Rock Euphoria

Tattoos and rock n’ roll go hand-in-hand and no one recognizes this more than tattoo artist and icon, Kat Von D. Named for her Los Angeles shop, her first book High Voltage Tattoo is a comprehensive compendium of all aspects of the tattoo world – and how these facets of this subculture-turned-mainstream have colored her world.

Beautifully crafted with a padded, “puffy” hardback cover and glossy, full-color pages, Kat’s personal aesthetic is present even in the meticulous design of High Voltage Tattoo. Despite being only 176 pages, the oversized, 8″ x 10″ layout packs a lot of information in this sturdy tome.

One part autobiography, Kat gives an overview of her life in both the written and pictorial sense, showcasing photos from her childhood and her life as told by her tattoos and what they mean to her. Fans looking for her to rehash gory details of her love life or any behind-the-scenes drama that went on during her stint on Miami Ink will be disappointed as there is little – if any – in the way of trash talking in these chapters.

Rather, the book focuses on the positive and is much more of a love letter to tattooing and the doors her art has opened for Ms. Von Drachenberg. Details on the tools of the trade, the science behind tattoo guns, and tidbits of information on inks and shading the perfect tattoo are related in conversational form. The information provided is relatively detailed without being overly technical. It achieves the aim of giving those outside the artist portion of the tattoo community enough information to edify them and to whet their appetite should they decide to delve further into the art on their own. It’s conversational enough to hold the reader’s attention, yet won’t overwhelm them with the minutia of details that an established tattoo artist would already be well-versed in.

The main focus of the book is undoubtedly the art, artistry, and artists showcased in High Voltage Tattoo and speaks to any tattoo aficionado regardless of how many hours they’ve spent under the (tattoo) gun — or with one in their hand. Kat cites her influences and mentors in the tattoo world with glowing praise for their work, giving the reader a glimpse at the various styles offered by other artists whose sense of aesthetics may also appeal to them. She uses her own star power to increase the visibility of those who helped her to her lofty status in the tattoo community and to give props to the current crop of artists who work out of her shop – both on camera and off.

While other artists have a solid representation in the book, High Voltage’s main visuals stems from its gorgeous layout, very much in keeping with Kat Von D’s intermingled love of music (from Beethoven to H.I.M. and beyond!) and the richly elegant style of baroque art. Segments of the book are broken down into chapters named for many an AC/DC song.

Kat also devotes a segment of the book to dispelling the myths surrounding tattoos. (No, you will not bleed more if you’re drunk when you get a tattoo. But yes, yes, yes, it is very bad form to show up sauced to your session. Let’s face it. Not many artists want to be covered with a quart of vom as they’re plying their trade in a sterile environment!)

Hundreds of Kat’s photorealistic portrait tattoos and original concepts jump off the page in both vivid color and living black and grey. Photos of the numerous celebrities she has tattooed stand alongside everyday people who have all been fortunate enough to bear the brand of Ms. Von D’s handiwork. She recounts in detail, the inspiration behind these tattoos as well as letting their recipients share their thoughts on their experience from creation to healing from both a physical and emotional standpoint.

Tattoos are more than just expression. It’s almost like therapy for some people. No longer relegated to the underground, the increased understanding of how liberating tattoos can be and how much skill goes into these portable works of art is helping to break down long-held taboos. With High Voltage Tattoo, Kat Von D continues her role in bringing the art of tattooing into a more easily accessible light to the masses, educating them while holding them spellbound with her considerable talents and charm.