tattoo Artist

Kurt (Tatzilla)

Hey, I’m Kurt. I build bold Japanese and American Traditional pieces backed by 25 years in the craft. But I’m experienced across all tattoo styles: fine line, geometric, lettering, cover-ups, and repairs. You’ll find me guest spotting from Northern California to Hawaii, the Midwest, and Southwest when I’m not at Golden Child. I work collaboratively to nail exactly what you’re after.

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 mountians 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

Joseph Fusco

Badass, chill, fast, and fun flash tattoo.
Kurt @ golden child tattoo added personal touches to his flash creation and has such crisp beautiful line work. Def . Coming back.

Jenni Tanksley

Kurt is awesome. A perfectionist and it shows in his work. I told him what I wanted, showed him some pictures and he made them even better. I am so happy with my new tattoos. Already planning more with him.
Everyone is so nice and friendly. I would highly recommend this shop.

Erin Fraser

Kurt was so personable and professional!! He went above and beyond to make my idea come to life, with artistic suggestions to make it even better! I would 100% recommend him to anyone!

alex pipa

Very professional and attentive staff, I will come back with my friend and daughter soon for piercing. Thank you!

The Rest of Our tattoo Artist Crew

Nick Crawford

@costlymistake

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

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.

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.

Mathias Moretti

@mgmoretti_

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

Kristine

@krist.inktattoo

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

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.

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.