Since becoming a television celebrity, tattoo artist Kat Von D has come to realize the high price of fame.  Aside from being over-analyzed by viewers and her peers, she also feels the overwhelming responsibility to make others understand her lifestyle.  However, with pain comes pleasure, and Von D says that having the chance to represent women and the tattoo community is one of the best things about being a reality star.

“I think the opportunity to represent not only independent and self-created women but the tattoo community in general is one of the biggest payoffs,” Von D, star of TLC's LA Ink, told MSN TV news.  “Even my own parents didn't realize how much tattoos help people, whether it's a memorial for a loved one that's passed, or celebrating the birth of a child.  Life gives you so many reasons to celebrate these landmarks in time, so why not get a tattoo to represent?”

Tattoos are an essential part of Kat Von D's life, and her unique style caught the attention of millions of viewers when she starred in LA Ink's parent series, Miami Ink.  She and shop owner Ami James clashed constantly, which led to her departure from the show.  Nevertheless, she is grateful for the experience and plans to use what she has learned to make her own reality series succeed.

“As unfortunate as it is to have to go through the kind of ‘breakup' I did with Ami, I'm grateful for it, and will definitely try my hardest to use those life lessons when it comes to being a new business owner, and make LA Ink a great show,” Von D said.

In comparing her reality series to Miami Ink, Kat Von D said that her tattoo shop, High Voltage Tattoo, strongly represents the diverse culture that Los Angeles hosts.

“The vibe of the inside of my new tattoo shop is like the East Coast vs. the West Coast,” she said.  “Los Angeles has a lot to offer when it comes to diversity, so it'll be rad to see all walks of life getting tattooed with all types of styles, many of which the world hasn't seen yet.”

Von D, known for her rocker chick persona, also said that the interiors of her tattoo shop is the most apparent point of distinction.

“The one thing that will be quite obvious about the new tattoo shop is that it is very rock 'n' roll.  The walls aren't plastered by the typical tattoo art that you'd find in a biker shop.  You're gonna be able to see a lot of my own personal collection of rock 'n' roll memorabilia,” she explained.  “Finding a perfect balance between modern and rock 'n' roll while still maintaining our femininity was achieved, I think, when I decided to put in a full-sized, red, crystal chandelier in the entrance, along with a skateboard ramp, photo booth, and even a stripper pole!  Lightning bolts are the repeating theme throughout the shop, complete with a red, yellow and pink color scheme.”

For Von D, tattooing and music go together perfectly, and many of the people who have enlisted her service are well-known personalities from the music industry.

“In the next few months, we'll be tattooing bands such as HIM, Slayer, Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance, Deftones, and so many more,” she said of her clientele, who will be featured in upcoming episodes of LA Ink.  “Who doesn't wanna watch members of their fave rock bands get tattooed, and hear why they chose the design they chose?”

LA Ink airs Tuesday nights on TLC.


-Lisa Claustro, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: MSN TV
(Image Courtesy of MSN TV)