November 16th, 2008 by Kat Von

Born on March 8th, 1982, in the town of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, she moved to the States when she was four, settling in Colton, Ca. Her father René Drachenberg and her mother Sylvia Galeano were both born in Argentina, though René’s family origins were German and Sylvia’s Spanish-Italian. Kat’s paternal grandmother played a significant role in shaping her artistic development, particularly in playing piano and exposing her to the great composers, which, as anyone who knows her can attest to, led to her love for the works of Beethoven.

Kat maintains a strong relationship with her parents and her siblings, a brother Michael and a sister Karoline, and finding the time to spend with her family is a priority.. Growing up in the Inland Empire, a collision of influences led Kat into our world much earlier than most, her first tattoo came at age 14, an old English “J” on her ankle, a memento of a love gone-by. Shortly thereafter, realizing her natural art ability, in early 1996 her friends asked her to pick up the machine and get to work on them (her first effort was a Misfits skull with a homemade rig), the tattooing wasn’t easy but she knew it felt right and she knew she wanted to pursue it. In 1998, she began working in her first professional shop, Sin City Tattoo, a local place in her neighborhood. A year and a half later, she moved on to Blue Bird Tattoo in Pasadena for a year then on to Red Hot Tattoo in Arcadia. A little under two years later she started working with the talented bunch at Inflictions, a shop out in Covina, Ca.

This was a great period of growth in her work and led to her eventually moving down to True Tattoo, a chance to work with Clay Decker and Chris Garver. Any tattooist worth their salt can see what an honor and an opportunity this was, and any one who had known Kat over the course of her career to that point knew that not only did she deserve the chance but was sincere and talented enough to add to the already high standards of that shop. In addition, it afforded her the opportunity to live and work in Hollywood, the heart of the city that she loves, Los Angeles. With this group together and the quality of the visiting artists and the additions to the line-up over the years, True Tattoo has become one of the shops that any real enthusiast (whether artist or client) must visit, a place where something great is always happening. 

So much for the basics of her biography, let’s move on to what I think really matters, whom I feel she is as a person and who she is as my friend. From the moment we met, I knew she was a bright, talented girl with a true affinity for tattooing and our six years of friendship have offered me a view of her life that not only confirmed my initial impressions but exceeded my expectations. As many of you who have tried to arrange an appointment with her know, she’s booked completely with a long waiting list, but what most people aren’t aware of is that long before she appeared on television, she was one of the busiest artist’s in Los Angeles. Her work spoke for itself and each piece she finished brought in fresh interest, this in addition to her comfortable bedside manor had her working at a pace that few equaled. To this day, I’m regularly astonished at her work ethic and enthusiasm for every piece she does, and her endurance, I say with lack of any exaggeration, is extraordinary. She is generous to a fault, incredibly loyal to her family, friends, and those in our business who treat her fairly; and despite all the bullshit that is part and parcel of this industry and the demands she is under, she is generally in a good mood and always finds the time to be there for you if you need her. I am glad to know her and proud to call her my friend.

November 16th, 2008 by Kat Von

If you finally decide to get a tattoo you will go to a recommended tattoo artist. He will probably show you some designs to pick from. If you don’t like any of them you can ask him to do a custom one. Be careful when choosing the design of your new tattoo because you will live with it all your life. Anyway, after getting a tattoo done you should know some aftercare tips that cannot be ignored.

If you go to a good tattoo shop than the tattoos will clean and apply antiseptic ointment to the tattoo while creating it. This is the healthiest way to make a tattoo.

After the job is finished the artist will clean it and use another coat of ointment. Then will apply a piece of cellophane or soft tissue.

After all that is done the tattooist will explain you how to take care of your new tattoo or he will give you a sheet with detailed instructions. in case none of this happens i will explain you in the rest of this article what you should do.

1. First of all, when you get home, don’t jump immediately in the shower. My advice is to keep it dry(but also clean). Be sure to wash your hands very well before touching the new tattoo. This way you won’t have any complications or infections.

2. Next, go to the first drug store you find and buy a tube of A&D Ointment. Apply it on the tattoo the first four too six days. After it gets dry remove the old application with a piece of soft cloth and then apply another one. Be very careful not to rub too hard the new tattoo. Do not use soap in the first few day, it’s not recommended.

3. After few days you can stop using the A&D Ointment. Try to use some kind unscented, unmediated body lotion, as some scents may irritate the still-tender skin of your tattoo.

4. After you have applied the body lotion for around week you can stop doing that. A problem is that when the tattoo heals it will scab in some portions. When you will try to pick these cabs be very careful not to damage your tattoo design. So the best for you and your tattoo is to let it heal alone.

So after you get a new tattoo and fallow this after car instructions you can be sure that you won’t have any problems. I use these methods my self and I can sincerely recommend it.

November 16th, 2008 by Kat Von

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Best Regards,

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November 16th, 2008 by Kat Von

November 16th, 2008 by Kat Von

Tattoos have become extremely common in our society. People from the teenage years to senior citizens now get tattoos. Tattoo studios have proliferated across the country, offering an ever-expanding range of artistic expression on one’s own body. The public has also become more familiar with the possibility of removing an unwanted tattoo, especially with laser tattoo removal. This has fueled parallel growth in the tattoo removal industry.

Tattoo removal has been around almost as long as tattooing. Old methods of removal included surgical excision, sometimes with skin grafting. This is a tried and true method and requires only one treatment. However, the side effect is an unsightly scar, and possibly another scar where a skin graft was obtained. Other older methods of removal included abrasives, such as salt crystal scrubbing just after a tattoo is removed. Dermabrasion is similar, and uses a power-sanding device to abrade the skin down to below the tattoo. This can also be effective but may leave a scar, depending on the depth of dermabrasion required. Acids, such as glycolic acid or TCA, have also been used and work by a similar mechanism, through a chemical burn. One method of tattoo removal favored by tattoo artists involves over-tattooing with an acid or saline. This is variably effective and can lead to severe scarring in some cases.

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Laser tattoo removal was first widely performed with the CO2 laser. This laser works by burning off a superficial layer of skin with each pass. A cloth is used to wipe off the layer, with extra focus on picking out the tattoo pigment fragments. This method fell out of favor due to the superficial scarring that is inherent to how this method and other caustic techniques work. However, a single CO2 laser session may completely remove a tattoo.

Q-switched lasers are currently the state of the art for laser tattoo removal. Q-switching means that a very short, high-energy burst of laser light is directed at the tattoo. It works on the principle of selective photothermolysis. The ink preferentially absorbs the laser light and has to expand, as would any substance does when heated. However, the q-switched burst of light is so rapid that it fractures the tattoo ink instead, much as very cold ice cubes crack when put in a glass of warm water. As the tattoo ink is broken down into finer particles that are small enough for the body’s immune cells to absorb, the tattoo is gradually lightened with each treatment. This process has to be repeated multiple times in order to completely remove a tattoo. Some colors, such as yellow, that do not absorb the laser light well may not be able to be removed. Also, if the ink is too deep in the skin, the light may not penetrate far enough to affect it. Finally, this process depends on a functioning immune system and good lymphatic flow, so impairment of these would probably impair effectiveness.

The Q-switched lasers that have been on the market include the ruby, alexandrite and Nd:YAG. The ruby was the first laser available and has affinity for blue ink but has the disadvantage of a high-degree of melanin absorption. This can lead to burns in darkly-pigmented individuals at higher energies. The alexandrite functions at a slightly longer wavelength and has a greater affinity for green pigment. The Nd:Yag has affinity for black pigment at 1064 nm and the least melanin absorption. It can also be used with frequency doubling to 532 nm in order to treat red pigment. For multicolor tattoos, a combination of different lasers may be necessary for the greatest range of effectiveness

As with any laser, even q-switched lasers can have side effects. The most common are hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation. These improve with time and usually resolve. It is possible to completely remove a tattoo using these lasers without causing any scarring, however one must not be tempted to turn up the laser’s energy excessively. For patrons that have the patience to return for multiple visits, q-switched laser treatment offers the best chance for scar-free complete tattoo removal.

Research in tattoo removal is focusing on alternative inks. Some inks have been micro-encapsulated so that a single laser treatment would completely remove them. Other inks are made to fade over different lengths of time. The latter does not give you the option of keeping the tattoo if you decide that you really like it. Research on new lasers is also ongoing.

November 16th, 2008 by Kat Von

If you are thinking of getting a tattoo, take the time to talk with your tattoo artist. During the conversation, make sure to have a list of questions that you would like answered prior to moving forward with your decision. Below are a few questions that you should consider asking:

How long have you been in business? This is important in determining how professional the work will be and what type of reputation the business has. If the tattoo studio is a member of the Better Business Bureau, check out their record to see about any complaints that have been initiated within the previous 36 months.

What are your qualifications? Before you see a doctor, isn’t it important to know that they are qualified? Absolutely. The same is true with a tattoo artist. Even though the two professions are completely different, there are similarities in that both involve the use of needles and both professionals must be knowledgeable in their approach at sterilizing their equipment. An individual’s qualifications and training history will tell you a lot about what to expect.

Do you guarantee your work? If the final image isn’t exactly as you had hoped for, will it be fixed at no charge or what is the process if you are unhappy with the tattoo? Is there any type of refund policy? These are all important in determining service after the sale.

Can I see samples of your work or do you have references? If you want to know about the quality of work, you should always ask for references in any business.

How much will this cost? Before agreeing to a specific tattoo design, you will want to know the full cost involved. Large tattoos can be very costly, but even the smallest design can be expensive if you are on a budget. Do yourself a favor and avoid any surprises – ask about the costs upfront.

How many tattoos have you done? This will give you a good indication of the experience level and how much design works the artist has done.

What is the likelihood of an infection and how may I prevent one from occurring? Every good tattoo artist can provide this information. He/she should be able to tell you what to do to lessen the likelihood of an infection and what to do if you suspect that one may be developing.

Is there anyone who should not get a tattoo, such as someone with certain medical conditions? This is important, especially if you are asking because you have a condition that concerns you. Individuals with thin blood, for instance, may be more cautious about anything that involves breaking the skin or needles. The same is true of individuals with other conditions, which should be addressed prior to agreeing to be tattooed.

If I have a fear of needles, is there any way to help me through the process of getting a tattoo? Don’t feel bad if this is you. A lot of people have a fear of needles, which is a device used in creating tattoos. If you are afraid, it never hurts to explain this to the tattoo artist beforehand so that he/she can try to take extra steps to make you feel at ease or to make the experience a less painful one for you.

How long will the tattooing process take? This is important, especially if you are getting a tattoo on your lunch break. All kidding aside, you will want to know how long to expect the process to take so that you can plan the rest of your day accordingly.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice. Before deciding on getting a tattoo or having one removed, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for medical advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual healthcare needs.

November 16th, 2008 by Kat Von

Tribal Tattoos – Tribal tattoo designs have been around for hundreds of years and are becoming more and more complex and constantly evolving and morphing into what has become known as neo tribal tattoo styles. Tribal tattoos can be traditional ‘black work’ on the arms and legs or more colorful styles characterized by the ‘Modern Primitive’ look covering the entire body.

‘Old School’ Style Tattoos – Anchors and swallows seem to be making a comeback and not just amongst old sailors and bikers. A lot of females are asking for tattoos of swallows and anchors on their neck and chest while many guys are going for the old’ sailor Jerry tattoos on their forearms. This style is further fueled by the 1950′s revival characterized by retro vixens such as the Suicide Girls.

Lower Back Tattoos – These are a perennial favorite particularly amongst females. The most popular lower back tattoos are still tribal designs but dragons, lotus flowers and eastern symbolism seems to be popular as well.

Dragon Tattoos – Dragon tattoo designs are another style of tattoo that seems to be enjoying a revival. There are so many styles of dragons from the traditional Chinese dragon tattoo to more mythical dragons.

Celtic Tattoos – many people with no celtic origin are doing celtic tattoos on people with a celtic heritage but also. Some of the celtic symbols are universal in nature and have universal meanings common to all races. This may explain why celtic tattoos are being mixed with tribal tattoos creating a style of tattoo known as tribal celtic tattoos.

Tips for Getting Tattoos

Choose your tattoo carefully. Don’t go for some off the wall ‘flash’ tattoo. A good tattoo artist is capable of doing ‘custom work’.

Try not mix different tattoo styles such as Japanese and Tribal styles. It doesn’t work!

Go to a reputable tattoo artist not some backstreet ‘scratcher’ who is cheap but you will inevitably regret later. Build a relationship with the tattoo artist if you plan of getting a lot of tattoos.

Take proper care especially of newer tattoos. In summer many people get tattooed and can’t wait to flash their tattoos in public. Be careful that you do not expose your new tattoos to too much sun, which will fade them. Use plenty of sunscreen to avoid them fading prematurely.

November 16th, 2008 by Kat Von

With the tattoo industry becoming more popular, the potential for making a career out of tattooing is opening up for a lot of people. If you are one of the individuals who can see themselves working as a tattoo artist, then there are some things you need to know first. In this article you will learn how to become a tattoo artist.

Learning how to become a tattoo artist isn’t easy. And it isn’t for everyone. If you don’t have some raw artistic talent, then it probably isn’t the job for you. But if you’re artistic side is one of your strongest, then you just might have what it takes. The first step is to exercise your artistic skill. Books, classes and fellow artists can help you do this. Once you’ve put in the time you need in order to be the best artist on paper, put together a portfolio of your work. This is essentially a collection of your art put together in a professional looking way to show to potential employers.

The next step in learning how to become a tattoo artist is getting an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship is like an internship, where you work for someone for free and learn from them as you go. Apprenticing will give you valuable knowledge about the tattoo business. You can get an apprenticeship by networking. Ask your friends and their friends if they know of one available. You can also approach tattoo parlor owners with your portfolio to ask them about becoming an apprentice.

There is no formal ending to an apprenticeship. It ends when the teacher, or shop owner decides that the apprentice is ready and prepared to tattoo professionally. Sometimes a contract is signed at the beginning of the apprenticeship. Other times, the teacher might hire you as an employee. Now that you have learned how to become a tattoo artist, you will be free to look for a job elsewhere, or even opens your own tattoo parlor.

Learning how to become a tattoo artist is like many other professions; it’s never really over. As time goes on, you’ll learn new techniques and processes from employers, co-workers, workshops, conventions and even employees. As a tattoo artist, you should always be open to learning and developing your skill. This is the best way to become and remain successful in the business.

From needles, ink and tattoo machines to body piercing jewelry and equipment, we can provide you with all the info as well as current industry news and new products. Beginning with tattoo equipment, it’s important to research the types of equipment that are out there and the pros and cons to using each type. Tattoo guns, needles, tubes, tattoo starter kits, machines, and inks are all key to starting a studio, shop, parlor or business. The guns and machines are usually hand crafted or homemade. As for the inks, it is crucial to carry a wide variety of colors so you as the artists can create rich and unique designs.

November 16th, 2008 by Kat Von

When considering a tattoo, it is important to do some research on the tattoo parlor before deciding to hire them. There are several questions that every customer should ask before even considering hiring a tattoo artist. How long has the tattoo parlor been in business? Have there been any complaints lodged against them with the local Better Business Bureau.

If you have friends who also have tattoos, who do they recommend and what was their experience with the artist? It is very important to follow up with references, along with an extensive background check of the company. The background check may be to simply make sure the company hasn’t switched names a number of times or moved around frequently within the same area, which may indicate poor service. All of these factors must be considered before selecting a tattoo parlor and/or artist.

In your research, try to find out which businesses have the best history with making sure their equipment is clean. This is the most important thing to consider about tattoos because, if the business is not licensed or the artist is not a professional, there is no guarantee that their instruments are clean or properly maintained. Your health is your biggest concern so, if you are considering tattoos, be sure to select the best parlor for the job. If equipment is unsanitary, there is the possibility of diseases being transmitted or even infections. These can be very dangerous and should not be discounted.

A quality tattoo parlor is one that will be welcoming to the customer. The artist should be friendly and personable and not intimidate the customer. In addition, the artist should not push one design over another. For example, a customer should not be talked into getting a more expensive tattoo when the one they really wanted would cost much less. The same business practices, regarding sales and customer service, are the same with tattoo parlors and any other business. No customer likes a pushy sales pitch or an unfriendly salesperson. The tattoo parlor that a customer ultimately selects should be one that looks clean, features friendly and courteous service and has a good record with the Better Business Bureau and customer references.

The best way to locate tattoo parlors is a quick search through the telephone book’s yellow pages or via one of the many Internet directories. By searching under the ‘tattoo’ category or keyword, an individual should be able to quickly locate any tattoo parlors in his/her local area.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or recommendations for tattoo placement. Before deciding on getting a tattoo or having one removed, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for medical advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual healthcare needs.