Anita Darkling (she/her/they) -

I was born and raised in five different suburbs across North America. I've been living in San Francisco since 2003, when I moved here to pursue a career in art. I earned my BFA at the Academy of Art University, specializing in photorealistic oil painting.
I completed my tattoo apprenticeship at a (then newly established but now renowned) shop in the Mission, and in the summer of 2018, I left corporate life to work as a tattoo artist full-time. I worked at that shop for over 5 years before opening my own private studio in March of 2023.

I specialize in detailed fineline and single-needle black ink tattoos, with a focus on the mysterious and mystical side of nature.
I work in a minimal realism style, using concise organic linework and light shading to capture the essence of my subject matter in a unique hand-drawn style.

Preferred subject matter:
• Nature

Please, no requests for:
• Human figures (other than existing characters from cartoons/anime/manga)
• Perfect/clean geometry with a computer-printed look
• Full color pieces – I very rarely work with color and will only use it as a slight accent
• Color outlines or color script
• Tattoo cover-ups
• Copies of another artist’s work or copies of a custom tattoo I created

location -

I work in my own private studio at ActivSpace, a warehouse community of fellow small business owners, located at 3150 18th Street. ActivSpace is in the Mission, closer to the Potrero Hill (eastern) side. The building is secure and accessible, about 5 blocks from BART, and very close to several Muni bus line stops.
The main entrance of the building is on Treat Avenue, between unit numbers 102 and 103. If you have an appointment scheduled, you will be provided with a phone number to text when you arrive (please do not use the call box).

I can provide off-street bicycle parking in the ActivSpace garage. If you are parking a bicycle, please have your own lock and bring your bicycle with you to the entrance door. Unfortunately, I am not able to offer onsite garage parking for motor vehicles. Most of the neighborhood has free street parking (without residential limits), but it can be busy, especially on weekdays, so please allow extra time to find a spot and be mindful of posted signs for any restrictions. Paid parking is available at California Parking (El Capitan) or the 16th & Hoff garage. I do not recommend parking in a metered spot.