Brass Cat Tattoo officially opened its doors Dec. 5 with a soft launch, offering an inviting, artistic space to the historic Ashman Circle in Midland.
Owned by tattoo artist Brenton James Weaver and his fiancée, Angel Black, the shop is located at 66 Ashman Circle, adding a fourth tattoo studio to Midland's growing art scene.
The couple, who leased the building in September, live in Midland with their 18-month-old daughter and are excited to contribute another family business to the community.
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Mikaila BluewCo-owner Angel Black working in the waiting area during a tattoo appointment at Brass Cat tattoo Studio
“This building really just called out to us when we saw it. It’s very mid-century modern, and it feels very Midland,” Black says.
The building has a history of hosting small, independent businesses, making it an ideal location for Brass Cat. After acquiring the space, the couple worked hard to create a unique, intimate atmosphere.
“How you feel when you walk into a space really matters,” Black says. “We tried to make a space that felt welcoming, different, and like a safe and comfortable environment to get a tattoo. I think that’s a vulnerable thing.”
Weaver and Black aim to bring collaboration and artistry back to an industry that can sometimes feel transactional.
“We try to create an environment that’s welcoming and make the process easy for people to book and have a consultation,” Weaver says. “We don’t want to gatekeep the industry from people, which sounds silly, but that’s really what people do.”
Though Brass Cat Tattoo launched in December, the couple will host a grand opening on Jan. 26 from 1-3 p.m., the event will feature live music, snacks, games, and prizes.
Weaver, who has been tattooing locally for nearly a decade, says the community’s response has been overwhelmingly supportive.
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Mikaila BluewGrayson Klosowski getting a tattoo at Brass Cat Tattoo Studio“I tattoo all walks of life,” Weaver says. “I just try to be welcoming, and I feel that we’ve been met with a similar attitude. Honestly, probably even more so, everyone’s been super supportive.”
This is Weaver’s first time owning a tattoo shop, but his experience as an artist, paired with Black’s background in running an esthetician business in Florida, has given them confidence in opening Brass Cat Tattoo.
“I’m working on putting his flash designs on the website for people who don’t want to go through the custom process,” Black says. “They can see his designs, pick something, and be done in three steps. It’s very easy.”
Flash tattoos will be available not only by
appointment but also during occasional walk-in, pop-up events on Sundays, announced through the shop’s
Instagram,
Facebook, or
website. The first walk-in flash tattoo sale will be held Jan. 19 at 11 a.m. Weaver will offer small tattoos, with a shop minimum of $50 and free consultations.
Appointments are always welcome, and Weaver is open to all tattoo styles. He prides himself on staying practiced in various techniques but notes that the more creative pieces are often the most exciting.
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Mikaila BluewOwner and artist Brenton James Weaver giving a client a tattoo at Brass Cat Tattoo“My favorite is doing mixed-style pieces,” Weaver says. “Illustrative flowers with a realism tiger and some neotraditional bright color elements—really creative stuff. It’s my favorite.”
Weaver ensures his clients are involved in the creative process to be certain they will love their tattoo.
“I prefer to draw my pieces up the day of the appointment or the night before,” Weaver says. “Then, if the client needs it revised, we can do that during the appointment. It becomes more collaborative. They are included in the design process, which I think is super important. Those are the pieces people love the most—they feel like they had a say in it.”
Black believes Weaver’s understanding nature makes the experience more personal for clients, as he takes the time to truly listen to their ideas, ensure they feel comfortable, and guide them through the design process.
“Brenton is very personable and friendly, which is really helpful to have an understanding relationship,” Black says. “To get somebody’s vision onto paper, it’s important to help get the vision right and create something that’s going to be beautiful every time they look at it.”
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Mikaila BluewThe Brass Cat Tattoo Studio building with now open sign hung in MidlandIn the future, they aim to expand their services by adding piercings and with Black’s esthetics background introduce spray tanning.
“Something really important that I would like to put out there is that we do have space for other artists, and we will be looking for another established artist in the future,” says Black.
The couple plans to eventually look for an established tattoo artist to join the shop. This artist would bring their own style and creativity to the space, fostering a collaborative environment.
As Brass Cat Tattoo continues to grow, Weaver and Black are excited to further immerse themselves in the Midland community. With their focus on creativity, collaboration, and personalized service, they aim to provide a welcoming space for everyone, whether they’re getting their first tattoo or adding it to their collection.
“We’re very excited to continue to serve the area and become more immersed in our community.”