Black Arrow Tattoo An Ink-Inspired Addition to the Downtown Ashland Area

Black Arrow Tattoo

An Ink-Inspired Addition

to the Downtown Ashland Area

Gideon Thompson

The Ashland Beacon

Walking through the front door of Black Arrow Tattoo Company, the first thing I notice is the bright, well-lit studio. A clean and welcoming entrance immediately opens into an artistic setting, where I find one of the owners and other artists gathered at a high table discussing a custom art piece currently being worked on by Ronnie Castro. I am greeted immediately by smiling faces and an overwhelming sense of warmth as each artist introduces themselves and welcomes me into the studio. Making my way to the table where everyone was gathered before my entry, I note that the massive image Mr. Castro had been working on was intricately designed on what appeared to be a large piece of transfer, or hectograph, paper.

The studio is filled with classic portfolio presentations hung in frames on the walls, depicting images of panthers, flapper girls, and dragons. What isn’t classic or average, however, are the custom art pieces placed in each artist’s booth. Every booth is unique and showcases the individuality and importance each artist brings to the studio. Where one artist may focus on black-and-white portraits, another shows an interest in hyperrealism or colorful traditional tattoo illustration.

Since opening their doors on February 18 of this year, the team at Black Arrow Tattoo Company has been driven to fulfill all their clients’ requests while also providing personal and artistically driven experiences for everyone. Owners Ronnie Castro and Maverick Lewis decided to open their studio in the Ashland area after spending time as tattoo artists in nearby Huntington and other locations. After choosing to settle in Ashland, Kentucky, the question arose as to where the shop should be located. Once that decision was made, the pair selected downtown Ashland as the home for their tattoo ambitions.

Located at 335 15th St. in Ashland, Kentucky, Black Arrow Tattoo Company is now open and ready to meet the area’s artistic needs. Tucked just off Winchester Avenue, the shop is within a short walk of several other Arts District storefronts, making it an ideal stop for anyone considering getting a tattoo. Brunch at a nearby café, followed by a stroll to a tattoo studio, is now a possibility with the shop’s opening. From touch-ups to newly added art pieces, there is room for anyone who wants to fulfill their vision of having a beautiful custom tattoo added to their life.

On the agenda for Black Arrow Tattoo Company is a strong commitment to serving the community. During First Fridays in the Ashland Arts District, the studio will set up tables and a meet-and-greet area near its storefront, providing an opportunity to connect with neighbors and visitors. Store hours are currently 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and walk-ins are welcome. Appointments can be made in person or by contacting Black Arrow Tattoo Company at 606.393.1149 during operating hours.

Owner Ronnie Castro is dedicated to his clients and invites anyone interested in getting work done at Black Arrow Tattoo Company to walk through the process with him or the other studio artists. He helps develop a custom plan to ensure the perfect tattoo and image. Black Arrow Tattoo Company also has a Facebook page for those who would like to preview the studio’s work or speak with an artist about available services and what the experience entails.

If you’re in the downtown Ashland area and a tattoo is part of your plans, Black Arrow Tattoo Company is ready to help bring those ideas to life.