Kat Von D, the tattoo artist popularized by the reality series LA Ink, has realized how much fame could affect her personally. She realized that she has been over-analyzed by viewers and peers, thus giving her a responsibility to make others understand her lifestyle. Despite this, Von D is happy to be representing the female gender in the tattoo community



Von D told MSN TV news that it was a great opportunity to represent both women and the whole tattoo industry to the world.

She adds, "Even my own parents didn't realize how much tattoos help people, whether it's a memorial for a loved one that's passed, or celebrating the birth of a child. Life gives you so many reasons to celebrate these landmarks in time, so why not get a tattoo to represent?"

Kat Von D, who discovered her passion for ink at an early age, developed a unique style that made her popular on LA Ink's parent series, Miami Ink. She later left the show due to her conflict with shop owner Ami James. Von D said that despite the conflict, she is thankful that she has learned a lot of lessons in her time on the show.

Von D was later given the spin off, LA Ink, as she moved to Los Angeles. Along with this came the opening of her own shop, High Voltage Tattoo, which she said strongly represents the diverse culture of Los Angeles. Her shop's interiors reflect this diversity, with a taste of Von D's rocker chick persona. She even filled it up with her personal collection of rock 'n' roll memorabilia, and included a red crystal chandelier which was hung at the entrance. There was also a skateboard ramp, photo booth and stripper pole. The shop's color themes were red, yellow and pink, which was very feminine.

Von D believes in the fusion of tattoos and music, and most of her clients come from the music industry. On the upcoming episodes of the show, she will be featuring artists such as HIM, Slayer, Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance and Deftones.

LA Ink airs Tuesday nights on TLC.