Kat Von D

 

Born Katherine Drachenberg, Katherine von Drachenberg

March 8, 1982 (1982-03-08) (age 29)

Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico

Other names Katherine von Drachenberg

Occupation Tattoo artist, Television personality

Spouse Oliver Peck (2004-2007)

Kat Von D was born in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Her parents are from Argentina. Her father, René Drachenberg, is of German descent and her mother, Sylvia Galeano, is of Italian and Spanish descent. Von D has a sister named Karoline and a brother named Michael. She moved with her family to the Los Angeles area at age 4 and grew up in Colton, California. Von D was classically trained in piano beginning at age 6.She particularly appreciates Ludwig van Beethoven.

She credits the prominent Black culture of New York City as being a major influence drawing tattoos in her art and style. She began listening to the Ramones, the Misfits and other punk rock bands at the age of 12. She got her first tattoo at 14 and quit school at 16 to become a tattoo artist.