Last October, famous tattoo artist and TV personality Kat Von D surprised her followers with a significant announcement.
She shared that she would be covering many of her well-known tattoos with solid black ink.
In an Instagram video at the time, the 42-year-old showcased the beginning stages of the blackout process, with the video highlighting the transformation of her ribcage and back.
Kat revealed that she had spent nearly 40 hours under the needle to achieve this new look.
In a more recent interview with Inked Magazine, Kat opened up about her reasons for covering her iconic tattoos and displayed the dramatic results in a photoshoot.
“I think I had been fed up with a lot of the tattoos I got over the years for a long time,” Kat admitted.
Prompted by this feeling, she decided to collaborate with Hoode Philly, a tattoo artist from Philadelphia renowned for his skill in blackout tattooing.
“I just couldn’t explain how satisfying it was to see all the messes he would clean up with his blackout tattoo work,” she shared.
“I think at that time I thought I would just black out an arm, but shortly after, I knew I would end up tattooing my whole body.”
She disclosed the primary reason for this dramatic transformation, stating that the tattoos ‘represented a part of my life that no longer aligns with who I am today.’
She continued: “Some people are fine with keeping these types of landmarks in time on them.”
“I personally grew tired of waking up to them, and seeing those constant reminders every time I looked in a mirror.”
She also shared another motivation for her decision, explaining, “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.”
Kat’s transformation extends beyond the physical changes to her skin. Recently, she underwent a profound personal transformation as well.
In 2023, Kat made a significant spiritual shift by getting baptized into the Christian church, turning away from her previous involvement with witchcraft and the occult.
While speaking on the “Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey” podcast, she opened up about her spiritual journey leading to her baptism.
“I was just searching for answers and meaning in so many of the wrong places like most people do.”
“I don’t want these crutches in my life anymore, and that’s what really I saw them as. I just want Jesus, and it’s a very narrow road.”
“I feel like all these other, these breathing techniques, or spell work, nature worship, all these things, they’re just crutches.”
“They’re not really my answer. And so for me, I would rather eliminate any distractions. And this is just what works for me,” she elaborated.