A person with large body and numerous tattoos, including a tree and flowers, wearing a cream-colored lace garment.
Black and white photo of a woman sitting on a black sheets with flowing minimal tattoo by Story of @story.ink, facing away from the camera, with long dark hair covering her face. Tattooed and photographed at Dark Water in Berkeley
Tangerines on Branch Color tattoo by Story Wilkes at Dark Water in Berkeley | Bay Area Fine Line Tattoo Expert in Illustrative tattoos.
Botanical tattoos by Story of @story.ink at Dark Water in Berkeley, the botanical illustrations flow from the shoulder onto the collarbone. The young woman looks very happy.
Botanical tattoos by Story of @story.ink at Dark Water in Berkeley, the botanical illustrations flow from the shoulder onto the collarbone. The young woman looks very happy.
Frog & Toad tattoo by Story of @story.ink at Dark Water in Oakland/Berkeley, California. Tattoo of two frogs riding a bicycle, surrounded by grass and flower details.
A line-drawing style tattoo of a flowering branch with multiple leaves on an upper arm by Story of @story.ink at Dark Water in Oakland/Berkeley, California.
A black and gray tattoo of a tree growing from a geometric mountain on a person's side by Story of @story.ink at Dark Water in Oakland/Berkeley, California.
Cute tattoo of a small bird holding a daisy flower in its beak on a person’s upper thigh, partially covered by a patterned skirt by Story of @story.ink at Dark Water in Oakland/Berkeley, California.
Illustrative tattoo of a moth on the thigh, featuring detailed wings and a body with antennae, in black ink by Story of @story.ink at Dark Water in Oakland/Berkeley, California.
Deliious line art tattoo of a fig fruit and fig leaves on a person's upper arm by Story of @story.ink at Dark Water in Oakland/Berkeley, California. 2025
Beautiful botanical line drawing of a cluster of flowers with large leaves on a person's upper arm by Story of @story.ink at Dark Water in Oakland/Berkeley,
Black outline tattoo featuring characters from Studio Ghibli's 'My Neighbor Totoro' and 'Howls Moving Castle' on a person's thigh, including Totoro, the Catbus, and the Dust Bunnies, surrounded by clouds and trees by Story of @story.ink at Dark Water
Architectural tattoo of a detailed sketch of a cathedral on a person's thigh.by Story of @story.ink at Dark Water in Oakland/Berkeley, California
Line drawing of a bouquet of flowers tattoo on a person's calf, with several different flowers and leaves by Story of @story.ink at Bay Area's modern tattoo studio in Berkeley, Dark Water.
Delicate Tattoo of a vine with large and small leaves on upper arm by Story of @story.ink at Bay Area's modern tattoo studio in Berkeley, Dark Water.
Delicate underbust tattoo by Story of @story.ink at Bay Area's modern tattoo studio in Berkeley, Dark Water.
Large tree tattoo on back by Story of @story.ink at Bay Area's modern tattoo studio in Berkeley, Dark Water.
A woman with curly hair dyed with green tips, wearing large pink checkered glasses, a black tank top, and multiple tattoos on her arms and chest. She is smiling confidently against a dark background.

Story

Whimsical, personal, illustrative, tattoos with Story

Story radiates kindness, a trait that translates into her tattoos, which are thoughtfully crafted with her client’s design requests at the forefront of importance. Her portfolio is proof of years of her hard work honing her skills in illustration and it is decorated with vintage-style artwork, lovely botanicals, and underlying themes of life, death, and rebirth. Horror and occult themed projects tend to spark inspiration for her as well. Story excels at fine-line tattoos, however she welcomes requests for bolder-style blackwork as well.

Once in her chair, it’s likely that she’ll chat about movies (she’s seen a lot!), share photos of her cat and want to see yours, exchange cooking recipes, and the tattoo session will fly by. Ask her what it was like to grow up in Colorado and what places and activities she loves the most in Oakland. Or feel at ease during a quiet session with her. Her client’s comfort is a top priority and she warmly welcomes all skin and body types to work with her. Fond memories of the tattooing experience are what accompany Story’s art on skin as do confidence and beauty accentuated.

Artist Speciality

  • Illustrative Tattoos

    Custom illustrative tattoos featuring vintage-inspired artwork and botanical designs. Story specializes in both fine-line detail work and bolder blackwork, creating pieces that look like they came straight from an old storybook. Each illustrative tattoo captures the beauty of hand-drawn art with careful attention to linework and composition.

  • Commemorative & First-Time Tattoos

    Commemorative & First-Time Tattoos

    Perfect for first-time clients and meaningful commemorative pieces. Story creates a comfortable, welcoming experience that puts first-timers at ease. And many of her tattoos are designed to honor special memories, loved ones, or life milestones. Great for clients who want their first tattoo experience to be memorable for all the right reasons.

  • Occult Tattoos

    Dark and mystical tattoos inspired by occult symbolism and horror aesthetics. From tarot imagery to gothic botanicals, these occult tattoos blend beautiful artistry with darker themes. Story brings a thoughtful approach to occult designs, creating pieces that are both striking and deeply personal to each client.

  • I've gotten a few fine line pieces from Story and every session has been absolutely wonderful. She does an incredible job of checking in every step of the way and making the experience as warm and comfortable as possible.

    ★★★★★
    Alex

  • I’ve had 2 pieces done by Story and both have been wonderful experiences. She is a fantastic artist and it felt like a truly open and collaborative experience both times. She also has a super gentle touch and really cares about her clients experience.

    ★★★★★
    Julia

  • Story is both a wonderful person and tattoo artist! Highly recommend

    ★★★★★
    Tess

  • Story is AMAZING! After so many lacking experiences with several tattoo artists here in the Bay Area, Story has undoubtedly hit the ball out the park. So far, she is the only tattoo artist I completely trust, and has made all my sessions super welcoming and comforting. - I could not recommend her enough.

    ★★★★★

    Adrien

  • Story is my fav tattoo artist ever, her line work is beautiful and she’s great at multiple different styles - would highly recommend

    ★★★★★

    Jamie

  • Story took such good care of me for my first big tattoo! She was so welcoming, collaborative, and inclusive throughout the process. The space itself is gorgeous and comforting, and all the artists are so chill. Thank you for my wonderful little crows, Story!

    Morgane M.

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QUICK FAQ

  • Books are OPEN
    Estimated next availability: 1 week ~ 1 month+

  • $250/HR with a $300 minimum.
    $200 deposit to secure appointment.
    (Drawing fee included)

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

  • Story offers consultations.
    Please reach out for details.

  • Click Here for FAQ on artist’s site

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Meet our Artists