About Us

Your favourite local tattoo studio

Welcome to Black Opal Tattoo Studio!

Located in the heart of May Bank, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Black Opal is an independent, husband-and-wife-owned tattoo studio, proudly run by Sam and Amy.

Amy is our owner and senior tattoo artist, bringing over 18 years of experience and a passion for blackwork, floral designs and intricate dotwork. Sam looks after the day-to-day management of the studio, helping everything run smoothly behind the scenes.

Together, we’ve created a welcoming, professional and creative space where talented tattoo artists can do what they do best, and clients can feel comfortable from the moment they walk through the door.

Our resident artists each bring their own individual style, skills and creativity to the studio, offering everything from delicate fine-line pieces to bold, detailed designs.

Whether you’re planning your very first tattoo or adding to an existing collection, we’re here to help you find the right artist to bring your ideas to life.

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lauryn-marie x
24/09/2026
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I had my tattoo done by Amy today and I honestly couldn’t be happier! 🥰 The studio is lovely, clean and welcoming, and Amy made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in. She was so friendly, easy to talk to and made the whole experience feel really relaxed. I absolutely love my tattoo and I’m so glad I chose Amy to do it. Thank you so much! 🤍 I’ll definitely be coming back for more!
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Lyane Keen
24/09/2026
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Wonderful experience with Kelsa having a couple of tattoos that have a lot of meaning to me. She made me feel comfortable and ensured I was fully happy with the design before going ahead. The results are exactly what I hoped. Kelsa is a great artist.
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heidi whitmore
23/09/2026
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i felt really comfortable with kelsa and reassured and i love my tattoo defo recommend
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Jason Allen
21/09/2026
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Amazing work done by Elisa, couldn't be happier with the result and very friendly too.
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Banana Rama
20/09/2026
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The best place in Stoke to get any work done, everyone is welcoming and friendly, never a dull moment, Elisa is extremely talented at whatever she puts her hand too! 5 ⭐️
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J Bleasdale
19/09/2026
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Amy is the kind of artist you just let go to work. Give her a theme and just let her have creative licence to tattoo you. I’m currently on my 3rd piece with her and her attention to detail, care for what she does shows in her work and she treats every customer like part of their tattoo family. Would highly recommend
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Adrian “Shadey Adey” Thompson
19/09/2026
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Amy and I had a discussion about piece in memory of my sister, who has, very sadly, recently passed away. I used to, very affectionately call her 'Ginger Ninja'. I explained my wishes and suggested some designs. Amy worked her magic and created a piece that is very fitting, satisfies all my reasoning for having it and I think is absolutely fantastic! The whole experience being a mix of extreme professionalism mixed with friendly banter and a lot of good music, is most definitely one I'd recommend. Thank you Amy, you are a star! X
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Angela Coates
19/09/2026
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I decided to give Black Opal a try one day and haven't looked elsewhere since. They offer a professional service from initial enquiry to the finished tattoo. The shop is very modern with a chilled vibe and the artists are passionate about what they do on a daily basis. I have had a few tattoos done by Amy and have been more than satisfied with the quality of design, products used and of course the end result being a tattoo that I couldn't be more proud of. Amy gets on with the job in hand and loves a challenge so if you are thinking of getting a tattoo give this cracking shop a try. A very satisfied customer.
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Dave Ratcliffe
18/09/2026
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Clean,friendly and top artists. Camel all the way from Germany and will come back again. Thank you Amy
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Jaimee Temple
18/09/2026
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I've been coming to Amy for just over a year now, and the ink she has done for me is absolutely unmatched. My most recent session was for a day and I had loads of ideas for a patchwork sleeve. Not only did she bring them all to life in her beautiful designs - but we had some extra spaces and in the moment she created some gorgeous freehand gap filler and I could not be happier. Recommend so highly, Amy is phenomenal x

A STUDIO FOR EVERYONE

At Black Opal, we believe getting a tattoo should be an experience you genuinely enjoy. We’re proud of the friendly, relaxed and inclusive atmosphere we’ve created. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a familiar face, we want you to feel welcome, respected and completely at ease.

Our studio welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life. We’re LGBTQ+ friendly and committed to providing a comfortable, judgement-free environment where everyone is treated with kindness and respect.

We’re home to a talented team of self-employed resident tattoo artists, each managing their own bookings and bringing something unique to the studio. With a wide variety of styles and specialities available, there’s plenty of opportunity to find an artist who’s the perfect fit for you.

Alongside tattooing, we also have independent piercing and laser tattoo removal services, both operating separately from Black Opal with their own specialist services.

Above all, we want every client to leave feeling happy with their tattoo, confident in their artist and excited to come back.

READY TO START YOUR NEXT TATTOO?

Explore our artists and their portfolios, find the style that speaks to you and contact your chosen artist directly to discuss your ideas. We can’t wait to welcome you to Black Opal!

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Find Us

16 High Street
May Bank
Newcastle under Lyme
ST5 0JB

Studio Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm
Weekends: By Appointment Only