coffee table book, and shelved in the pop culture section of the bookstore. It's got a padded cover, and worn-journal style pages -- some that feature hand-written musings, sprawling script Kat. There is a foreward from Nikki Sixx, whom she dated for two years, which is the best written part of the book: "She's definitely a top-fuel funny car, a superhero cartoon character with a tattoo machine firmly in hand 24 hours a day," he writes.
Kat Von D didn't reveal much more about herself beyond the bare bones biographical information that you could find on Wikipedia. Anyone looking for juicy juice would be better served by watching E! (She started tattooing at 14, dropped out of high school, ran away, ran back, married a Texan who has accumulated a body suit, loves her family).
There is also a multi-page full body spread, a tat-tour if you will, of the stories behind some of the countless markings inked into Kat's legs, face, hands, neck ...
People who watch "LA Ink" will recognize one of the final sections of the book as similar to the format of the show, where a costumer walks in, explains that they want a portrait of their cat, then tell a real sob-story about how Fluffy was hit by a car. Although, in book format, the narrative takes a back seat to the art and so there isn't a ton of emotion to it. These are just quick hitters about dead grandparents and drunken rock tours around Finland.
This isn't a book to sit down and read, per se. But it is definitely worth taking a ton of time to flip through. The art, the actual reason for the season, is amazing (not just Kat's tats, but also the photography by Lionel Duley), ranging from a watercolor Kat Von D painted when she was seven years old to the angel that took four sittings to perfect on Nikki Sixx's ribs. Kat Von D is known for her black and gray portrait work, and has mastered shading and white contrasts to make realistic likenesses, twinkles in eyes and gaps in teeth. She's also heavy into big bold heavy lettering like you'd find on the cover of an 80s hairband album, tinged with the sort of gothic aesthetic. Carnival colored Catholic art, featuring the Virgin Mary. Details and small touches, like a Prince Charming making the metal sign, or a pirate ship motif with a subtle treasure map as the back drop. And there is humor: Skateboarder slash professional prankster Bam Margera commissioned one of a bear making furious love to a kitty, with a message for a friend: "Fuck Jeff."
On "LA Ink," Kat Von D is more of an all-consuming personality that her staff revolves around, and the art is just another facet in each drama-encased episode. In her book, you get the chance to see the work she does close up. And it is amazing. She is basically this person who broke every single rule on "how to be a success" and has come out on the other side as this incredible artist.
May 4, 2014
I am a huge fan of Kat Von D,i think she's inspirational and totally amazing. I got both of her books for Christmas and i'm working my way through the second one now. When i was reading this book i didn't want to fly through it i wanted to savor it enjoy it as much as possible.
This book tells us about Kat's early life, family life, how she started out with tattoos, tattoos she's done, the tattoos she's got, different types of tattoos and other artists tattooers and not who she admires and inspire her.
Told through Kat's voice it's hooking and thoroughly enjoyable. I'd recommend this book to any fan of Kat's, tattoos or someone who's interested on this inside view of tattooers. With this pass into the other side of tattooing it's a unique experience and a eye opener into the life of a female tattoo artist in a mans world.
September 18, 2009
I love Kat and this is an awesome book. everybody who has a dislike for tattoos should read this one as well as anybody who is scared of tattooed people. i recently got my first tattoo (as did my sister) and we were lectured by everybody about how we were going to be looked down upon by society and blah blah blah. I also watch LA Ink (Kat's show) which really shows her as this tough business chick who doesn't take crap from anybody but there are also moments where you can see that she feels bad about firing somebody and she hates being the "boss man". my mom and dad watch it with me and they're always like "oo, she just scares me." and I always say "Well, do I scare you?" my personality hasn't changed, i'm still the same person. anyway, the name of this book should have been "Don't judge a book by its cover"
January 8, 2016
Beautiful art, great artist bios, interesting views into why people get tattoos! Kat Von D is not just a celebrity, she is an insanely talented artist, and this is a great book that also pays homage to other artists.
March 2, 2019
I notice that's it's Jeffree Star who did Kat Von D 's make-up I the book. I feel sad about they don't talk any more. But still love them, both of them.
July 6, 2009
This is a pretty cool book. I was never into tattooing until I caught a marathon of Miami Ink. Yup, I'm one of those TV converts. I enjoyed the stories of why people wanted their tattoos, some are so touching, such as memorial tattoos. But mostly I love the art. I'm a fan of any show that features transformation, from house design to cooking, cake decorating, etc. I'm just amazed and entertained by seeing people create beauty.
Which is a big lead up to the story about Kat. She was featured on the 2nd or 3rd season of Miami Ink, and then went on to star in her own show, LA Ink. As with most reality shows, there is a lot of drama (not my favorite part), but also some great personal stories and fascinating views of artists doing their thing. This book is written for Kat's fans, and to a lesser degree tattoo fans. It's really a short biography of Kat that features her art as a central aspect of her life. I enjoyed getting more insight into her past and thinking, but mostly I was looking for the pictures. I would have liked to see a bit more beautiful tattoo pics. But the creativity of the book's format really won me over. It's sort of scrapbook style. Different sections have designs that feature the subject. There is a whole section in the middle of full-page photos of Kat from different angles and info about most of her own tattoos, which does satisfy a lot of my curiosity about that. There is some interesting info about the tattoo business and tattoo machines. And a large section featuring Kat's art and a bit of art of other famous tattoo artists.
Overall it's quite a lovely book with some interesting info about Kat, tattoos and why people get tattoos. I'm still amazed sometimes at the crazy things people want inscribed permanently on their bodies, from jokes to monsters to movie and music stars. And many of the designs are lovely, evocative and cool. Either way, it's fun to see.
Which is a big lead up to the story about Kat. She was featured on the 2nd or 3rd season of Miami Ink, and then went on to star in her own show, LA Ink. As with most reality shows, there is a lot of drama (not my favorite part), but also some great personal stories and fascinating views of artists doing their thing. This book is written for Kat's fans, and to a lesser degree tattoo fans. It's really a short biography of Kat that features her art as a central aspect of her life. I enjoyed getting more insight into her past and thinking, but mostly I was looking for the pictures. I would have liked to see a bit more beautiful tattoo pics. But the creativity of the book's format really won me over. It's sort of scrapbook style. Different sections have designs that feature the subject. There is a whole section in the middle of full-page photos of Kat from different angles and info about most of her own tattoos, which does satisfy a lot of my curiosity about that. There is some interesting info about the tattoo business and tattoo machines. And a large section featuring Kat's art and a bit of art of other famous tattoo artists.
Overall it's quite a lovely book with some interesting info about Kat, tattoos and why people get tattoos. I'm still amazed sometimes at the crazy things people want inscribed permanently on their bodies, from jokes to monsters to movie and music stars. And many of the designs are lovely, evocative and cool. Either way, it's fun to see.
December 30, 2012
My parents bought me this book for Christmas and I read it in less than a day. It's pretty cool for those who, like me, have a little thing for the tattoed goddess, Kat Von D.
The first part of the book is an autobiography of sorts, chronicling how Kat got into tattooing and the experiences that made her who she is today.
The second part, which is probably my favourite part, is a directory of Kat's tattoos, explaining their origins and meanings.
In the rest of the book, Kat reminisces about the tattoos she loved doing, her most influential tattooists and offers up some advice about tattoos and some background info on the art.
It's a neat little book. I loved reading the stories behind both Kat's tattoos and the tattoos she's designed for other people. The only problem? Now I'm itching more than ever to get started on the sleeve tattoo I'm planning...
The first part of the book is an autobiography of sorts, chronicling how Kat got into tattooing and the experiences that made her who she is today.
The second part, which is probably my favourite part, is a directory of Kat's tattoos, explaining their origins and meanings.
In the rest of the book, Kat reminisces about the tattoos she loved doing, her most influential tattooists and offers up some advice about tattoos and some background info on the art.
It's a neat little book. I loved reading the stories behind both Kat's tattoos and the tattoos she's designed for other people. The only problem? Now I'm itching more than ever to get started on the sleeve tattoo I'm planning...
June 2, 2009
Visually stunning. The tattoo photography is amazing. Kat's "map" is fascinating, although when she talks about future plans it's not really clear where she's got room. Winner.
April 3, 2018
Aside from a side view into Kat Von D's life, what I really liked was her feedback and recommendations for those unfamiliar with the tattoo world. I love the stories and how open she is about her personal views about how/why she got her tattoos. It helped with questions I had while weighing out options and researching information when I got my tattoo. Some people are spontaneous and some are planners (like me), but everyone has their own story.
March 21, 2018
A stunning coffee table art book. Kat wanted to pack a lot into her first piece, and she pulled most of it off well. From biography to gallery, this book is all things KvD, but only surface level. He subsequent books go deeper and deeper.
February 24, 2019
Great artist and artwork. It's not just about Kat but the people in her world at the time of this book. There's also great information on what to look for when seeking out a tattoo. A great artbook whether you are into tattoos or not!
December 14, 2021
I think j was drawn to this book just simply because of Kat Von D's beauty. For someone I had not really known before, it was interesting enough to keep me reading. But that was about it, just one read through.
December 5, 2022
Fascinating book.
Made me want to get a tattoo, even though it will probably never happen (don't think i could handle the pain).
People have so much talent. Just looking those pictures on this book i am blown away. Some really gorgeous stuff there.
Made me want to get a tattoo, even though it will probably never happen (don't think i could handle the pain).
People have so much talent. Just looking those pictures on this book i am blown away. Some really gorgeous stuff there.
July 23, 2019
Loved it!
November 5, 2020
This book was just okay. The thoughts were very scattered. No true emotion from her.
September 12, 2021
Really interesting book.
February 13, 2018
This is a lovely book for any Kat Von D fan, full of lovely glossy photos too.
September 18, 2009
Summary: High Voltage Tattoo is a graphic perspective on today's global tattoo culture by Kat Von D, star of The Learning Channel's L.A. Ink and one of the most talented and popular artists working today. Designed in a style that is reminiscent of a handmade Gothic journal with its red padded cover, ornate typography, and parchmentlike pages, it throws the door wide open to tattooing culture in the way only an insider like Kat can.
High Voltage Tattoo traces Kat's career as an artist, from early childhood influences to recent work, along with examples of what inspires her, information about the show and her shop, her sketches, and personal tattoos. The book goes deep into tattoo process and culture: readers can see up close the pigments, the tools, and the making of complex, even collaborative, tattoos.
With a foreword by Mötley Crüe's Nikki Sixx, the book features images and stories about celebrities, rockers, pro skaters, and everyday citizens, including Slayer's Kerry King, Anthrax's Scott Ian, Margaret Cho, Jackass' Bam Margera, David Letterman, and many others. It profiles and showcases the work of artists Kat has selected from all over the world, her interviews with people who have compelling tattoos and stories, and amazing images of extraordinary tattoo work. Numerous portfolios throughout the book showcase a range of relevant subjects, from the black and gray portrait work for which Kat is famous to a popular tattoo theme, such as the rose or biblical images. There is a knockout ten-page full-body spread of Kat—clad in a yellow bikini and seven-inch, rhinestone-studded red stilettos—that catalogs in detail all her personal tattoos on her front, back, left, and right sides—even her hands and head.
Well, the summary there pretty much sums that up. (Her bikini is actually lime green though.)
It was definitely interesting. I had no idea that Kat was such a skilled musician. That was the most interesting part - just reading about how she got into tattooing. She started at 14. How in the world did she know how to make tattoos at 14?
She really is an artist. Some of her tattoos are just gorgeous. The book even shows some of her non-skin artwork *lol*.
And it was really cool to learn about her own body's tattoos. Why she got them, who inspired them, etc. Lots of drunken nights with friends.
High Voltage Tattoo traces Kat's career as an artist, from early childhood influences to recent work, along with examples of what inspires her, information about the show and her shop, her sketches, and personal tattoos. The book goes deep into tattoo process and culture: readers can see up close the pigments, the tools, and the making of complex, even collaborative, tattoos.
With a foreword by Mötley Crüe's Nikki Sixx, the book features images and stories about celebrities, rockers, pro skaters, and everyday citizens, including Slayer's Kerry King, Anthrax's Scott Ian, Margaret Cho, Jackass' Bam Margera, David Letterman, and many others. It profiles and showcases the work of artists Kat has selected from all over the world, her interviews with people who have compelling tattoos and stories, and amazing images of extraordinary tattoo work. Numerous portfolios throughout the book showcase a range of relevant subjects, from the black and gray portrait work for which Kat is famous to a popular tattoo theme, such as the rose or biblical images. There is a knockout ten-page full-body spread of Kat—clad in a yellow bikini and seven-inch, rhinestone-studded red stilettos—that catalogs in detail all her personal tattoos on her front, back, left, and right sides—even her hands and head.
Well, the summary there pretty much sums that up. (Her bikini is actually lime green though.)
It was definitely interesting. I had no idea that Kat was such a skilled musician. That was the most interesting part - just reading about how she got into tattooing. She started at 14. How in the world did she know how to make tattoos at 14?
She really is an artist. Some of her tattoos are just gorgeous. The book even shows some of her non-skin artwork *lol*.
And it was really cool to learn about her own body's tattoos. Why she got them, who inspired them, etc. Lots of drunken nights with friends.
October 12, 2011
First off I really have to say that this is a wonderful depiction of the tattoo world summarized into one book. From tattoo etiquette to different styles of tattoo, it is all covered. I know this is only one persons view on the tattooing world that she has been in, but her view on it has given me a real insight and taught me things I didn't know before.
Kat Von D, basically most of the general population has heard that name at least once in their life or know exactly who she is. She has had quite a fair bit of spotlight, both negative and positive and personally I believe she got pulled too far into the artificial world that is being a celebrity. That's how I see it. But when I read this book I could see that it was just her and her pen, writing down her experiences, her dreams, her past and present, her inspirations and her powerful loves.
Probably what I liked most about this book was the rules she gave on tattoo etiquette and I loved the tattoo map of her tattoos all over her body. I've always wondered exactly what some of her tattoos meant or what certain ones were exactly and who did them. It is a very detailed map that I spent quite a while admiring.
I loved this book for many other reasons besides the fact that I find Kat fascinating and I have a huge love for tattoos. This book glorifies the art of tattooing in a way that doesn't make it tacky or meaningless. Kat makes it known that tattooing is an art form, not anyone can do it and I believe that whole heartedly. She informs you her own personal reasons for getting a tattoo in the hope that it can be a guideline for someone thinking about getting a tattoo for themselves. Tattooing is an artform that not everyone can bear on their skin, it may sometimes take guts and a strong will to get something permanent inked into your flesh. This is made known throughout this book.
I would recommend this book for anyone who loves tattoos and who also has a love for autobiographies. It is a special kind of book all rolled into one that I think is a wonderful guideline for tattoos and other art forms alike.
Kat Von D, basically most of the general population has heard that name at least once in their life or know exactly who she is. She has had quite a fair bit of spotlight, both negative and positive and personally I believe she got pulled too far into the artificial world that is being a celebrity. That's how I see it. But when I read this book I could see that it was just her and her pen, writing down her experiences, her dreams, her past and present, her inspirations and her powerful loves.
Probably what I liked most about this book was the rules she gave on tattoo etiquette and I loved the tattoo map of her tattoos all over her body. I've always wondered exactly what some of her tattoos meant or what certain ones were exactly and who did them. It is a very detailed map that I spent quite a while admiring.
I loved this book for many other reasons besides the fact that I find Kat fascinating and I have a huge love for tattoos. This book glorifies the art of tattooing in a way that doesn't make it tacky or meaningless. Kat makes it known that tattooing is an art form, not anyone can do it and I believe that whole heartedly. She informs you her own personal reasons for getting a tattoo in the hope that it can be a guideline for someone thinking about getting a tattoo for themselves. Tattooing is an artform that not everyone can bear on their skin, it may sometimes take guts and a strong will to get something permanent inked into your flesh. This is made known throughout this book.
I would recommend this book for anyone who loves tattoos and who also has a love for autobiographies. It is a special kind of book all rolled into one that I think is a wonderful guideline for tattoos and other art forms alike.
November 21, 2010
I actually had intended just to look through this book at the store taking my notes down for this assignment, but ended up buying the book. I loved it! The book itself is styled after an old journal with padded covers and parchment like paper which is kind of kitchy but works well for the book. I have serval tattoos and love to look at other people's tattoos. I don't watch Miami Ink or LA Ink, but like to concept of the shows and thought it would be interesting to get inside her head a little. This book is a little bit biography, a little bit history, a little bit spiritual (yes, you can be spiritual about tattoos) and very, very cool artistically. I hear so much nonsense coming from Bible thumper people about how people who have tattoos are going to h, e , double hockey sticks, and I challenge them to read this book and find out what tattooing is all about. Yes there are bad tattoos, and bad reasons for getting them, but it is a form of self expression and art that should be appreciated by anyone who admires passion in others and thinks that the first amendment applies to everybody. Cool, cool, book that I recommend especially to people who have never considered getting a tattoo or looks down on it. Not, necessarily to make you want to go get tatted up, but so you can understand where those of us who do have tattoos are coming from. Although as a caveat, I must say that it is well written and after hearing her speak on what clips I have caught of the show, I can't imagine that she is quite so erudite and a ghost writer must be involved somehow, lol.
December 20, 2010
I don't know why but I am kind of obsessed with Kat Von D, maybe because she is my polar opposite I find her so alluring and interesting. She is the bad ass I long to be but never will be :) I don't even like tattoos, I don't ever want one, but I find her story and obsession with tattoos fascinating...and I cannot believe I am saying this but after reading this I kind of want my own tattoo, nothing big or crazy, something unobtrusive and really small. I like how the book talks about what tattoos mean and symbolize for many people, whether its a memorial or a family portrait. I really like one particular quote from the book, "when you look at my body you can see my memories". I'm definitely never going to have a lot of tattoos, I may never even get one but I think that's cool and I can definitely appreciate the art and skill that goes into tattooing, some of the tattoos in the book are absolutely amazing with their intricacy and depth. I don't think I would pass up the opportunity for Kat Von D to tattoo me :) This is a really cool and beautiful book, I think I may buy it after reading it from the library, I would like to add it to my already eclectic mix of coffee table books. I'll put it next to my Audrey Hepburn one, HAHA...
August 21, 2009
I should start by saying that I have not watched Kat Von D's reality show (LA Ink, which is on TLC) yet. Kat Von D is a very talented tattoo artist and visual artist, and this book showcases a lot of her excellent work. I could tell that this well worn library book (sections were falling out!) has been pored over by many readers. I found it a bit strange that she writes several times about personally receiving or giving tattoos while being drunk, but then later under the etiquette section, she tells readers NOT to get tattooed while drunk. She also mentions that she is now sober, but doesn't really explain that journey.....I found that a bit confusing. Also, I love idea of a tattoo atlas or map, but in her photographs, she is standing is such weird poses that you can't really see the tattoos she is describing. Last, I just don't understand why such a talented and beautiful woman feels the need to pose in red platform stripper heels and a string bikini. Kat, the world will still take you and your art seriously with having to dumb yourself down into a stripper, a la "Rock of Love". I enjoyed reading this along with Angelique Houtkamp's Tattoo Darling.
August 11, 2012
Love this book. Kat Von D was my hero years ago, when I first decided to be a tattoo artist. She IS heavy metal. Her artwork is so amazing, and she doesn't get the credit she deserves for it. On her show, you don't see enough of it, its more about the general aspect of what going on & the drama going on between shop employees. I really enjoyed hearing tattoo stories, though. Theres so many people out there getting shitty, meaningless tattoos, so its nice to see Kat Von D's amazing memorial portraits & other truly interesting body artwork that she does.
I really enjoyed hearing that she's been tattooing since she was a kid, just like me. Tattooing is something that has been with Kat for a very, very long time and her stories of being in the tattooing industry are awesome! I've read this book a million thousand times. highly recommended to anyone!
Also, I think anyone who's apprehensive towards tattoos should read this, Kat explains & sheds light on the subject & art form in general very nicely.
I really enjoyed hearing that she's been tattooing since she was a kid, just like me. Tattooing is something that has been with Kat for a very, very long time and her stories of being in the tattooing industry are awesome! I've read this book a million thousand times. highly recommended to anyone!
Also, I think anyone who's apprehensive towards tattoos should read this, Kat explains & sheds light on the subject & art form in general very nicely.
August 20, 2020
When I picked up this book for the first time I was very much drawn into the allure of tattoos and the whole indie-beauty thing that was (and still is?) popular. I liked that Kat Von D had enough ink to write a novel on her body. I ate the book up quickly, very much a poppy kind of picture book with an interesting look into the life of Ms. KVD. The pages showing her tattoos, which takes about a few pages to do, are excellently photographed and fun to look at. I gave this book to my friend not too long ago.
Looking back at it now, and at KVD, I think she's a bit of a rocker girl drone and somewhat disheveled. After reading that she got together with the guy that cheated on Sandra Bullock I couldn't help but feel she was a shadier person than the book let on.
Ah well, this is a good picture book for what it's worth. My favorite tattoo artist now is a guy named Kore Flatmo who has given KVD a few of her tattoos.
Looking back at it now, and at KVD, I think she's a bit of a rocker girl drone and somewhat disheveled. After reading that she got together with the guy that cheated on Sandra Bullock I couldn't help but feel she was a shadier person than the book let on.
Ah well, this is a good picture book for what it's worth. My favorite tattoo artist now is a guy named Kore Flatmo who has given KVD a few of her tattoos.
August 31, 2011
I picked up this book while I was waiting for Tattoo Chronicles to come in. It was definitely a book all about tattoos and the amazingly talented artists behind them. I loved Kat's tattoo directory (5 centerfold pics) from every angle: front, back, side, other side, and hands. And she has the old Hollywood starlets!! Love it!! My daughter was baffled why i was reading a book about tattoos of all things (virgin-skin me!) and i said, its fascinating art- Kat's an artist just like you! And flipped to a drawing she did about the same age. There's sooooo many things you can do with a talent for drawing/painting, I wish I had a little! My favorite two in this book are: a nautical scene covering the entire back of Richie Smith (pg 135) & Nikki Sixx's huge angel on his side (pg 148)
October 22, 2012
A family member checked this book out from the library and I decided to read it before it was turned back in. I've watched LA Ink several times and I was curious to learn more about Kat. While I'd never get a tattoo myself (I wouldn't want to be stuck with it permanently), I do find the art interesting and often beautiful.
The layout of the book caught my interest as it looks similar to a scrapbook. It's very attractive and the pictures are interesting. It was nice to get a bit more insight into Kat but somewhat unsatisfying... I would have liked to learn more about her, and less about other tattoo artists; I lost interest awhile before the end. Another thing that bothered me was the editing as I found several spelling and grammatical errors.
The layout of the book caught my interest as it looks similar to a scrapbook. It's very attractive and the pictures are interesting. It was nice to get a bit more insight into Kat but somewhat unsatisfying... I would have liked to learn more about her, and less about other tattoo artists; I lost interest awhile before the end. Another thing that bothered me was the editing as I found several spelling and grammatical errors.
June 8, 2016
This book is visually beautiful.
The pages are nice and big, you get nice images of the tattoos that she or other artists have laid down.
But when it comes to the story and the overall editing of the book, thumbs down.
Lots of editing mistakes (including spelling). I get that it's supposed to be as if Kat Von D is just bullshitting with you, but things still need to be grammatically correct and spelled right. Also, after about the 15th page (out of 170+) of name dropping/band name dropping, I was kind of over it. I really only finished reading it because the majority of the pages had very little text. I just wanted to see that kick ass tattoos that everyone has.
And while I have several tattoos on my TBTL (to-be-tattoed-list), I won't be recommending this book to anyone.
The pages are nice and big, you get nice images of the tattoos that she or other artists have laid down.
But when it comes to the story and the overall editing of the book, thumbs down.
Lots of editing mistakes (including spelling). I get that it's supposed to be as if Kat Von D is just bullshitting with you, but things still need to be grammatically correct and spelled right. Also, after about the 15th page (out of 170+) of name dropping/band name dropping, I was kind of over it. I really only finished reading it because the majority of the pages had very little text. I just wanted to see that kick ass tattoos that everyone has.
And while I have several tattoos on my TBTL (to-be-tattoed-list), I won't be recommending this book to anyone.
September 16, 2009
I started watching Kat on Miami Ink and L.A. Ink and was amazed by how young and extremely talented she was. Her book is full of beautiful artwork , from sketches to paintings and of course tattoos. It's filled with stories about her life how she got started and what inspires her to tattoo. Also many of her friends and their tattoos and the stories behind them. I assumed it would be a book filled with just her tattoos, just pictures. There where so many amazing tattoos like the Guernica by Picasso she did on Steven Hernandez. There was also some creepy ones (in my opinion) like the one Jeffree Star had of Jonbenet Ramsey.
November 20, 2010
This book is a beautiful collection of artwork done by Kat Von D and other tattoo artists she wishes to showcase. Kat shares stories behind the tattoos. I personally do not have a tattoo nor want one, but I was drawn to the cover of the book. It made me pick it up and look inside. I was delighted to find all the beautiful sketches and tattoos featured in the book. The book was placed on the YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2010. It made the top ten list. This book is an autobiography of Kat Von D. She talks about her childhood, running away, and her journey to where she is today.
June 15, 2009
This book is beautiful. This person is all skin and ink. There were these full page diagrams from all angles of her bod, with bullets to all of her tattoos and small descriptions of why she got those ones. Very anatomy of a junk drawer esque.
I also really liked the family and remberance tattoo portraits. A connection I cannot imagine. A grief I do not know. Someone called this a glorified myspace profile. Hah.
Keeping the tattoo momentum alive. Go go go sandwiches. Go go go crush.
I also really liked the family and remberance tattoo portraits. A connection I cannot imagine. A grief I do not know. Someone called this a glorified myspace profile. Hah.
Keeping the tattoo momentum alive. Go go go sandwiches. Go go go crush.
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