Michael von Drachenberg, popularly known as Mike Diamond, is a renowned American tattoo artist, television personality, and musician. He was born on June 22, 1971, in Elmira, New York, USA. Diamond has come a long way from his humble beginnings and is now recognized globally for his exceptional talent and contribution to the tattoo industry.
Early Life and Family Background
Michael von Drachenberg grew up in a family that was involved in the arts. His father, who was an architect, encouraged him to explore his artistic abilities from a young age. Diamond’s interest in tattooing started at the age of 15, after he got his first tattoo. He then began practicing tattooing on his friends and later became an apprentice at a local tattoo shop.
Diamond’s family had German and Italian roots. His parents separated when he was a child, and he grew up with his mother and two older brothers. Despite the challenges that come with growing up in a single-parent household, Diamond’s mother was supportive of his artistic pursuits and encouraged him to follow his dreams.
Career
Mike Diamond started his professional tattooing career in the early 1990s. He moved to Miami, Florida, and worked at a tattoo shop where he honed his skills and developed his signature style. Diamond’s talent and unique approach to tattooing soon caught the attention of the industry’s elite, and he was invited to work at some of the most prestigious tattoo shops in the country.
In 2005, Mike Diamond became a cast member of the reality TV show “Miami Ink.” The show was a massive hit and gave Diamond a platform to showcase his skills to a broader audience. He quickly became a fan favourite and remained on the show until it ended in 2008.
After the success of “Miami Ink,” Diamond went on to star in other tattoo-related shows, including “LA Ink” and “Tattoo Nightmares.” He also became a sought-after speaker and was invited to tattoo conventions and events around the world.
Aside from his career in tattooing and television, Diamond is also a talented musician. He is the lead vocalist for the punk rock band The Bouncing Souls and has played guitar for other bands.
Personal Life and Relationships
Michael von Drachenberg is a private person and doesn’t share much about his personal life with the public. However, he has been open about his struggles with addiction and has spoken publicly about his journey to recovery.
Diamond has been married twice. His first marriage ended in divorce, and he is currently married to artist and fellow tattooist, Katherine von Drachenberg, also known as Kat Von D. The couple got married in 2018 and welcomed their first child together in 2019.
Net Worth
Michael von Drachenberg’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. He has made a significant amount of money through his career in tattooing and television, as well as his music career.
Summing up
Michael von Drachenberg’s contribution to the tattoo industry is undeniable. He has become a household name and has inspired countless aspiring tattoo artists around the world. Despite his success, Diamond remains grounded and committed to his craft. He continues to push boundaries and set new standards for the tattoo industry, and his influence shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
