"Does it look like I give a fuck?"
That's the personal motto of Kat Von D, tattoo artist to the stars and centerpiece of TLC's reality show "L.A. Ink." Like most of the important (and not-so-important) ideas and moments in her life, you can find that phrase tattooed on Kat's body (it's the acronym on the side of her right hand). It's also on display in her new book, "High Voltage Tattoo," a combination personal history/tattoo photo essay.
We spoke with Kat a few days before her book signing in NYC. Besides finding out the most painful place to get a tattoo ("on the crease between your ass and leg"), we also discovered the pros and cons of homemade tattoos, her fear of Ralph Macchio, why Motorhead best describes her and how Finland, of all places, totally rocks.
The book is a cool mix of tattoo culture, your background and tattoo pictures. Was this the format from the get-go?
I had a vision for the book, but, like most projects, it evolved over time. I did want the beginning to be geared toward people who don't watch the show or know much about me. But I didn't want it to be just an autobiography - I'm too young for that!
You mention in the book that you did your first tattoo when you were 14. What did you use?
It was somebody's homemade machine. Definitely wasn't professional. I would do tattoos for a lot of friends, all of them underage. I think we were all just looking to have that tattoo "look," as opposed to having any sort of quality.
You're learning process was a little off-beat. Do you recommend it?
No! It's not a good way to do it. I'd say, if you're interested, do a traditional apprenticeship first. I had to unlearn a lot of things when I started working.
In the book, you mention the attitude toward having a reality show geared toward tattooing caused some negative reaction in the tattoo community. Has that changed?
Somewhat. The tattoo industry, it's very ego-driven. And there's a lot of people who want to build you up just to knock you down. But I've also had a lot of support.
You're known for your portrait work. What's the hardest part about doing that?
I'm pretty good with any kind of portrait. Placement is the problem. If you put a portrait on some chick's lower back, it may not look proper when she sits. And it takes more work if it's around the ribs. But I'm not against making the extra effort. I'm excited by a challenge.
Do you ever reject tattoos?
If I don't think I'm the man for the job, I'll refer the person to another artist. It's a good trait know your limits. Also, some tattoos are very mathematical in the way they're constructed...I'm not the person for that (laughs). But I also don't do any tattoos that are against my morals, or that I know people will regret later. This is a collaborative process...we both have to be happy with the end result.
You list some influences in your book...some of which include "Finland," "cutthroat career women" and "steak." Really?
I'm totally serious! I admire cutthroat women; the head of the Learning Channel, I mean, she's the head of a network, she's had to deal with shit all her life, I admire that! As for steak: I'm a firm believe in eating fucking steak! I even make fun of my sister a bit for being a vegetarian. And Finland, I go once a year. Great music. I love metal, and it's really prominent there. Plus, Scandinavians are amazing people, so reserved and quiet, and they lack certain negative traits that are so prevalent here.
It seems like a lot of women I've dated have had non-sexual crushes on you. Is this common?
(Laughs) That's cool. Actually, I get a lot of support from the gay community. I'm really supportive, and in California, where we work, it's been a tough time because of Proposition 8. Look, I know what it's like to be treated differently...and, for me, I chose my lifestyle. Oh, and I love drag queens. They're great with make-up tips.
Your guy, Nikki Sixx, wrote in the forward to your book this about you: "Like the wart on Lemmy's face, there's just no ignoring her." That's a compliment, right?
Of course! Lemmy is a dear friend, I love his wart...I think Nikki was saying it was an obvious thing.
You're a reality TV star. What reality shows do you watch?
Actually, I haven't watched TV in nine years. I mean, I have to watch rough cuts of the show so I can do voiceovers, but I have a hard time doing that. I hate hearing my voice on TV. I sound like Ralph Macchio.
In the book, there's a section on tattoo etiquette. What's the biggest mistake for newbies?
Getting a tattoo for the wrong reason. It's not a fad. I think the biggest mistake is not realizing that it's going to be a permanent change to your body.
So you've never regretted any of your tattoos?
No! I've had some removed to make more room for others, but no regrets.
That said, a lot of your non-artist friends have been allowed to tattoo your leg. First...that's gotta hurt. Secondly...why?
I call it my yearbook. And, sure, they're not artists; most of them couldn't draw a stick figure. That's the beauty of it. Those tattoos make me smile. But yeah, when they hold the machine the first time, it freaks them out. For them to go into it thinking it's going to look good...they're lying to themselves.
The motto of your life, tattooed on the side of your right hand, is "Does it look like I give a fuck?" What's that from?
It's a phrase from the 1920's. It came from sailors, and was adapted by biker gangs. It's about living your own life. People hear that and they're like "Fuck yeah!" But I'd like to think there's a little more to it than the f-word.
