Meet Nina Barksdale
Nature-inspired and soul-driven — Nina captures emotion, beauty, and life through every piece of art she creates.
From the moment she could hold a pencil, Nina Barksdale has been creating. Art has always been her language—a way to express emotion and connect with the world around her. Inspired by a long line of creatives on both her mother’s and father’s sides of the family, Nina grew up surrounded by artistic influence. That heritage, paired with her deep love of nature and animals, shaped the foundation of her artistic voice. Since joining Inked Under Ground last year, Nina has been a talented and integral part of the team, bringing passion, creativity, and a calming energy to every piece she works on.
A Lifelong Love of Art
Nina’s connection to art runs deep. Throughout her life, she’s explored many mediums—pencil drawings, acrylic paintings, and mixed media—always striving to capture emotion through detail and balance. She loves painting nature, animals, people, and spiritual imagery, often focusing on the emotions and stories that exist within those subjects.
Her tattoo work reflects that same emotional depth. She specializes in black and grey, realism, color realism, fine line, and surrealism—styles that allow her to express subtle feelings and tell complex stories through visual form. Each tattoo is more than ink; it’s an exploration of texture, emotion, and soul.
A Favorite Piece
Of all the tattoos she’s created, Nina’s favorite is a realism tiger—a piece that perfectly embodies her love for both animals and emotion-driven art. Tigers are her favorite animal, and she found fulfillment in capturing the creature’s quiet strength, intensity, and emotion in tattoo form. That piece mirrors not only how she approaches her art, but how she approaches life—intentional, observant, and deeply connected to feeling.
The Inked Under Ground Family
Since joining the Inked Under Ground team, Nina has felt right at home. She loves the supportive, family-friendly atmosphere and the creative energy that fills the studio. To her, it’s a place where artists encourage one another to grow, share ideas, and celebrate each other’s successes. The camaraderie between the team makes every day exciting and inspiring, and Nina says that working alongside such talented, passionate artists constantly pushes her to become better. For her, it’s more than just a job—it’s a community built on respect, creativity, and shared love for the craft.
Wisdom to Create By
The best advice Nina has ever received is simple yet powerful: “Don’t give up. Keep going.” It’s a message that has stayed with her through the many ups and downs of an artist’s journey. She admits there were times when she felt like quitting, but those words reminded her that perseverance is the key to progress.
If she could go back in time and speak to her younger self, she’d say, “Don’t let outside influences dictate your future.” It’s advice rooted in hard-won wisdom—because she’s learned that true artistic fulfillment comes from following your own path, not someone else’s expectations.
Life Beyond the Studio
When she’s not tattooing, Nina loves to travel, listen to music, and spend time with her kids. She has a passion for exploring new places and cultures, always seeking new experiences that spark creativity and joy. Her favorite destination so far has been Honduras, where she soaked in the beauty of the beaches, learned about the local culture, and found fresh inspiration for her work.
Looking Ahead
Nina’s future goals are focused on growth—continuing to fine-tune her skills, expand her creative range, and explore new styles that challenge her artistically. Whether she’s working on a detailed realism piece or a dreamlike surrealism tattoo, Nina’s art remains grounded in emotion, beauty, and the quiet power of connection.
