Meet Leani Fallon | Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leani Fallon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leani, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
It always felt right—simple as that. Tattooing and drawing have always been my passions. Even before tattooing, drawing was my outlet. Growing up, my childhood had its tough moments, and drawing became my escape from reality. It eased my mind and gave me a sense of control, as I could redirect my focus to solving creative challenges, which I genuinely enjoyed.

Eventually, I took a leap and asked for a tattoo apprenticeship at an American traditional tattoo shop. There, I honed my skills, refined my drawings, and learned the art of tattooing. After two years, I moved on to work at other shops, gaining more experience and building my craft.

The tattoo community has always been incredibly supportive. I live by the saying, ‘If you’re good to tattooing, it will be good to you.’ I care deeply for tattooing—not just as an art form but as a culture, a craft, and a way of connecting with others. It’s more than a career; it’s a part of who I am.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I specialize in American traditional, fineline, and script tattoos. My journey into tattooing began with a passion for art and a determination to turn that passion into a career. While working as a waitress, I spent my free time drawing and building a portfolio to present to tattoo shops. I knew I wanted to pursue tattooing, so I researched local shops and decided to approach an American traditional shop that stood out to me.

Walking in, I didn’t know anyone, but I introduced myself and asked if they would take the time to look through my portfolio. Luckily, the man I spoke to gave me a chance. A few months later, he became my mentor and gave me the opportunity to start my apprenticeship.

The first year of my apprenticeship wasn’t about tattooing at all—it was about learning the foundation of the craft. I learned how to set up and break down for tattoos, clean the shop properly, and even how to disassemble and reassemble a coil machine. I also spent countless hours refining my drawing skills, creating flash, and preparing designs while gaining a deeper respect for the process and tradition of tattooing.

In my second year, I finally started tattooing under my mentor’s guidance. Every tattoo I did was critiqued with care, and he showed me how to improve with each piece. That constructive feedback, along with his patience and support, helped me grow into the tattoo artist I am today.

This journey wasn’t easy, but it was incredibly rewarding. It taught me the importance of hard work, humility, and respect for the craft. I’m proud to create tattoos that not only reflect my clients’ visions but also honor the artistry and tradition of tattooing.

For me, tattooing isn’t just a job—it’s a passion and a lifelong commitment to learning and growing. I’m grateful for every step of the journey that brought me here and for the opportunity to create art that leaves a lasting impact.”

Does this reflect your story and tone well?

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting LA, I’d want to show them the perfect mix of fun, relaxation, and good food. Here’s how I’d plan out the week:

Day 1: Echo Park & Local Eats
I’d kick things off by taking them to Echo Park because it’s one of my absolute favorite spots in LA. We’d rent swan boats and paddle around the lake, soaking in the view of the downtown skyline. After, we’d chill on the grass with some snacks from one of the food trucks and just enjoy each other’s company. For dinner, I’d take them to Sticky Rice, this Thai spot that never lets me down. The food is always on point, and it’s the perfect way to end a relaxing first day.

Day 2: Arts District
Next, I’d take them to the Arts District for some exploring. This area has so much to offer, with amazing street art, cool galleries, and local spots to just wander around and soak it all in. We’d grab a coffee at one of the cute cafés and check out some local shops. In the evening, we’d hit up a few of the bars in the area—there’s always a fun vibe in the Arts District, and I know we’d have a blast.

Day 3: Beach Day in Santa Monica
A trip to LA wouldn’t be complete without a beach day, so I’d definitely take them to Santa Monica. We’d spend time at the pier, have lunch at a spot with a view of the ocean, and just relax on the beach. Later, we’d rent bikes and ride along the coast to Venice Beach, checking out the boardwalk and all the cool sights along the way. It’s the perfect way to enjoy LA’s amazing weather.

Day 4: Griffith Park & The Observatory
For a little nature mixed with amazing views, I’d take them for a hike in Griffith Park. The fresh air and the panoramic views of the city would be a great way to start the day. After the hike, we’d head up to Griffith Observatory to take in the views of the Hollywood sign and the whole city. I know they’d love it. For lunch, we’d stop by a local café, and later, I’d take them to Los Feliz to catch a movie at one of the cozy theaters. We’d wrap up the day with a chill dinner at a spot nearby, enjoying a relaxed evening after all the exploring.

Day 5: Melrose Shopping & Dining
We’d dedicate this day to Melrose Avenue—there’s always something fun to see, whether it’s boutiques or local stores. I’d show them my favorite shops, and we’d grab lunch at a cool spot in the area. For dinner, I’d take them to one of my go-to places, where we could try anything from sushi to pizza—there’s so much variety, I’d make sure we found something they’d love.

Day 6: Downtown LA
Downtown LA is packed with things to see, so I’d definitely take them there for a full day of exploring. We’d visit The Broad museum, have lunch at Grand Central Market, and stroll through the historic district. It’s such a cool part of the city. In the evening, we’d go for drinks at The Broken Shaker or Little Gopher—those spots have great vibes, perfect for winding down and chatting about the day.

Day 7: Relax in Silver Lake
To wrap up the trip, we’d spend the last day in Silver Lake, which has such a chill vibe. We’d have breakfast at a cute café, walk around the reservoir, and check out some of the local shops. Then, for the final dinner, we’d find a cozy restaurant with delicious food and drinks to toast to the end of an amazing week.

That’s how I’d show my best friend around LA, giving them a taste of everything from nature and culture to amazing food and drinks. It’d be a week to remember!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my clients for their trust and support, especially those who have been with me since I first started tattooing. Some of you have recommended me to your friends and family, which has helped me grow more than I could have imagined, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. I also want to thank those who come to me for their very first tattoo—it’s an honor to be part of such a meaningful experience. And to everyone who supports my art by buying prints or just cheering me on, thank you. You all inspire me to keep creating and doing what I love.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatwasweird?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Image Credits
Maxine Alo
Isaiah De Anda