Cleo Kinnaman is a renowned Swedish tattoo artist and a captivating figure in the world of body art. Born with an innate artistic talent, Cleo transformed her passion for drawing into a successful career as a tattooist. With an extraordinary ability to create intricate and visually stunning designs, she has left an indelible mark on the industry.

Cleo’s journey to recognition accelerated after her marriage to actor Joel Kinnaman, which brought her into the spotlight. However, beyond her high-profile association, Cleo’s talent and dedication have propelled her to become a sought-after artist. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and unique style, she continues to push boundaries and redefine the art of tattooing.

Childhood and Early Life of Cleo Kinnaman

The personality was born Cleo Wattenström. She was born on June 12, 1992, in Belgium, to parents of Swedish and Ethiopian descent. She affectionately refers to her mother as ‘Kicki.’ While Cleo spent her formative years primarily in Brussels, her parents’ love for travel exposed her to diverse cultures and art forms before they eventually settled in Stockholm, Sweden.

Cleo Kinnaman with her mother.
Cleo Kinnaman with her mother. Source: Instagram @cleokinnaman

At the age of 14, while living in Stockholm, Cleo made a bold decision to drop out of high school in pursuit of her passion for tattooing. Gifted with innate drawing skills, she found herself drawn to the artistry of tattoos. Instead of following a conventional educational path, Cleo embarked on a quest to find a tattoo artist who could mentor her. Simultaneously, she sought employment to sustain her independence.

Eventually, Cleo secured an apprentice position at a tattoo parlor, which proved to be a perfect fit for the budding artist. Today, she has honed her skills to create her distinctive style of body art, predominantly using black and grey ink. This style is influenced by her affinity for black-and-white movies and pictures, lending her work a timeless quality.

Joel Kinnaman and Cleo Kinnaman’s Wedding Journey

Joel Kinnaman and Cleo Kinnaman’s love story blossomed when they began dating in 2014. Their relationship reached a significant milestone when they decided to exchange vows in a private ceremony.

In April 2016, during an appearance on ‘The Talk,’ Kinnaman surprised the audience by revealing that he and Wattenström had secretly gotten married. Correcting the host’s reference to Wattenström as his “girlfriend,” he proudly referred to her as his wife.

The Suicide Squad actor Joel Kinnaman and Cleo Kinnaman.
The Suicide Squad actor Joel Kinnaman and Cleo Kinnaman. Source: Instagram @cleokinnaman

Shedding light on the wedding, Kinnaman later appeared on ‘The Late Late Show With James Corden,’ sharing humorous details about their unconventional ceremony. They chose “Same Day Marriage,” a unique location in Los Angeles, where a distinctive officiant with eyebrow markings officiated the event.

Moreover, the pair marriage cost was not even over $500 as they were charged $435 only for the service. The quirky atmosphere and the couple’s shared sense of humor made their wedding a memorable and joyous occasion, marking the beginning of their marital journey. Also, know about the tattoo artist pair Monami Frost and Anrijs Straume.

Joel and Cleo Call it Quits: An End to Their Two-Year Marriage

Joel Kinnaman and Cleo Wattenström have decided to part ways after being married for two years, according to exclusive information from Us Weekly. Although the couple broke up last year, sources indicate that they remain amicable and have continued to maintain a friendly relationship.

In fact, they were even seen together in photos with mutual friends at a UFC fight last month, which they shared on Instagram. Wattenström also publicly wished Kinnaman a happy birthday on social media in November.

The pair initially began dating in 2014, and Kinnaman revealed their secret marriage during an appearance on The Talk in April 2016. Currently, the Suicide Squad star is engaged to the Swedish model Kelly Gale.

Prior to his relationship with Wattenström, Kinnaman was in a two-year relationship with actress Olivia Munn, with whom he has remained close friends.

Unveiling Cleo Kinnaman’s Net Worth

Cleo’s remarkable journey as a tattoo artist has not only earned her a stellar reputation but has also translated into a significant accumulation of wealth. With her own studio based in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California, Wattenström has established herself as a leading figure in the industry. Her artistic talent and unwavering dedication have propelled her net worth to an impressive estimated sum of $400,000.

Cleo Kinnaman has earned a significant amount of wealth.
Cleo Kinnaman has earned a significant amount of wealth. Source: Instagram @cleokinnaman

Beyond her flourishing tattoo career, Cleo has ventured into the realm of modeling, gracing the covers of esteemed fashion magazines. Tattoo lover Bailey Sarian also enjoys a notable amount of net worth.

From retro-inspired shoots to glamorous fashion editorials, and even embracing the haunting allure of horror genres, Kinnaman’s striking presence has made her a sought-after model. Her multi-faceted success as a tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and part-time model showcases her exceptional prowess and positions her as a prominent figure in the world of art and fashion.

The Career of Cleo As An Tatto Artist

Cleo Wattenström, an Ethiopian/Swedish contemporary artist based in Los Angeles, California, has embarked on a diverse and captivating artistic career. Starting as a tattoo artist, she now owns ‘Shanti Tattoo,’ her private studio in Venice, California, while also working with a Southern California-based tattoo shop. Known for her unique tattoo designs featuring iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe and Salvador Dali, Wattenström showcases her versatility and admiration for celebrities.

Driven by an enduring passion for art, Wattenström transitioned to painting after 14 years in the tattooing world. Incorporating techniques and inspirations from her tattooing background, she brings a distinct perspective to her artwork, maintaining a connection to her artistic roots.

Drawing from a lifetime of travel experiences, Wattenström captures her adventures through photography and journaling, shaping her artistic expression. Her portraits stand as powerful reflections of humanity, weaving stories of unity and exploring themes of identity and connection. Inspired by her strong African heritage, Wattenström embraces her mixed heritage as a source of inspiration.

Cleo Kinnaman with her art piece.
Cleo Kinnaman with her art piece. Source: Instagram @cleokinnaman

Pushing the boundaries of art, Wattenström incorporates cutting-edge technology into her creative process. By integrating DNA samples of her subjects, she goes beyond representation, immortalizing their essence and experiences. This innovative approach infuses her art pieces with a sense of depth and personal connection.

Employing a dynamic mix of media, including oil, pencil, charcoal, pastel, acrylic, digital elements, and plastic, Wattenström creates captivating compositions. Each stroke and layer interweave, evoking a profound understanding of our shared humanity. Through her art, Wattenström celebrates the inherent connections that transcend societal boundaries, embracing the diversity that unites us all.

Cleo’s Charitable Endeavors

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Cleo Wattenström is committed to making a positive impact through her philanthropic efforts. As a WaterAid Ambassador for The Operakallaren Foundation, Sweden’s largest private yearly charity, Cleo directs her efforts towards ensuring access to clean water for communities in East Africa.

The Operakallaren Foundation has successfully raised over 40 million Swedish kronor to support organizations dedicated to improving access to clean water. Cleo, with her passion and talent, has contributed significantly to this cause. Through her paintings, she has raised an impressive 86,000€ (103,600$ USD) for the organization.

Cleo’s unwavering dedication to charity reflects her desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. By leveraging her artistic abilities and platform, she actively supports initiatives that create lasting positive change, further enhancing her impact as an artist and advocate for social welfare.

Cleo Kinnaman Opens Up About Her Sexuality

In a candid discussion on the podcast “Now Life Begins,” Cleo reveals that her sexuality played a role in the dissolution of her marriage. She openly shares her preference for women, stating that it has been a consistent aspect of her life even before her relationship with Joel.

While she does not identify as a lesbian, Cleo acknowledges that her romantic experiences have predominantly been with women, with limited involvement with men. She affirms her current single status, indicating a journey of self-discovery and embracing her authentic self.

Cleo’s openness about her sexuality adds another layer to her personal narrative, encouraging conversations about identity and individuality.

Social Media Presence

Cleo Kinnaman maintains an active presence on various social media platforms, where she shares glimpses of her personal and professional life. On Instagram, her handle @cleokinnaman boasts a substantial following of over 200k. Her profile provides fans and admirers with a visual showcase of her artwork, including captivating tattoos and paintings.

Cleo Kinnaman.
Cleo Kinnaman. Source: Instagram @cleokinnaman

Likewise, Cleo often shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of her creative process, as well as snapshots from her travels and daily life. Her posts reflect her artistic sensibility and diverse interests, ranging from fashion and beauty to culture and social causes. Through her engaging social media presence, Cleo connects with her audience, offering a window into her world as a talented artist, model, and advocate.

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