Carlos “Roa”

Carlos “Roa” is a visionary artist and tattoo practitioner based at ROA STUDIOS in Columbus, Ohio. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, and raised in the U.S., Roa proudly embraces his indigenous roots, which deeply inform his diverse artistic expression across painting, tattooing, and mural art. His work is characterized by vibrant colors, intricate designs, and dreamlike influences, all connected to ancestral and spiritual themes that honor cultural heritage. As a tattoo artist, Roa specializes in sacred markings, tribal symbols, realism, and impactful blackwork designs, including tribal-blackout and black and grey portraits. He is also skilled in ceremonial hand poke tattooing. Infusing each piece with mindfulness, Roa views tattooing as a transformative journey, believing it can help individuals overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth. He thoughtfully blends ancient practices with contemporary techniques, offering unique rituals such as smudging and tea ceremonies to create a tranquil and personalized tattoo experience focused on self-discovery, healing, and spiritual growth.