Multi-awarded tattoo artist, freelance DJ, and model Melody Grace King has 90 percent of her body covered in ink. The then flawless-complexioned lass from Tarlac is now known as “Tattooed Kittie.”
Eleven years ago, 22-year-old Kittie got her very first tattoo. She attended the Dutdutan Festival, the country’s biggest and grandest tattoo exposition held annually presented by Tribal Gear Philippines, and felt intrigued, and jealous at the same time, seeing everyone sporting tattoos of all designs. She has not stopped since then.
Today, Melody officially holds the title “Most Tattooed Filipina” of the Philippine Book of Records. She says she has probably spent more than a million pesos on her tattoos. Kittie considers her skin as her diary.
“My tattoos tell the story of my life,” says the now 33-year-old Kittie, who is a member of the Philippine Tattoo Artists Guild (PhilTAG) and a DOH-certified tattoo artist.
“Like the Hello Kitty image on my elbow. When I was little, I wanted to collect Hello Kitty stuff but I did not pursue it,” she adds. She is also a big fan of zombies and images of zombies can be seen all over her body, as well as portraits of her loved ones.
In 2012, Kittie started tattooing. Her first design was the traditional rose tattoo. Kittie’s forte includes traditional, neo-traditional, and new school tattoos. She finds portraits the most difficult and admits she needs to improve her black and gray works.
Kittie considers tattoo master and PhilTAG founder Ricky Sta. Ana her idol and mentor. PhilTAG and Tribal have given her many opportunities to share her talent. Kittie now runs her own Tattooed Kittie Studio, where she herself inks her clients. Kittie has inked some popular personalities, such as local rappers.
To be a good tattoo artist, Kittie says one needs to learn proper hygiene, proper tattoo executions, and be keen with the details in the design. “Pakikisama” is also an attribute that has taken her higher in the industry.
Kittie wants to be an inspiration to women who want to get tattoos but are afraid of being judged.
“Tattoos are part of our culture, and we must be proud of it,” ends Kittie.