tattoo
Our Resident Artists
Brianna Martin
Brianna Martin is the owner and founder of Omen + Onyx, starting solo as a private tattoo studio owner near downtown Asheville, which she opened in October 2022. She began her tattooing career the same year, initially training in Permanent Cosmetics after completing her mentorship at The Beauty District in Salt Lake City, Utah, in June 2022. Before pursuing tattooing full-time, Brianna built a career in Medical Esthetics, starting in 2019. She played a key role in managing and developing multiple medical spas in Asheville, NC, before finally following her lifelong dream of becoming a tattoo artist.
Born and raised in Madison County, Brianna’s passion for art was deeply influenced by her family. Creativity runs in her blood—her mother aspired to be a graphic designer, her late father was a talented musician, her uncle a photographer, and her dear late sister, Elizabeth, was a devoted writer. From an early age, Brianna immersed herself in the arts, with graphite and charcoal as her preferred mediums.
Her tattooing inspiration is drawn from nature, particularly florals and botanicals. She is also influenced by the dark academia aesthetic and somber, moody artistry. As a fine-line black and grey artist, her work is intricate, delicate, and deeply expressive.
Outside the studio, Brianna enjoys getting lost in a dark romance novel, sketching new designs, or tackling her latest DIY project. She is a devoted mother to her son, who occasionally makes an appearance at the shop, and a proud dog mom to three: Coal, her grumpy old German Sheppard; Goose, her silly and carefree pit bull; and Meatloaf, her lovable and goofy Frenchie.
Through Omen + Onyx, Brianna has created a welcoming space where art and passion merge, offering clients a truly personal and meaningful tattoo experience.
Andrew Thorne
Born and raised in Weaverville, NC, Thorne has been tattooing professionally since 2009, building a reputation as a skilled and versatile artist. His journey began in Mars Hill, where he spent five years honing his craft before moving to Asheville, where he worked for a decade. Now, he’s returned to Mars Hill to escape the fast pace of the city and create a strong foundation for his young son within a close-knit community.
A true fan of dark art, the macabre, and the grotesque, Thorne’s artistic passion extends across all styles, with a deep appreciation for nature, landscapes, floral designs, and animal tattoos. His love for lettering and calligraphy is evident in his work, and he takes pride in crafting pieces that resonate personally with his clients.
Thorne is dedicated to making tattooing accessible and welcoming, fostering a safe and comfortable environment where clients feel heard, respected, and valued. With a strong focus on street shop tattoos, he thrives on walk-ins and keeps his schedule open for anything. His career has been built on treating every client with the care and adaptation they deserve, knowing that without them, he wouldn’t be able to do what he loves.
Now a well-respected figure in the Mars Hill community, Thorne remains passionate about his craft, his clients, and his role as a father. Whether you’re looking for bold traditional work, delicate nature-inspired pieces, or custom lettering, he’s always ready to bring your tattoo vision to life.
Jessie McNally
Australian-born, Minnesota-raised, and now calling WNC home, Jessie has been tattooing since February 2004, when she started her journey in Noosa Heads, Queensland, Australia. After moving back to the U.S. in late 2008, Jessie spent years working in shops around the Twin Cities and traveling coast to coast for guest spots, continually honing her craft and exploring new inspirations.
At her core, Jessie is an artist first. Her personal art spans a variety of mediums—painting, wood cutouts, papier-mâché, sewing, found object sculptures, hand-painted jewelry and oddities. Jessies love of creativity is deeply reflected in her tattooing style: bold, colorful, folky, rich with flora, fauna, and a touch of the unusual.
When she's not making art, you’ll find Jessie immersed in nature and adventure—traveling in her camper van, paddling rivers with friends, hiking to the best views, cooking outdoors, or working on a good jigsaw puzzle. Jessies life is shared with her three beloved companions: Merle, her big lovable ding-dong of a dog; Gertie, a feline beauty queen full of sass and sunshine; and Hal Razor, Jessies favorite regret—a buff ginger cat who lives up to his name.
Above all, Jessies goal is to provide a safe and welcoming space for everyone who walks through her door. "While I love tattooing my personal flash, I'm here to offer a service, working across multiple styles to create custom pieces that suit each client’s vision. And if I think another artist would be a better fit, I’ll happily point you in the right direction—because in the end, it’s all about getting the best tattoo for you."