Q&A: Kat Von D of ‘Miami Ink’
For TV’s sexiest tattoo artist, Kat Von D, topping the list of YuppiePunk’s search terms month after month is no big deal. But it should be. After all, we were Kat supporters early on. To prove our devotion, we asked Kat to sit down and answer a couple of our semi-intelligent questions. And luckily for us, she did, dishing on her celebrity crushes, that other tattoo reality show, and her undying love of the Bee Gees.
A lot of reality TV stars complain that their personalities get shaped in the editing room. In what ways have you been inaccurately portrayed on the show?
Well, that definitely happens. Those editors are the closest thing I have seen to real magic. They can fabricate any random scenario out of thin air, and sometimes it doesn’t make us look that good. I think in my case, I can’t complain very much. I think the only time I wasn’t happy with how they portrayed me was when they made it out to look like I was depressed and self-conscious about the way I looked, when in reality, I’m the furthest thing from that. They took sentences from the first season and spliced them with sentences from the second season to make a completely false statement. I mean, it is TV, and you can’t believe everything you see on there, but “Miami Ink” is definitely VERY produced.
Assuming for a minute you weren’t married — if you had to date one of the guys from “Miami Ink,” which one would it be and why?
Dear God! I think I’d rather cut off my left tit with a rusty butter knife than date any of those guys. I think the camera guys would make way better dates anyhow. After spending that much time with those guys on the show, I’d do anything to not see them for a very long time. We are to the point where some of us can’t film in the same room with each other. The only guy I could actually have a decent conversation with on the show would be Chris Garver, and he is like a brother to me. I could never see him in any other way though. If I was single, I’d try and date Jay Chandrasekhar, you know, the guy from “Super Troopers,” “Beerfest” and “Jackass.” I have the biggest crush on him!
What do you think of A&E’s “Inked”?
To be honest with you, and I mean completely honest, I have only seen one or two episodes of that show, and I was so bummed out and disgusted with the little I did see, that it was too painful to watch it again. Although I think “Miami Ink” is a pretty cheesy show at times, I feel better about the fact that our show is actually about tattooing, and not just hiring and firing idiot shop girls. If I wanted to see drama, I’d watch the “Real World.” But the main reason I believe “Inked” to be embarrassing for the tattoo community, is the fact that its owned by a non-tattooing, celebu-tard who feeds shamelessly off of artists. I mean, working at Ami’s shop isn’t the thing I’m most proud of, because he can definitely be embarrassing, but I think I have a little more integrity than some people when it comes to choosing who to work for.
Are there other reality shows you like?
To be honest with you, I don’t watch very much TV. I’m more of a moviegoer. I love the movies!
We love the star tattoos on your face — how many are there? Are there other stars in other places on your body?
Thanks! They’re one of my fave tattoos as well. Last time I counted, there was 18 on my left side. I have one star on my right temple and two on my left eyelids that you’re more likely to see if I’m not wearing eyeshadow.
What’s on your iPod?
Man, music is my life! I have everything from the Bee Gees to Slayer. For some reason, I have been listening to a lot of Def Leppard and Selena, oddly enough.
Jack Black or Jack White?
Jack Black all the way. Nothing is more attractive than talent and humour. “Pick of Destiny” — need I say more?
What makes for a good portrait tattoo?
A good photo. Some people bring in the blurriest Polaroids and its so hard to make a good tattoo from it.
Your MySpace page lists your income as $250,000 or higher — not bad for an artist of any type. Does the higher tax bracket come mostly from increased tattoo business or from being on a popular cable show? Or are you just fucking with us?
I’m totally fucking with you! It also says I’m a post-grad. I went to only 2 weeks of my freshman year in high school. But when I first got onto MySpace, long before “Miami Ink” happened, I had put that up there as a joke. Now I think I’ll take it down. But I think the higher income is a combination of both. The show doesn’t pay as much as I could make if I just stayed home and tattooed, but the fan base that I have gotten from it has enabled me to find other means of income that do contribute, such as my merchandise and appearances and such. But no matter what, I’m a tattooer for life. That’s what I was born to do and that’s what I’ll continue to do.
Which celebrities have you tattooed?
I have tattooed, members of H.I.M., Green Day, Incubus, Frank Iero of My Chemical Romance, The Misfits, Guns N’ Roses, AB Quintanilla, Mira Sorvino, Bam Margera, Steve-O, Ryan Dunn, and others I can’t remember at this moment…
Who are some of your favorite artists?
Michael Hussar is probably one of my fave modern day artists, but as far as tattooers go, my all-time favorite artist is Kore Flatmo, based in in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Related posts: Kat Von D Makes Us Purr | Q&A: Pixie Acia of ‘LA Ink’ | Kat’s Tats | A (Not So) Complete History of Band Tattoos
02.05.07 at 11:13 pm
um… she digs Hindu dudes. Cool.
02.05.07 at 11:13 pm
This girl is so awesome. I thought the same thing about inked. Totally gay. Who cares if the apprentice can’t find a date for their company party. i love inked for it’s art and real stories and of course the awesome Kat Von D.
02.05.07 at 11:15 pm
It’s weird to hear how Kat really feels about Miami Ink. I’m torn between wanting to watch the show to see what sorts of things people are getting tattooed on their bodies and wanting to turn it off because I don’t believe the interaction that goes on is all that genuine. This interview was great. It’s awesome to get some honesty from a reality TV star. Kat Von D is a great inspiration to female artists and tatooers all over the world!
Gracia por ser tan chula.
Sinceramente,
Kritzia
02.05.07 at 11:15 pm
Actually I always thought it was funny about ” personal stories” as to why people were getting that tattoo.
“I just wanted this so I could remember a better time, and never forget what I went through and all the tuff times.
Bah haha you don’t need a tattoo for that. Give me a SERIOUS reason or at least truthful
“I’m just so gansta. INK me up KAT”
haha
As for the article itself though.. getting back to that. It is very interesting.
02.05.07 at 11:16 pm
My husband and I always joke that nothing on the show is real, but we still love it! Kat Von D is my favorite.
02.05.07 at 11:16 pm
My husband and i also think inked is fucking stupid its all drama although dizzle is funny but i dont watch the show no more!Miami ink is the real shit they show the tat work and the stories behind them thats what i like.kat u are the shit though i think this interview was great besides every thing u say is always the honest truth.I cant wait 4 u to come back to l.a so i can get my portrait done of my father im also a daddys girl and wouldnt have it done by no one else but u !hope to see u soon kat u rock
02.05.07 at 11:17 pm
My husband and I are huge fans of Kat Von D and Chris Garver and they are the only reason we watch Miami Ink. It is kind of sad to find out that things aren’t as they appear to be in the shop but like Kat said, it’s TV.
I must say that I am very impressed with how she treats her fans.
We Love You Kat!!!!
02.05.07 at 11:17 pm
Cool interview Kat, Im glad to hear Chris is REAL. You and him are my faves on the show anyway. Its interesting to hear how “produced” the show is. Insightful too. What reality show is REAL anyways…lol.
02.08.07 at 9:35 pm
Very cool interview. I’m not into tattoos, I don’t have any, but I’ve seen every Miami Ink episode. Kat is really captivating, and more than that, she’s candid, which is more than I can say for most people on reality TV. She’s awesome, is an extremely talented artist, and seems to have a sweet spirit. I know people that would travel hundreds of miles if they could get on her schedule. She should do a National Tour - set up shop in all the big cities, spend a couple weeks in each, tattooing w/ Chris, and I’m sure she’d be on her way to $250K+.
02.17.07 at 7:30 am
hey kat what are you doing? i think that you are so awesome!
02.20.07 at 10:07 am
Kat’s back tatto is…..?
which means ” My Carzy Life ”
what is that??
03.05.07 at 12:35 pm
Wow, its kind of a let down that things are not the way thet seem on the show. But like everyone said its “TV.” I’m kind of torn now if i want to watch or not because of the falseness. But I still think your kick ass Kat. Most women would be scared get all the tats because its “different.” I have about 32 and im not stopping anytime soon
03.24.07 at 7:09 am
Kat,
Wow I think you are the best female artist in your field bar none! I have 18 tat’s and alway’s ready for more. I would give my left arm to meet you and have you sling some wicked ink on me. I heard you may come back to L.A sometime for a visit. I would love to see you at your old shop there and meet you and your husband some time. I hope you take care and remember Beethoven Rock’s!
A fan for Life and your vida loca !!
Corey
Las Vegas Nevada
P.S. Ink’d sucks!
03.25.07 at 3:36 pm
hello kat how are u i am doing fine i really wish i could talk to u at time cause u do awsome work and i some time wish i had the money to go pay you to give me the tatto i love to have even throw it a cover up i know u are a busy person and really dont have time talk to fans but i wanted to say u are awsome and u and hubby make a awsome pair . wishing yall the best and sending great love from the big state texas my kids love watching you and my son say he going to get u tatto on his arm you give a dream to draw , so dose our little angle she want you to do her stars you have but we enjoyt watching you and we wish you could see texas some times if u ever want to talk im here missrose_2005@yahoo.com i hope to hear from you some day i dont surf the web much i do family tree love and best wishes Yall come back now yall hear
04.10.07 at 10:41 am
hey kat,big fan of the show(till my cable was turned off)cool interview by the way.i have more of a question then a comment.i want my first tattoos to be on my palms,but alot of people are telling me “no,because they fade faster” is that true or the artist are using that as a cop out???? p.s i would tell you how great of an artist u are,but ur work speaks for itself.
04.28.07 at 2:49 am
can someone please tell me what the heart pentacle means on kats finger
05.10.07 at 5:53 am
Did kat Von D get fired from Miami Ink on Tuesday’s episode?
I am dieing to know if she is still there.
05.15.07 at 5:34 pm
hey kat, im one of your biggest fan. I was really upset that you were fired can you let me know if your really going to move to L.A. I’m not going to watch miami ink anymore, it’s because of you that i got interested. good luck just be happy, you already know what you want in life, beside you were given a gift and you love people, go all the way with it.
05.15.07 at 5:40 pm
Kat, this is Hope again, is there anyway you can let me know when you get set-up, because i would love to get a tatto from you..
05.29.07 at 10:38 am
i believed dat kate was the best member of miami ink because she has dat true talent of a tatoo artist. i would love to get a tattoo from her not with a bunch of wanna be in that stupid show!!!!!!!
06.13.07 at 7:02 am
hi kat i think you and chris garver are the best tattoo artist ever .and i carnt believe the show isnt really what it seems to be i used to watch it all the time WELL NOT ANY MORE! I WAS EVEN GOING TO COME TO MIAMI ON HOLIDAY FOR MY 18TH BIRTHDAY TO GET TATTOOED!!! BUT I MAY AS WELL SAVE MY MONEY AND GET TATTOOED FROM SOME ONE FROM ENGLAND LOT OF LOVE SABRINA SARMED [ENGLAND]
06.14.07 at 7:38 am
Hi Kat, so sorry about what happend. they could have handle it better. so your back home know in L.A. i’m from s.cal. to. I would like to know were would you be working? i was planning a trip to miami to get a tat. from you, a portrit of my parents and your best at it. now i don’t have to spend money on plain fair. your back in S.CAL.BABY, ROCK ON KAT, the show won’t be the same with out you. Paul
06.16.07 at 12:24 am
hey kat, I love the show it is awesome. I wanted to try to get a hold of someone to do a tattoo for me and it is no ordinary tattoo. It is of my best friend and brother who passed away due to some two people saying stuff that was not true his heart could not take it and he passed away in his sleep naturally. But I would like one of the awesome tattoo artists from miami ink to do it or even better you to do it to make the tattoo that more specail. I am just asking cause I dont have very much money but I do have enough for the tattoo I hope someone contacts me cause this tattoo means a lot to me I dont have enough to go to miami I am in Thermopolis Wyoming so I dont know what to do I would like the best tattoo artists to do this tattoo for me PLEASE HELP ME KAY
06.16.07 at 12:28 am
I meant kat it is really late here I have the tattoo drawn out I just would like Miami to bless me with miami ink to do this very personal tattoo for me
06.19.07 at 10:49 pm
For those tired of “Miami Ink” & wanting to hear more from Kat Von D………..
Never fear, “L.A. INK” is on the way!
We hope………
07.02.07 at 6:43 pm
Kat’s artistic talent completely amazes me, she and her tattoos are simply beautiful, and I love her fashion style and attitude. Every day she inspires me to become a better artist and I think she’s a great role model. I can’t wait for L.A. Ink.
07.08.07 at 4:53 am
kat von d is my favourite tatooist, i think she has great style and i love her black and white tatoos most of all. i am her number 1 fan and i think she is the perfect role model. she was great in miami and will be better in L.A. ialso think she is the bestgirl i have seen on T.V.
07.17.07 at 11:42 am
KAT, DID U GET FIRED FROM MIAMI INK OR DID U QUIT TO GO BACK HOME??
07.23.07 at 12:10 pm
I have been with my partner for 28yrs, and come to find out she will be needing a liver transplant,she has an appointment aug 3 in san fransico, I would like to have her portiat done, I wouldnt have no oneelse do it ,but you please, please let me know where you are at, and maybe she can make the ride you are so awsome!!!~
07.26.07 at 8:39 am
Kat was the best on the show, truely i dont watch miami ink anymore since she not there anymore. Im a tattoo artist also and i also luv to work on black and grey mainly, when Kat was onn her work gave me a lot of inspiration, so keep up the the good work Kat get your own show that be great.
07.27.07 at 7:20 pm
Kat u help make Miami ink interesting,its changed.I no longer watch it.I would love to meet you.I want one of your portraits.My husband of 25 yrs. this year would of been our 25th anniversary.We was married when we was 17-18.He commited suicide 3 yrs ago.You are the best i have every seen.You will go far on your own.Peace to you Kat.
08.02.07 at 2:51 pm
Kat, your awesome even before Miami Ink. Your portraits are beautiful. The black and the whites are fantastic. I would love to have one of my mother on my back by you, it would be an honor.
11.27.07 at 8:56 pm
I really can’t stand Kat. I just really can’t stand her. She complains a lot, or at least she did on the show. I also dispute the argument that she is as good as people think she is. There are a lot of artists as good as her, that don’t have $700 min’s. I think that when you leave a job you shouldn’t bitch and bad mouth your previous employer. I thought it was in previous bad taste bad mouthing the shop, especially when you still worked there. She acts like a child.
11.28.07 at 10:00 pm
kat von d i so sick i only watched miami ink cause of her and im so stoked that she has her own show
12.04.07 at 3:38 pm
kat ur the BEST!=]
04.10.08 at 11:10 am
Lightscribe media rocks!!
09.03.08 at 3:48 pm
Kat is the best tattoo artist ive ever seen, and she is the hottest too. OMG super sexy, I have the biggest crush on her.
10.09.08 at 2:23 pm
kat i love the tats you do and i cant wait to be 18 to get one done by you i have but i not 18 so i guess im gona have to wait but im look forward to meeting you just wait three years …love you …im your bigggest fan!!!!!!!