Shai Barnes

Shai is a Virginia born artist from Prince George’s County Maryland and has always enjoyed visual arts including painting, drawing, tv media, light shows or even dance - she’s always up for a visual adventure.

Shai had her start in art as a child when her parents would gift her art supplies from pre-k up until she graduated high school. Shai attended the Bowie High and enjoyed running track and also took college level art classes. Realism, illustrative and bright colorful designs have been a natural attraction for her art. Shai credits her high school art teacher for kickstarting her artistic journey; He saw her potential and pushed to her push her own artistic boundaries and helped shape her vision of creativity.

Shai first delved into tattooing after her mother noticed her interest in drawing and tattooing specifically and purchased her first tattoo machine after graduation. After some initial self-learning, Shai recognized the importance of a formal apprenticeship and has been learning under the skilled guidance of Dapper Dog Tattoo ever since. She believes this medium is her calling and looks forward to creating unique designs that resonate while making people happy receiving them.