From Colored Pencils to Color Bombs: The Artistic Journey of Kate Perets
Kate Perets may have been born into a family of conventional paths, but she was never meant to stay within the lines. From doodling on elementary school desks to blending vibrant graffiti and portraits in her tattoo work, Kate’s journey has been anything but ordinary.
Childhood: Drawing Against the Grain
From the earliest moments she can recall, Kate was inseparable from her colored pencils. Whether it was a notebook, a napkin, or even a classroom desk, any surface was fair game for her creative energy.
I thought I was decorating the desk,” she laughs. “My teacher didn’t agree.
Interestingly, Kate was the first in her family to step into the world of art. “No one around me was artistic—not music, not dance, nothing,” she explains. “I always felt like the odd one out.”
From Teacher to Tattooist: A Leap of Passion
Kate’s formal journey into art began with nine years at a children’s art school, followed by advanced studies in design and teaching. She worked as an art teacher and loved the role, especially connecting with children, but the pay couldn’t support her.
Then came a turning point.
“One day, during my lunch break, I walked into a nearby tattoo studio I found online,” she says. “The owner saw my sketches and offered to train me on the spot.”
April 8, 2014, marked her last day in a traditional job—and her first as a tattoo artist. She’s never looked back.
Mastering the Machine: Struggles and Breakthroughs
Kate’s early tattooing days weren’t smooth. Despite being a talented illustrator, translating that skill to skin was tough.
“My lines weren’t clean, my colors lacked saturation, and sometimes things just didn’t connect,” she recalls. “I was frustrated, but I didn’t want to give up.”
Instead, she kept going—offering lower prices in the beginning because she felt her work didn’t yet justify full rates. Her commitment paid off, and today, Kate’s known for vibrant, unique designs that push artistic boundaries.
Staying in Love with the Craft
When asked to describe her style, Kate answers without hesitation: “I’m a mixer.”
She blends elements from all tattoo genres—Polynesian, Japanese, traditional—and adds layers of graffiti, sticker art, and vibrant color. Her signature approach makes each tattoo a storytelling moment, particularly when it comes to pets.
“I love tattooing dogs. Each has its own character, habits, and quirks. I love capturing that.”
Behind the Design: Kate’s Creative Process
Kate’s design process starts with a concept—like a geisha in a Chicano graffiti world—and builds from there.
She gathers references, creates digital collages, and then lets the magic happen. “I put on music and just draw. I can’t fully explain it. Something just clicks.”
The Hardest Skill to Master
For Kate, color portraits remain the biggest technical challenge.
“You need to get the likeness right and still make it look alive on the skin,” she says. “You only get one shot—it’s intimidating!”
Color, Stickers & Graffiti: Her Signature Touch
Kate’s designs often include nods to street art—graffiti lines, sticker motifs, and eye-catching color palettes. These elements make her work pop with playful personality and emotional weight.
Best Moments: Sketch Reveals and Client Reactions
“The most satisfying part?” she says. “When I show clients their design right before we start.”
Kate never reveals her sketches in advance. She loves the element of surprise—and the moment a client lights up at the mirror, seeing their tattoo completed for the first time.
“When they scream with joy, it makes every hour of work worth it.”
Always Evolving: What’s Next?
Kate believes evolution comes from exposure to the world. Currently exploring the U.S., her long-term dream is to tattoo around the globe.
“Every country has its own tattoo culture, and I want to learn from all of them.”
Tattoo Conventions: A Creative Necessity
Conventions play a major role in Kate’s growth. Attending 7 to 10 per year, she views them as essential.
“You need to compare yourself to others—it’s how you avoid creative stagnation,” she says. “There’s always someone better, and that’s beautiful. The bar keeps rising. Art doesn’t have a ceiling.”
Kate also frequently judges tattoo competitions, a responsibility she takes seriously. “It’s not just about taste; it’s about fairness and recognizing hard work.”
The Takeaway
Kate Perets is a testament to the power of persistence, passion, and personal expression. From scoldings in grade school to standing ovations at tattoo conventions, her story inspires artists everywhere to chase what sets their souls on fire—even if they have to draw outside the lines to get there.
