A popular style of tattooing called "black and gray realism" has its roots in East LA's Chicano culture. It moved from California prisons in the 1970s to high-end tattoo shops worldwide.

The author has, however, covered many tattoos on her left arm, including a gray-and-black rose design. Kat Von D attends a Marijuana Policy Project event on May 14, 2007. Paul Redmond/Getty Images ...