Microrealism tattoos by Whiskietattoos_Dark Water_Bay Area Illustrative and Fine Line Tattoos 2025004.jpg
Microrealism tattoos by Whiskietattoos_Dark Water_Bay Area Illustrative and Fine Line Tattoos 2025003.jpg
Microrealism tattoos by Whiskietattoos_Dark Water_Bay Area Illustrative and Fine Line Tattoos 2025002.jpg
Microrealism tattoos by Whiskietattoos_Dark Water_Bay Area Illustrative and Fine Line Tattoos 2025001.jpg
Micro-realism tattoo of two pet dog faces, one above the other and the phrase "never shed" written vertically next to the dogs by Lea aka @whiskietattoos at Dark Water, a top-rated Oakland and Berkeley tattoo studio.
Three cute pet micro-realism cats and dog tattoos by Lea aka @whiskietattoos at Dark Water, a top-rated Oakland and Berkeley tattoo studio. Three pets, two cats and a dog inked in hyper realism.
Cute micro-realism slug tattoo by Lea aka @whiskietattoos at Dark Water, Berkeley's top-rated tattoo studio
A microrealism tattoo of a bee with detailed wings and body, and a crescent moon shape on top of its head, on a person's forearm by Lea aka @whiskietattoos at Dark Water, Berkeley's top-rated tattoo studio
Micro-realism tattoo of a ladybug on a person's forearm by Lea aka @whiskietattoos at Dark Water, Berkeley's top-rated tattoo studio
Adorable micro-realism tattoo of a small, detailed fish on a person's upper arm by Lea aka @whiskietattoos at Dark Water, Berkeley's top-rated tattoo studio
Hyper-realistic tattoo of a seahorse on upper arm with other tattoos visible nearby by Lea aka @whiskietattoos at Dark Water, Berkeley's top-rated tattoo studio
Tattoo of two realistic fish on a person's forearm by Lea aka @whiskietattoos a micro-realism tattoo expert at Dark Water, Berkeley's top-rated tattoo studio
A micro-realism tattoo of a detailed black and gray flower with leaves on a person's upper arm by Lea aka @whiskietattoos at Dark Water, Berkeley's top-rated tattoo studio
Micro-realism tattoo of a jellyfish on a person's upper arm by Lea aka @whiskietattoos at Dark Water, Berkeley's top-rated tattoo studio
Lea (@whiskietattoos) created this micro-realism tattoo of a bee and flowers on a person's arm at Dark Water, Berkeley's top-rated tattoo studio
Micro-realism bee Tattoo on person's arm by Lea. Find Lea (@whiskietattoos) at Dark Water, Oakland and Berkeley top-rated tattoo shop.
A person's forearm with a delicate black ink floral tattoo of lilies. Find Lea (@whiskietattoos) at darkwater.ink, the East Bay's top-rated tattoo shop.
Realistic wave tattoo with small flying birds on a person's upper arm by Whiskie, aka Lea. Find Lea (@whiskietattoos) at darkwater.ink, the East Bay's top-rated tattoo shop.
Black and gray micro-realism tattoo of a blackberry branch with leaves and a blossom on a person's arm. Find Lea (@whiskietattoos) at darkwater.ink, the East Bay's top-rated tattoo shop.
A person's arm with a whale tattoo, a small black dot tattoo, and a pink tattoo on the forearm, wearing a white sleeveless top and with blue painted nails. Find Lea (@whiskietattoos) at darkwater.ink, the East Bay's top-rated tattoo shop.
Micro-realism black and gray tattoo by @whiskietattoos of an octopus on a person's upper arm. Find Lea at darkwater.ink, the East Bay's top-rated tattoo shop.
Realistic goldfish tattoo by leading micro-realism tattoo artist @whiskietattoos aka Lea. Find Lea at darkwater.ink, the East Bay's top-rated tattoo shop.
Delicate black and grey floral microrealism tattoo featuring three poppy flowers, leaves, and buds on forearm. Find Lea (@whiskietattoos) at Dark Water, Berkeley's top-rated tattoo shop.
Realistic hummingbird tattoo by Lea on person's arm. Find Lea (@whiskietattoos) at Dark Water, Berkeley's top-rated tattoo shop.
Micro-realism black and grey butterfly tattoo on person's forearm by Lea. Find Lea (@whiskietattoos) at Dark Water, Berkeley's top-rated tattoo shop.
Black ink tattoo of a tiger sitting among lilies on a person's arm.
Tattoo of a bee, a curled fern leaf, a caterpillar, and a turtle on a person's forearm by Lea (@whiskietattoos). Find Lea at Dark Water, Berkeley's top-rated tattoo shop.
Tattoo on upper arm featuring stacked stones, a woman’s face with a floral crown, abstract geometric shapes, and a small bird at the wrist. Find Lea at Dark Water, Berkeley's top-rated tattoo shop. @whiskietattoos
Micro-realism tattoo by Lea (@whiskietattoos) of a realistic eye on a person's thigh, showing detailed iris, eyelashes, and eyelid. Find Lea at Dark Water, Berkeley's top-rated tattoo shop.
Tattoo of a detailed dragonfly on upper arm, with part of a zebra and other animal micro-realism tattoos visible nearby by Lea aka @whiskietattoos at Dark Water, a top-rated Oakland and Berkeley tattoo studio
Micro-realism tattoo of a baby deer resting in grass on a person's upper arm by Lea aka @whiskietattoos at Dark Water, a top-rated Oakland and Berkeley tattoo studio
A young woman with shoulder-length brown hair smiling, wearing a dark green blazer over a mustard yellow ribbed tank top, standing against a dark gray background.

Lea

Meet your artist

Lea (a.k.a. whiskietattoos | she/her) brings a distinctive artistic vision cultivated during her East Bay upbringing, where she developed her natural talent amidst California's inspiring landscapes. After dedicating many years to elementary education, she has embraced her true calling in tattoo artistry.

At our atelier, Lea creates elegant designs inspired by the natural world, specializing in sophisticated botanical and wildlife compositions that blend refined detail with playful nostalgia. Her unique perspective and technical precision make her an exceptional addition to our curated team of elite artists.

Artist Speciality

  • Microrealism tattoo by hummingbird by Lea (@whiskietattoos)

    Microrealism Tattoos

    Incredibly detailed microrealism tattoos featuring botanicals, animals, and insects. Each piece captures fine textures and natural details with precision that looks almost photographic. Perfect for clients who want nature tattoos that showcase technical skill and artistic accuracy.

  • Commemorative & First-Time Tattoos

    Pet Portrait Tattoos

    Custom pet portrait tattoos that capture your furry friend's personality and features. Using fineline techniques and realistic detail work, each pet tattoo becomes a lasting tribute to beloved animals. Great for memorializing pets or celebrating the bond with your current companion.

  • Flash sheet with maple leaves, a magnolia flower, a tulip, cherry blossoms, maneki neko, and a ginkgo leaf.

    Still Life & Flash

    Still life tattoos and flash designs available for booking. From everyday objects to unique compositions, these pieces blend fine detail work with playful creativity. Choose from ready-made flash sheets or work together on a custom still life design that tells your story.

  • I got my first tattoo at age 60 from Lea, and it was such a great experience. I went with my daughter, who gets all of her tattoos from Lea, so I knew I was in good hands—but I was still a little nervous! Lea was amazing. She was so kind and patient, and she really took her time to make sure I was comfortable the entire time. And I truly was. Everyone at Dark Water was friendly and welcoming as well. I highly recommend Lea and the whole team at Dark Water!

    ★★★★★
    Debbie C.

  • I worked with Lea for my first and second tattoos over the last six months and she’s been a joy to work with. She’s consultative, professional, and does amazingly detailed work! Also the other folks at Dark Water and the vibe overall was pleasant, friendly, and inclusive. Can’t say enough good things about everyone there. Looking forward to going back for more!

    ★★★★★
    Nathan G.

  • Lea is incredible. I have now received 4 different tattoos from her, and I swear that the newest/most recent ones I get, turn into my favorite tattoo. There are many reasons I appreciate her work- the fine line detail- but it is amplified by her work ethic, and attention to detail throughout the entire process. Whether that is patience in getting the perfect placement, her knowledge in how tattoos will actually turn out depending on placement or other factors, and her diligence in the perfect piece with the ink. I highly recommend Lea, and Dark Water in its entirety. The location is perfectly placed with easy to find parking, and is beautifully lit! 10/10 experiences.

    ★★★★★
    Sara O.

  • Got my second tattoo with Whiskey & couldn't be happier!!! My first one healed perfectly & my new one is just as perfect. Least painless experiences I've had with tattoos!

    ★★★★★
    Abagayle K.

  • Whiskie/Lea did an incredible job on my tattoo. The shop is clean, the staff is friendly and welcoming. I had so much fun getting my first tattoo and will be back. The process form start to finish made me feel confident and comfortable.

    ★★★★★
    Isabelle M.

  • First tattoo! Lea was very professional and patient, answering all my questions with ease and made me very comfortable. The piece turned out fantastic and I really appreciated Lea’s suggestions throughout the process. Already scheming up ideas for my next visit, thank you Lea for a wonderful experience

    ★★★★★
    Max B.

  • Read all our artist reviews

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Tattoo Flash Sheet of outdoor and nature-related objects with prices and sizes labeled: a windmill, a rabbit, a duck, a flowering plant, a glass of whiskey with ice, a cow skull, a scorpion, a chicken, and a fish.

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Tattoo flash sheet of various sea creatures and insects with size and price labels. Features include a goldfish, crocodile, starfish, snake, penguin, butterfly, seahorse, and a moth, all set against a space-themed background.

FLASH

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FLASH 〰️

FLASH

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FLASH 〰️

Tattoo flash sheet of various blue botanical and insect designs, each labeled with a number, size dimensions, and price, on a sparkling blue background.
A colorful tattoo flash sheet featuring various insects, animals, plants, and objects with prices. Elements include a lotus flower, hummingbird, ladybug, tulip, jellyfish, dragonfly, bee, origami crane, paw print, butterfly.
tattoo flash sheet of tooth, spoon, book, acorn, strawberry, shell, insect, cherry, snail, spider, bread, cheese.

QUICK FAQ

  • Books are OPEN
    Estimated next availability: ~3 weeks (with occasional openings before. Feel free to reach out!)

  • $200/HR with a $400 minimum.
    $100 deposit to secure appointment.
    (Drawing fee included)

    Accepts Tips? Yes! ☺︎

    Disclaimer: There may be
    a short delay as information from artists is updated.

  • Lea does not offer consultations.
    Communications for designs done over email.

See more of Lea’s work on

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Meet our Artists

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