Kat Von D is no stranger to reinvention, and her latest transformation is turning heads.
The 42-year-old tattoo artist has revealed the results of her dramatic decision to cover nearly all of her colorful tattoos with solid black ink.
This move comes after she admitted she had grown “fed up” with her old designs and wanted a fresh start.
The Blackout Journey Begins
Kat first announced her plan in October, sharing that she would cover 80% of her body in black ink.
Social media photos show her arms now cloaked entirely in solid black, while she continues to laser some pieces, including a rose on her neck.
The TV star has been keeping fans in the loop, documenting the process for her Instagram followers.
Speaking to Inked Magazine, she explained her mindset behind the change: “I think I had been fed up with a lot of the tattoos I got over the years for a long time.”
She reached out to Hoode, an artist specializing in blackout tattoos, and was captivated by how he could “clean up” her older work.
What started as the idea of blacking out one arm soon evolved into the decision to transform her whole body.
Hours of Ink and a Message to Critics
Kat shared that the blackout process has been intense.
Last October, she posted an Instagram video showing the work, which took 17 sessions and nearly 40 hours to reach about 80% completion.
Addressing critics, she added: “Maybe before commenting any negativity, just remind yourself: What you consider ugly might be beautiful to someone else.”
For Kat, the old tattoos no longer reflected who she is today.
Many were reminders of past struggles and habits, like her drinking days.
“Some people are fine with keeping these types of landmarks in time on them – I personally grew tired of waking up to them,” she said.
The new black ink, she explained, gives her a clean, satisfying aesthetic she genuinely enjoys.
Covering the Past, One Tattoo at a Time
The first step in Kat’s blackout journey was leaving only a portrait of her father untouched on her arm.
She described the experience as liberating: “It felt so good to finally cover up so many of the tattoos I got back when I used to drink.
They meant nothing to me but landmarks in dark times.” With the new look, she feels a sense of renewal and clarity.
Music Returns to the Spotlight
Alongside her new aesthetic, Kat is also reigniting her music career.
While she spent years building Kat Von D Beauty and appearing on TV, music has always been her first passion.
“I let a decade or two get consumed by filming TV shows and running my old makeup line,” she admitted.
“I don’t necessarily regret all the little empires I’ve built, but there is a part of me that wishes I had released my music sooner.”
She’s now fully focused on her upcoming album and a subsequent tour.
Despite skepticism from some, Kat emphasized that her dedication to music is genuine: “People were naturally skeptical, and I totally get it… but music is my main focus right now.”
Thick Skin in the Face of Criticism
Years in the public eye have helped Kat develop resilience.
While social media negativity can be loud, she has learned to filter out the noise.
“You just have to figure out a way to not care,” she said.
Still, she admits to feeling slightly offended at times but mostly finds haters’ ignorance amusing.
A Life Transformation Beyond Tattoos
Kat’s reinvention isn’t just skin-deep. She has relocated to rural Indiana with her husband, Leafar Seyer (Rafael Reyes), and their five-year-old son.
The move marks a shift to a simpler life, complete with plans to set up a homestead on their Victorian property.
In addition, Kat has embraced Christianity, leaving behind her past involvement with witchcraft.
On the Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey podcast, she explained: “I just want Jesus, and it’s a very narrow road… all these other things were crutches.”
Sobriety, faith, and a focus on family now define her path.
Fresh Slate, Fresh Perspective
From tattoos to faith and music, Kat Von D is embracing change at every level.
Her blackout tattoos symbolize more than just aesthetic preference—they mark a chapter of personal growth, letting go of the past, and stepping confidently into her present and future.