Welcome to Inked Under Ground: Kentucky’s Best Underground Tattoo Studio
In January 2024, a bold new chapter began in downtown Winchester. Inked Under Ground opened its doors as Kentucky’s best underground tattoo studio, bringing together a powerhouse team of artists who share one mission—crafting tattoos that are as unique and expressive as the people who wear them.
A Studio Built on Friendship and Creativity
At the heart of Inked Under Ground are co-owners Ren Elam and Ashlee Horsley, best friends and lifelong artists who have turned their passion for art into a thriving space where creativity thrives. Alongside them is a talented crew of tattooers—Nina Barksdale, Adam Blanton, Sequoia Cullen, Doc Parker, Hannah Vasvary, and Taylor Whitaker—each one bringing their own style, vision, and expertise to the table.
This isn’t just a tattoo shop—it’s a family of artists dedicated to turning client visions into living art.

Meet the Artists
Every artist at Inked Under Ground has a specialty that makes their work shine:
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Ren “The Human Camera” Elam – Master of portrait tattoos, capturing life-like detail with precision.
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Ashlee Horsley – Thrives in bold, vibrant color work that makes designs pop.
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Nina Barksdale – Known for intricate, detailed pieces that showcase patience and mastery.
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Adam Blanton – A true craftsman of American Traditional tattoos, honoring timeless designs.
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Sequoia Cullen – Brings horror, anime, and cartoon-inspired work to life with a creative edge.
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Doc Parker – Expert in black and grey, crafting depth and contrast with striking results.
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Hannah Vasvary – Specializes in colorful surrealism, blending imagination and realism.
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Taylor Whitaker – Our apprentice with a growing love for realism and a drive to learn fast.
No matter your style or vision, there’s an artist here ready to make your tattoo idea a reality.




Tattoos With Purpose
At Inked Under Ground, we believe tattoos are more than just ink—they’re a form of self-expression, individuality, and story. Every design is approached with precision, passion, and a commitment to perfection. Creativity knows no limits in our studio, and every tattoo tells a story of defiance, resilience, or deeply personal meaning.
Giving Back to Our Community
At Inked Under Ground, tattooing and piercing are only part of what we do. We believe in being true members of our community, and that means showing up when people need us most.
Our piercing team, along with the tattoo artists, have come together on countless occasions to lend a hand. Over the past year, we’ve:
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Raised funds and donations for London, KY tornado victims.
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Collected essentials for a regular client who lost everything in a house fire.
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Opened our doors as a temporary shelter during severe weather.
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Hosted a winter coat drive to help local families during the cold months.
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Donated cases of water and snacks to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office during a critical shooter incident, when officers were working tirelessly to keep our community safe.
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Continued our tradition of the Semi-Colon Flash Sale every September to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
These efforts aren’t about recognition—they’re about gratitude. Winchester and the surrounding areas have supported us since day one, and giving back is just one way we say thank you. When you step into Inked Under Ground, you’re not just walking into a shop—you’re joining a family that believes art and compassion go hand in hand.

Our Favorite Events
Our artists and piercers also go the extra mile during our favorite events, like our Friday the 13th Flash Sales, when it’s not unusual for the team to stay tattooing and piercing well past midnight just to make sure everyone who shows up gets their chance at a new piece of art. These events capture the energy and rebellious spirit that Inked Under Ground is all about.

Step Into the Underground
Whether you’re looking for a portrait, traditional flash, surreal color, or a custom piece you’ve been dreaming of, Inked Under Ground is the place to make it happen.
We’re open Tuesday through Saturday, 12 PM to 8 PM. Step into the underground, and let our team transform your vision into a tattoo you’ll carry proudly for life.
Book your appointment today and join the movement at Kentucky’s only underground tattoo studio.
Check out more of our work on our Artists page!