Emily, better known as Miss Kitty Kat, is one of those artists you've almost certainly heard announced over the speakers at a tattoo expo. As an award winning tattoo artist, MTS Pro Team member, and now studio owner, she's built a reputation for creating incredible work and cementing her self in the tattoo industry as an epic talent!
In this interview, Emily opens up about her journey into tattooing, where she finds her creative inspiration, the lessons she's learned along the way, and what's next as she continues to grow both as an artist and a business owner.
Who are you and where do you work?
Hey! My name is Emily and I own and operate Korin Tattoo in Everton Park, QLD ☺️
How would you describe your tattoo style to someone who's never seen your work?
I'd say bold and bright colour tattoos heavily inspired by anime/pop culture. The pinks/purples/teals seem to be a bit of a giveaway!
How did you get into tattooing? Was it something you always wanted to do?
I got into tattooing and started my apprenticeship when I was 20 (so 9 years ago). I was always creative as a kid, I would draw in my school books and my friends during class, and when I was home, I would lock myself up in my room and create art of all mediums. I was about 14-15 when I felt inspired to one day become a tattooist because I thought it would be such a great feeling to have my work permanently on people's bodies! I have been getting tattooed since I turned 18 and absolutely loved it! I would always watch and ask questions where I could. Fast forward a couple of years and I'm getting tattooed by an artist who says that their studio is looking for an apprentice and that my work was very impressive. So I got home, messaged the owner, came in for a chat and got the apprenticeship! It was pretty gruelling but I don't take any of it for granted and the whole experience has helped shape me into the artist that I am today.
You are known for your beautiful anime, pop culture colour work, did you always lean toward anime and pop culture or did that evolve over time?
Anime and pop culture is something that has always inspired me. When I started tattooing I did as much of it as I could but it wasn't what I mainly did. My main styles that I worked on previously were neotrad, blackwork illustrative and watercolour. I still have a bit of a soft spot for these styles though!
Speaking of your colour work, what inks do you use to create these pieces?
I predominantly use Fusion Ink.
How do you approach designing a custom anime piece for a client?
As I do mainly large scale, I approach my designs with intention and flow. Each piece I design needs to flow with the client's body for full cohesion. I always design with the idea in mind that I can extend from it in the future if my client decides to turn the piece into a sleeve.
What fandom has the most passionate tattoo collectors?
I feel like it's Pokemon! I've done so many custom Pokemon pieces now, I feel like I could do it with my eyes closed! 🤣
What is a dream Miss Kitty Kat tattoo you'd love to do?
Funnily enough, I feel like I'm working on it at the moment! A client of mine and I are working on a Pokemon leg sleeve and during the process, he asked if I could put a Pokemon trainer on him that resembled me/my branding. So now he has a Pokemon trainer on him that resembles me with my pink and teal hair and incorporates my logo. I can't think of a higher honour than that!
What products do you use daily and what product could you not live without?
My cute pink bed sheets, my Wand Disposable Pen Grips and my ink mixer! As someone who mixes a lot of my colours, the ink mixer comes in handy! Plus my clients all get so fascinated seeing me mix tiny ink pots!
What machine do you use?
I use the Bishop Wand and switch between the Shader or the Packer but mainly use my Shader.
You have been killing it at expos and taking home award after award! Congratulations!
What does winning an award mean to you personally?
It's always great to receive the recognition for the hard work that you do. But the main thing I take away from it is how the client feels. When the client's tattoo is mentioned for winning an award, seeing the client full of light and happiness is the thing that stands out for me the most. At the end of the day, I couldn't do this job without them. However, regardless of winning an award or not, my client and I are super stoked with the end result and that's what really matters.
What’s your favourite part about attending tattoo expos?
The vibes for sure! Being able to meet new people, whether it be new clients or making new artist friends as well as being able to catch up with old tattooist friends. It's honestly just a great way for all of us to be together and connect in a way that you don't get to experience outside of expos!
How do conventions and expos play a role in your career?
They are great for exposure and to be able to step out of your comfort zone that you get from working in your studio. As someone who loves pushing myself and exceeding my boundaries (no matter how anxiety-inducing it is 😅) I find expos are a great way to push myself and continue to level up!
You won the Ink Off Battle at Inked expo 2025 - tell us about that experience
I was super anxious to compete in the Ink Off Battle! When I found out I was up against Trizumaki, I didn't feel like I was competing with him, rather than working with him! I get along with him so well and he helped put me at ease so it just felt like a couple of homies hanging out slinging some banger tattoos!
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from other artists?
We're all out here trying to do our best so just be a decent human. The world is full of people who will try to bring you down so focus on yourself and bring kindness to the table.
You always post high quality reels and photos of your work online, how important has social media been in building your tattoo career?
Social media has played a big part in building my career (as much as I hate using it 🤣). But I've found that if you just be your authentic self when creating reels and such, you'll attract the clients who appreciate the personality behind the tattoos just as much as the tattoos themselves! I'm very big on the connections I make along the tattoo journey just as much as the outcome of the tattoo.
What advice do you have for other artists out there?
The only person you should be competing with is yourself. Try not to get lost in comparing your work to others that you see on social media but rather use it as inspiration to push you forward.
What advice would you give to any girly-pops trying to get into the industry?
If you have the drive and have what it takes to want to get into the industry, do the damn thing gurl! Life is too short to question your dreams. If you really want it, you'll find a way to do it. Even though there are so many people who may try and make the journey difficult for you, just know that there are people who will try and uplift you as well.
Why do you choose MTS for your tattoo supplies?
I've been using MTS for years now and the experience is second to none! Being run by tattooists for tattooists is the biggest standout as well as being genuinely nice and pleasant to deal with! They are also super quick to handle enquiries and you know you're getting top quality supplies from top quality people!
Okay! How can we find and book with you?!
You can find me on Instagram @misskittykat.tattoo or my studio is @korin_tattoo where you can find my booking form/waitlist form and updates on any openings/travel opportunities etc.! 💖
