Kat Von D Today: Her Life, Music, and Art After Makeup

Kat Von D Today: From Tattoo Icon to Small-Town Artist

For decades, Katherine Von Drachenberg—better known simply as Kat Von D—was a ubiquitous name in pop culture. From her breakout appearances on TLC’s Miami Ink to headlining her own hit reality series LA Ink, she defined early-2000s counterculture. She also built a massive global cosmetics empire that sat on the vanities of millions. But if you are wondering about Kat Von D today, the answer looks dramatically different from her days of Hollywood red carpets and reality television drama.

In recent years, Kat Von D has undergone a profound personal and professional transformation. She stepped away from the spotlight of Los Angeles, parted ways with her billion-dollar makeup line, and pivoted toward music, fine art, and a quieter family life in the American Midwest. This comprehensive look explores where she is now, what projects she is currently pursuing, and how she defines her life today.

Leaving Los Angeles and Moving to Indiana

One of the most drastic changes in Kat Von D's life has been her geographic relocation. In late 2020, she announced that she was officially packing up her life in Los Angeles—where she had lived and worked for nearly twenty years—and moving her family to a historic home in Vevay, Indiana.

The decision was driven by a desire for a slower, more grounded lifestyle away from California politics, taxes, and high-stress urban environments. She purchased a sprawling, historic 19th-century mansion known as the Oliver P. Shank house, which she spent months carefully restoring.

• Restoration Projects: Kat is well-known for her love of Victorian architecture and dark aesthetic. She documented the meticulous restoration of her Indiana estate, preserving its original woodwork and historical charm.
• Community Life: Rather than isolating herself, she has embraced small-town living, occasionally opening local businesses and interacting with residents in rural Indiana.
• Family Focus: The move was largely motivated by raising her son, Leafar, in a quieter, nature-filled environment alongside her husband, Rafael Reyes (better known as Leafar Seyer from the electronic rock duo Prayers).

What Happened to KVD Beauty?

For many fans, the biggest question centers around her beauty brand. Kat Von D launched her signature makeup line with Sephora in 2008, and it quickly became a powerhouse known for high-pigment formulas and edgy branding (such as the famous 'Lolita' liquid lipstick).

However, in January 2020, Kat announced she was selling her remaining shares of the company to Kendo (owned by LVMH), stepping down entirely from the brand. While Kendo initially rebranded the line as 'KVD Vegan Beauty' and later simply 'KVD Beauty,' many consumers still associate the products with her name.

Kat explained that the sale allowed her to focus her energy on other creative ventures that aligned more closely with her personal growth and ethical beliefs. Since stepping away, she has not been involved in the formulation, marketing, or direction of the cosmetics line.

A New Chapter in Music and Fine Art

With her makeup days behind her, Kat Von D today pours her creative energy into music and visual arts. Music has always been a passion of hers, but it has now taken center stage.

Launching Her Music Career

In 2021, she released her debut solo music album titled Love Made Me Do It. Blending dark synth-pop, post-punk, and gothic electronic elements, the album reflects her distinct aesthetic. She followed this up with international touring, trading tattoo machines for synthesizers and vocal microphones.

Her husband’s band, Prayers, often collaborates with her, and the couple embraces a dark-wave artistic lifestyle. Her music allows her to connect directly with fans who have followed her journey across different creative mediums for years.

Returning to Tattooing and Tattoo Artistry

While she famously closed her legendary High Voltage Tattoo shop in West Hollywood in 2021, Kat has not abandoned tattooing entirely. Instead, she has scaled it down into an exclusive, highly personal art form.

In Indiana, she opened a private, appointment-only tattoo studio called Wonderland. Rather than running a bustling commercial street shop with dozens of resident artists, she now takes on select clients, treating each tattoo session as an intimate, bespoke artistic experience.

Personal Evolution and Faith

Beyond her career shifts, Kat Von D’s personal life has also generated considerable public interest. In recent years, she has been quite open about her spiritual journey and personal values.

In 2022, she shared on social media that she was distancing herself from the occult, witchcraft, and dark imagery that previously defined much of her public brand. She documented getting rid of books and items related to the occult and later shared updates regarding her Christian faith, including her baptism in July 2022.

This spiritual pivot surprised some longtime fans who associated her with gothic counterculture, but Kat has maintained that her core identity as an artist and creator remains unchanged. She continues to wear her signature tattoos and distinct style while navigating this new chapter of personal reflection.

The Legacy and Future of Kat Von D

Looking at Kat Von D today, it is clear she has successfully reinvented herself on her own terms. She successfully transitioned from a pioneering reality television star and beauty mogul into an independent musician, fine artist, and small-town mother.

Whether she is tattooing out of her private Indiana studio, releasing dark synth-pop albums, or enjoying a quiet evening at home with her family, Kat has proven that creative reinvention is entirely possible. For fans who have watched her evolve over the last twenty years, her current era represents authenticity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her personal artistic vision.