Meet Skai Rose | Tattoo artist

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

Hi Skai, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m originally from Oakland, California! I’d say my drive to create really started with my family. They’ve always encouraged me and my siblings to try new things, explore the world, and figure out what we truly want out of life.

I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember—literally since I first learned how to hold a pencil. And from that moment on, I never stopped.

Fast forward—I’m about 14, and I go with my sister to get her first tattoo. When I say I was like a kid in a candy store, I mean it. I was probably more excited than she was! The whole vibe of the shop, the energy, the process—I was hooked.

By the time we left, I knew. I told everybody I was going to be a tattoo artist. You couldn’t get me to shut up about it.

About two years later, my grandfather surprised me with a full tattoo kit… and it’s been up ever since.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart as a tattoo artist is my genuine love for the details and the challenges I bring into each piece. No shade to anyone else in the game, but I do feel like a lot of tattoos today are missing depth—both in detail and in composition. I could go on about that.

The challenges I face as an artist don’t discourage me—they fuel me. Every obstacle is just another reason to sharpen my craft and push myself further. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in this industry is that not everyone in your position wants to see you win—and that’s just real. When I first started, I thought I’d be embraced by the community, learning directly from the artists I looked up to. But instead, I got a reality check.

That experience taught me how to move differently. It forced me to stop seeking validation from other artists and start pouring into the clients who genuinely love what I create. I’ve built a circle of true friends and supporters who believe in my vision

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whew, why does this question make me think so hard? 😅 First things first—me and my friends love to eat, so we’re definitely hitting a few of my favorite spots. I think we’d start the day at Krog Street Market. I love how many food options they have, and since it’s right off the BeltLine, it makes it easy to roll into the next adventure.

I’m a sun baby, so we’re definitely hopping on some scooters and cruising the BeltLine to wherever it takes us. Somewhere along the way, we’re stopping to shoot some pool—I’m kinda a pool shark, so it’s always a fun time.

We’d definitely spend some time at Piedmont Park, especially if there’s an event going on—which, let’s be real, there probably is. Whether it’s a festival, live music, or just a chill day on the lawn, Piedmont always brings the vibes.

I’m not big on the aquarium or zoo, but we are absolutely hitting up the amusement parks. Six Flags and White Water are musts in the summer. And of course, I’m making time to share some of my favorite spots like The James Room, Rock Steady, the High Museum, and this beautiful little plant shop I always forget the name of—but we never skip it.

OurBar off Edgewood is always the move for good food, good energy, and good music. Honestly, I could keep going because there are a million places I’d want to take them—but I’ll stop here before I start fully rambling again. 😅

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It’d be a lie to say I made it this far on my own. My biggest shoutout goes to my grandfather—a man who supported whatever dream I had, no questions asked. My family and friends have been a huge part of my growth too. Being my practice canvas wasn’t easy (lol), but they always showed up for me.

And of course, I owe everything to the people who trusted me with their skin. Every single client who sat in my chair helped shape the artist I am today. I truly wouldn’t be here without your love and support.

Image Credits
Photos taken by oguncleskip