Kat Von D has given an update regarding her latest tattoo after she covered her body in black ink following a lawsuit.
In recent years, the 43-year-old tattoo artist and entrepreneur has undergone a remarkable transformation - both in her appearance and outlook on life.
Von D has now taken to social media to explain the recent years of her life.
From Icon to Blackout: Kat Von D’s Tattoo Evolution
Kat Von D’s relationship with tattoos has always been complex.
A prominent figure in the tattoo world, she made waves with her striking designs and her celebrity clientele.
However, by 2020, she felt a deep dissatisfaction with the artwork that had once defined her, per Inked Magazine.
“I personally grew tired of waking up to them, and seeing those constant reminders every time I looked in a mirror,” Von D admitted. "Also, I really love the aesthetic. I know it's not for everyone, but it is very satisfying to me to see a clean slate when I look down onto my arms."
After 17 intense sessions over nearly 40 hours, Von D began her blackout tattoo journey, where she covered up much of her past ink with solid black ink.
Initially starting with just her forearm, she soon realized that she would end up covering her entire body. Today, about 80% of her skin is now adorned with the bold black ink.
The Legal Battle That Shook Von D’s Confidence
However, Von D’s transformation wasn’t just about aesthetics.
Her decision to turn to blackout tattoos was partly fueled by a legal battle that left her emotionally drained.
In 2017, photographer Jeff Sedlik filed a lawsuit against Von D, accusing her of copyright infringement for allegedly replicating his 1989 portrait of jazz icon Miles Davis on one of her clients, per the New York Times.
After a lengthy and exhausting two-year legal battle, a jury ruled in her favor, but the process took a significant toll.
“I lost weight, I lost hair, and I lost many nights of sleep over it,” Von D confessed.
“As much as I knew this person didn’t deserve a penny from me, there were times I wanted to settle just to make it stop. But I knew if I didn’t fight, the damage to the tattoo industry and other artists would be so immense, that I couldn’t live with myself.”
.jpg_ORrhkP?tr=w-216%2Cq-70%2Cf-webp)
The experience left Von D reconsidering her future in the tattoo industry.
“I think I don’t want to ever tattoo again; my heart has been crushed through this in different ways,” she revealed.
Her perspective on tattooing was permanently altered, and it became clear that she no longer felt the same connection to the art form.
A New Beginning: Moving to Indiana and Embracing Change
In 2021, Von D took another bold step: she and her family moved from Los Angeles to a more rural life in Indiana, settling into the historic Benjamin Schenck Mansion.
This move represented a drastic shift in her lifestyle and priorities. The following year, Von D made a spiritual shift, renouncing witchcraft and deciding to embrace Christianity.
She revealed that she was removing all occult items from her home, signaling a fresh start on multiple fronts.
Recently, she has shared videos to show her blackout tattoo, and fans have noticed that it appears to have settled well.
Entering the Tattoo Removal Phase
But Von D’s transformation didn’t stop with the blackout tattoos. In a new chapter of her ongoing evolution, she has now begun the process of tattoo removal.
As part of a deeply personal milestone, she celebrated 18 years of sobriety by undergoing laser tattoo removal.
In a recent Instagram video, Von D shared the experience with her fans.
“What better way to celebrate [18 years sober] than getting a bunch of tattoos lasered off,” she wrote on social media. While the removal process can be incredibly painful, Von D appeared content with her decision.
The discomfort, often compared to “putting your arm on a grill” by comedian Pete Davidson, seems worth it for Von D as she reclaims control over her body and her narrative.