LA Gets New Tattoo Reality Show

Like Miami Ink? If your a fan of the show, you saw the dramatic season finale which left star artist Kat Von D leaving the shop, amid a sea of dramatics. Well, now it seems that the Kat will land on her feet with the start of her own reality Tattoo drama, LA Ink.

A quick recap, if you missed the finale of the Miami show. Kat Von D, 24 year old tattoo artist superstar, continues to express her distaste for Miami, and the shop. This grates on shop owner, Ami James, to the point that he consults with co-owner Chris Nunez about firing Kat. Ami holds a shop meeting, to discuss Kats removal, because she goes against the grain of the shop. Veteran artist Chris Garver, tried to stand up for his friend Kat, but is out numbered by the disgruntled artists. They ask Kat to come into the shop, where James tells her that it isn't working out, and fired her from the shop/show.

When I saw that, my first thought was, their going to make a Kat spin off, and sure enough, they are. Beginning in August 2007, TLC will premier LA Ink, featuring Kat Von D in her new tattoo shop, High Voltage Tattoo.

Kat had this to say, posted on her Myspace blog about leaving Miami Ink, "Tonight was a very sad night for me. As some of you may know, tonight was the season finale of Miami Ink, and i had known the time would come for this episode, where I leave Miami Ink, and obviously not the best note.

Regardless, I will never speak badly about some of the cast members that have permanently burned bridges with me, which is the true reason for me DECIDING to leave.

As difficult as it was for me to deal with lots of things on that show, (especially the behind the scenes, that you will never see), I am sincerely appreciative of the chance to represent everything i've worked so hard for, and love with all my heart; TATTOOING.

I just want to thank you guys for all of the amazing emails and support. You guys don't even know how much each email means to me. I know I haven't gotten the chance to email EVERYONE back yet, becasue I'm so behind on the emails, and been super busy building the new tattoo shop for LA Ink. But i promise, even if it takes me a year, i WILL write ya back.

More than anything, did i wish to have ended on different terms, but its hard to shake hands with a fist."

She went on to introduce her new shop and show, "e are filming the new episodes for L.A. Ink at my new tattoo shop, HIGH VOLTAGE TATTOO in Hollywood, and I cant wait to show you guys the new amazing team of tattooers. hopefully, we can all show tattooing in a good light.

The first episodes will premiere August 7th, and i will definitely keep everyone updated.

From the bottom of my heart, all i wanna do is THANK you guys so much for everything. I'm gonna throw a huge grand opening party, and when i do, everyone will be invited and hopefully i will be able to meet a lot of you."

Rumors are flying around the web about veteran artist Chris Garver leaving Miami to follow his friend back to his hometown of LA. Such a move would create even more competition between the two shows, not to mention give Kat an advantage on the tattooing skill side. Regardless, I am looking forward to seeing the new series. Kat is one of the best tattoo artists I have ever seen, and all her fans wish her good luck back in LA.