MEDIA
KIT

Katie Mizuno is a geometric tattoo artist and owner of Dark Water, an appointment-only tattoo studio in Berkeley, California. She specializes in biophillic geometric designs that transform natural patterns into abstract ornamental tattoos using dot work, blackwork, and shading techniques.

Background

Katie grew up in Boulder, Colorado and studied at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, where she worked as an SFX makeup artist. She completed her tattoo apprenticeship under Brucius Von Xylander at Black Serum in San Francisco and has worked at various Bay Area shops including Black & Blue Tattoo before opening Dark Water.

Digital Presence

Katie creates viral content covering tattoo lifestyle, tattoo history, shop life, and various educational and humorous tattoo-related topics, with multiple videos receiving over 10 million views each. Her online brand is built on authenticity and positivity—she avoids humor at others' expense and responds to negative comments with kindness. This genuine, brand-friendly approach has expanded her reach beyond traditional tattoo audiences and makes her an appealing partner for collaborations.

Katie's books are closed through 2025 with reopening scheduled for Fall 2025. Her waiting list extends over a year.

Contact Information:

Studio: Dark Water, Berkeley, CA
Website: www.katiemizuno.com
Booking Status: Closed until Fall 2025

Katie Mizuno

Tattoo Highlights

Suminagashi Style
Full Sleeves & more
Geometric Style
Surgery Coverup Tattoos
Nature Inspired
Seamless Geometry

What People Are Saying

Katie Mizuno is amazing! I was specifically looking for women artists in the Bay Area who do heavy black work, which is hard to find (hopefully that changes!) when I discovered her. The studio is squeaky clean and I felt absolutely safe going there. I don't know how her mind works, but she was able to beautifully incorporate the inspiration photos I sent her into a dreamy piece. Katie is so sweet and a joy to talk, which is nice when you're there for several hours. I got my tattoo over a year ago and it still looks brand new.

She also has some hilarious and informative reels on her Instagram about the tattooing business.

— Lindsay R.

★★★★★

Traveled from Washington to get a tattoo from Katie because I loved her work. I am extremely pleased with Katie's professionalism and tattooing skills. The shop is beautiful and very clean, and I felt very comfortable spending two days there as Katie worked on my arm. I can't wait to return again!

—Hannah J.

★★★★★

Katie is a both an incredible artist and a delightful person. I left a marathon 6 hour long blackwork session for an extensive neck piece feeling safe, cared-for, and excited about her extraordinary work. Her space is immaculate and her skill shows in how well the piece healed. I cannot recommend her enough.