Go Big or Go Home: Taking Risks in Life, Love, and Tattooing

I received this book tonight and cannot put it down. My first impression of this book is how beautifully it was produced. The photography, hand drawn sketches, illustrations, artwork, and styles of script are very nicely done. This is a book that is rich in visual detail and artistry. Kat Von D.'s writing style is very enjoyable, down to earth, genuine, and engaging. In "Go Big or Go Home: Taking Risks in Life, Love, and Tatooing," she speaks about seven meaningful characteristics; Individuality, Strength, Creativity, Independence, Presence, Wisdom, and Altruism. Each chapter is an essay, much like a journal entry, in which Kat Von D. shares personal experiences and anecdotes from family, friends, and others who have influenced her and exemplified these values. Note, this is not a self-help or "how to" psychology book. Rather, this book is a collection of life moments, lessons, and quotes, set amidst truly beautiful artwork, all of which are inspiring! Kat hopes to share her belief that, "a true self lives deep inside each of us. That self is asking to be set free so it can nurture us-if only we will take a risk and let it." It is a book about freedom, learning to be present, true to who you are, and not letting personal fears stop you from pursuing your passion in life.

Had to purchase her books for my library. This to me is the real Kat von D, not the ‘Hoosier’ she is becoming. I use to cherish her grab the world by the balls attitude she had and the incredible art she displayed on her body. The book came in incredible shape and will is an awesome addition to my ever growing library.

I heart everything Kat Von D! Her books, including Go Big or Go Home are a visual, emotional and creative feast. I turn to these books when I need creative inspiration, when I need to be reminded I am not alone on the human journey and when I just need a hug. Her honesty and transparency remind all of us that the path to self-actualization and creative fulfillment takes courage and the willingness to be vulnerable and real. Thank you Kat for continuing to inspire!Lauri Ann Lumbyauthor of Song of the Beloved - the Gospel According to Mary Magdalene and Authentic Freedom - Claiming a Life of Contentment and Joy.

Rich, treasure of a book. Kat Von D is a true artist, very hard worker and someone who truly made her dreams come true in a niche profession. Beautiful photographs of interiors, tattoos, her journals and friends. I just loved this book.

Bought this as a gift for my granddaughter. She has admired Kat and her works for a long time. Being a family who wears tattoos proudly, we look to her as the Queen of her art. The wonderful realization is that she is multitalented and still growing. She is not only an artist, she is a writer, a musician, owns several businesses and her beauty is recognized and endorsed by companies such as Sephora cosmetics, who carries her own line. My granddaughter has another Kat Von D book and has shared these with her friends to enjoy. She has revisited the pages and pictures many times.

I should start by admitting I am a fan of Kat. I pre-ordered and waited anxiously for the release date. She did not disappoint. The stories she shared of lessons learned were insightful. The photos of the tattoos were beautiful. The illustrations were inspiring. It was difficult to put down and I walked away feeling as if she let me inside her head for a short time.

I was too into it but I like her so I bought the book. As I read on I notice she intertwine people that inspire her with her message and awesome tattoos and their meaning. Over all that was really cool. When I read books by celebrities it's mostly just their story and the authors main message but her she added cool extras. Also the small writing were fun to read. This entire book is meant to keep your eyes interested in it and she succeeded at that.Over all cool book!

This was so perfect for me, at this point in my life I really needed to read this. A lot to learn. Kat's experiences were very heart warming, but also solid and cold. It was nice to know what she went through and now she handled it.

lo compre para mi hija y a ella le gusto absolutamente todo, se lo recomendaria a todos los que les gusten los tatoos

much cheaper then indigo.loved the book came very quickly , if you are a fan of Kat Von D definitely recommend adding this to your collection.

Je suis ravie. Cela faisait un moment que je voulais le commander, je ne regrette pas, le livre est superbe et les images magnifiques.Seul bémol, il n'y a pas de version française mais je le prends avec philosophie, cela m'oblige à travailler mon anglais (scolaire)

Der folgende Auszug aus dem Klappentext fasst sehr treffend zusammen, wovon "Go Big or Go Home" handelt: "... Kat von D raises the expository and tattoo bar as she writes candidly about her greatest desires, fears, successes, and failures, and shares how she has dealt with them - for better or worse. In seven thematic essays, she addresses issues close to her heart - individuality, strength, creativity, independence, presence, wisdom, and altruism - and draws on engaging and inspiring stories from her own life and those of her clients throughout each section."Wie dort beschrieben, gibt Kat von D einen tieferen Einblick in ihr Denken über die Eigenschaften in den o.g. 7 Essays und ihre entsprechenden Erfahrungen, wobei sie sehr offen auch ihre eigenen Schwächen preisgibt. Mit dieser Offenheit wie auch den Beispielen, die Kat zu den verschiedenen Charaktereigenschaften gibt, bekommt "Go Big or Go Home" einen wirklich mitreissenden Stil, der auch dazu bewegt, sich selbst (einmal wieder) Gedanken über diese Themen und das eigene Leben zu machen.Nicht zu verschweigen die ansprechende und hochwertige Aufmachung des Buches, mit dicken Seiten, gelungenen Fotos und weiteren hübschen Illustrierungen, die Schrift wie auf Pergament - sehr gut gelungen!Eine Empfehlung an alle, die auf der Suche nach Literatur über persönliche Lebenserfahrungen sind, die nicht absolut "trocken" präsentiert werden.Ein zusätzliches Interesse an Tattoos ist von Vorteil, da die meisten der Bilder solche Kunstwerke darstellen. Meiner Meinung nach ist das aber nicht absolut notwendig, denn "Go Big or Go Home" ist kein Buch übers Tätowieren, sondern über das Leben an sich, sich selbst und andern gegenüber.

Beautiful, hard cover book that is inspirational, creative and a pleasure to read.Kat VOn D is incredibly successful, smart and to boot, absolutely beautiful with lots of compassion and a desire to log down every tattoo memory in this book. This is her third volume, I found the 2nd one to be lacking in any love or life as it was mainly about her boyfriend at the time, Nikki Sixx.This book is more business - tattoos galore. From your average joe at the cafe to A - list celebs, you'll see every tattoo. First timers, many timers and completely covered in ink people. Everything goes!Kat Von D's beautiful hand written script writing and style of conversational talking really sets a great mood for the book.It's uplifiting - lots of beautiful tattoos with lots of meanings / no meaning behind them. You get to understand the method of her drawings and how she plans a tattoo from the customer's brief description.I'd love it if it had a little bookmark ribbon but that's easily remedied! Smooth glossy pages and plenty to read, you will NOT be dissappointed.