David Bromstad wears his biography directly on his skin. Best known as the effervescent host of HGTV's My Lottery Dream Home, he treats his body as an evolving canvas, using bold pigments and whimsical designs to chronicle his personal milestones, artistic roots, and identity as an openly gay man. Far from random additions, his extensive collection of body art tells a cohesive story about a designer who refuses to live inside the lines.
Growing up in a conservative Christian household in the Midwest, Bromstad wasn't allowed to get inked as a youth. His parents drew a hard line, threatening to pull financial support if he visited a parlor. That restriction only fueled a lifelong fascination. Once he broke away and built his career—first winning HGTV's Design Star and launching Color Splash—he started turning his blank canvas into a vibrant gallery. Today, his ink collection spans Disney nostalgia, pop culture markers, and powerful symbols of LGBTQ pride.
Celebrating LGBTQ Identity and Community
Pride isn't just an annual celebration for Bromstad; it's a foundational part of who he is. As the first HGTV personality named to Out magazine's Out100 list, he has consistently used his platform and his skin to champion the queer community.
His body art reflects this commitment through vibrant displays of color and symbolism: Related analysis on the subject has been published by BBC.
- The Rainbow Family Tattoo: Inked in brilliant watercolor strokes, this piece features the word "Family" adorned with rainbow hues, representing his chosen community and unwavering support for the LGBTQ network.
- Rainbow Love Pieces: Several geometric and fluid elements across his arms and legs incorporate spectrum color palettes, nodding to both the gay flag and his breakout television series Color Splash.
These pieces challenge traditional expectations of how television hosts should present themselves, proving that personal authenticity outweighs corporate sanitized norms. You can read more about his milestone recognition on Out.
Childhood Nostalgia and Animation Roots
Long before he was helping lottery winners buy sprawling estates, Bromstad was a kid obsessed with Saturday morning cartoons. Trained as an illustrator who once worked on Disney window displays, his passion for animation shines brightly across his arms and legs.
His whimsical side takes center stage through specific, high-detail pieces:
- The Cinderella Castle: Situated on his thigh, this magical tribute honors his early days working near the mouse house and his deep affection for fantasy. He famously captioned the reveal on Instagram by declaring that his thigh had never looked more magical.
- Mickey Mouse: Often cited as his most joyous piece, this tattoo captures his lifelong reverence for classic animation and the sheer disbelief he feels about his television career.
- The Dabbing Unicorn: A nod to pop culture internet trends, this rainbow unicorn executing a dance move highlights his playful, unpretentious sense of humor.
Personal Milestones and Personality Markers
Every square inch of planned coverage serves a distinct purpose. Bromstad doesn't collect tattoos on a whim; he researches and plans them meticulously with artists at Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co. in Orlando.
Key pieces marking his personal timeline include:
- The Tigers: Striking twin tigers wrap around his neck, symbolizing raw strength, resilience, and personal protection.
- The 1973 Birth Year: Displayed prominently to anchor his personal timeline as a proud Leo born in August.
- Limited Edition: Framed inside a heart with delicate floral and avian edges, this tattoo underscores his belief in radical individuality.
- The Lion: Complete with a line-drawn crown on his shin, this piece celebrates his astrological sign and natural leadership qualities.
Common Misconceptions About His Ink
Because Bromstad wears long sleeves or studio-tailored clothing during television broadcasts, viewers often wonder why his tattoos aren't always visible on screen. This absence has occasionally sparked unfounded rumors about tattoo removal.
The reality is much simpler. Standard television production makeup, wardrobe guidelines, and studio lighting simply mask heavy arm and neck work unless he's dressing casually off-camera or sharing updates via social media. Bromstad hasn't removed his ink; if anything, he continues adding to it with a long-term goal of covering a significant percentage of his body.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did David Bromstad get his first tattoo?
He got his very first tattoo—a dragonfly, marking his early design company Dragonfly Designs—right after college once he was free from family restrictions.
What is David Bromstad's favorite tattoo?
While he loves his entire collection, he frequently points to his Mickey Mouse tattoo as the most joyous and reflective of his personality.
Does David Bromstad have any face tattoos?
No. While a tiger tail design extends upward from his neck piece onto the side of his face in certain lighting, he does not have permanent facial tattoos.
How many tattoos does David Bromstad have?
He has dozens of interconnected large-scale pieces spanning his legs, torso, arms, and neck, with ambitions to eventually cover up to 40 percent of his body. Learn more about his design background through profiles on HGTV.
