Cleo Wattenström was born on June 12, 1992, in Belgium. She is of mixed heritage, with Swedish and Ethiopian roots. During her early years, Cleo developed a strong appreciation for artistic expression, drawing inspiration from black-and-white films and photography. By the age of fourteen, she had already discovered her passion for art and made the decision to forgo traditional schooling in favor of pursuing a career in tattooing. Recognizing her talent for drawing, she was determined to turn her artistic abilities into a professional path.
Cleo Wattenström is a distinguished tattoo artist, known for her unique style and exceptional work in black-and-grey realism. Her work has gained international attention, and she has cultivated a loyal clientele attracted by her precision and creativity. Based in Los Angeles, California, she operates from a private studio in Venice, where she continues to build her reputation in the global tattoo community.
In addition to her tattoo career, Cleo has appeared in various magazines that focus on Goth culture, glamour, and high-fashion aesthetics. Her distinctive look and artistic background have made her a sought-after figure in alternative fashion media. This exposure has contributed to her broader recognition beyond the tattooing sphere.
Cleo Wattenström was previously married to Swedish-American actor Joel Kinnaman. Kinnaman is widely known for his role as Detective Stephen Holder in AMC's crime series The Killing, as well as for his performance in the Swedish film Easy Money, which earned him a Guldbagge Award for Best Actor. The couple made a notable public appearance together at the premiere of Kinnaman’s Netflix series Altered Carbon on February 1, held at Mack Sennett Studios in Los Angeles.
Although they have since separated, Cleo Wattenström continues to live and work in Venice, California. Her focus remains on developing her artistry and contributing to the evolving world of contemporary tattoo design.
