tattoo Artist

Kurt (Tatzilla)

Kurt builds bold Japanese and American Traditional tattoos that respect tradition and stand the test of time. He’s equally skilled in fine line, black & grey, geometric, lettering, cover-ups, and repairs. Outside the shop, Kurt builds custom tattoo machines and paints large-scale Japanese tattoo traditions using watercolor and ink. He loves to be outdoors surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding and hiking with his dog Bruno.

Kurt's Styles:

See more work by Kurt below.

Meet Kurt (Tatzilla)

Rooted in Tradition, Fueled by Passion

After tattooing for 25 years, Japanese and American Traditional are where I’m most passionate, but I’m experienced across all styles: fine line, geometric, black and grey, lettering, tribal, watercolor, cover-ups, repairs – whatever you need done right.

These days when I’m not at Golden Child, you’ll find me guest spotting, from Maui and Kauai, up through Northern California, Chicago, the Southwest. I also paint large-scale watercolor and ink art inspired by the Japanese traditions I study. It keeps my eye sharp and my hand steady. I build custom tattoo machines when I need to problem-solve with my hands.

I approach every session calmly and collaboratively. Whether we’re starting fresh or fixing a piece that needs new life, I want to nail exactly what you’re going for. Outside the shop, I’m in the mountains snowboarding, fishing, camping and hiking with my dog Bruno. Living ant the beach here in San Diego for decades I also love to surf, skateboard and enjoy the water as much as possible. Nature reminds me that everything ages with character, and I bring that respect into every tattoo I do.

- Kurt

Portfolio

See More of Kurt's Work

Kurt builds bold Japanese and American Traditional tattoos that respect tradition and stand the test of time. He’s equally skilled in fine line, black & grey, geometric, lettering, cover-ups, and repairs. Outside the shop, Kurt builds custom tattoo machines and paints large-scale Japanese tattoo traditions using watercolor and ink. He loves to be outdoors, surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, and hiking with his dog Bruno.

Client Words

What People Say About Our Work

Dawson Riley

2 days ago

Definitely go check them out! I have gotten a couple tattoos from Kurt @tatzilla Really cool vibes and very talented artists. Came in on a walk in for my first tattoo from Kurt, he drew up an amazing work of art.

edward Pie

4 days ago

The Artist Kristine was amazing. The place was very down to earth and friendly and adjusted the music for our children.

audrey landon ross

5 days ago

Followed my artist Olivia here where she just started working, and the shop was nice! so many artists working, shop was clean and had good vibes all around :), Definitely hit up olivia whenever you come in, her work is amazing!!

Becky Pietrenka

5 days ago

Had a custom piece designed in honor of my father who passed away. My brother got a matching one. Kristine did a phenomenal job. Both of us couldn’t be happier with the outcome. When I get more tattoos, I will definitely be booking with Kristine at Golden Child!

The Rest of Our tattoo Artist Crew

Trish Westbrook

@tattoo_trish

A versatile tattoo artist with a signature pop of color across many styles. Trish listens to the meaning behind each piece, designs it to last, and keeps every client comfortable from start to finish.

Olivia Thompson

@artdispoo

A Southern California artist working in black and grey and color realism and surrealism, with a love for bold color and fine line. Olivia crafts portraits, florals, animals, and large-scale black and grey pieces her clients carry with purpose for life.

Sloe Rivera

@_sloejamz_

A top Escondido tattoo artist, Slo specializes in black and gray realism, portraits, and custom lettering with availability for new clients.

Melissa

@linesbymelissa

Valley Center’s Melissa inks expressive linework and dainty fineline tattoos, blending bold ideas with feather light detail for collectors.

Kristine

@krist.inktattoo

Escondido linework artist Kristine creates custom mandalas and graceful organic florals with eco-inks and a calm, client-first vibe.

Mathias Moretti

@mgmoretti_

San Diego native Mathias crafts bright, bold Americana color pieces, drawing 90s punk energy into collaborative, fun sessions.

Stephen Carballo

@thelosangelesriver

Stephen Carballo is a traveling fine line and micro-realism tattoo artist with over 20 years of experience — tattooing at Golden Child most weekdays when not on the road.

Katherine Parada

@kat_parmu

Specializing in micro-realism, fine line, graphic, and geometric styles, Katherine Parada blends technical precision with artistic flair to create meaningful, detailed tattoos.

Katelyn Alvarado

@epic_avacado

Specializing in fine line, black and grey, and bold color tattoos, Katelyn Alvarado creates personalized, meaningful designs, including botanical themes, critters, and custom pet portraits.

Jason Veytia

@v8ia

With 25+ years of experience, Jason has developed his own style, incorporating traditional, neo-traditional, realism, illustration, and more into his work.

Estefan Ortiz AKA Rayz

@hunson13abadeer

Specializing in a Neo-Traditional and illustrative style, Rayz's tattoos come filled with either saturated colorful pieces or soft, texturized black and gray ones.

Nick Crawford

@costlymistake

Specializing in American-Traditional tattoos, Nick keeps that classic traditional look without veering away from that timeless style.

Brandon Castillo AKA Sixer

@sixer.one

Shop owner Sixer is a versatile artist tattooing in a range of styles, with crisp, clean lines, saturated blacks and colors to create contrast throughout his work.