TATTOO CHARLIE‘S BALTIMORE

Since Tattoo Charlie's opened its doors in 1938 it has continuously provided quality professional tattooing services by Charlie Geizer (an icon in the tattoo industry). Charlie got his start in the tattoo industry in 1915 when as a youth he worked in traveling carnivals and circuses. In his own words "just natural" was the way Charlie learned to tattoo as he followed the old saw dust circuit. According to a News- American Article, Charlie tattooed as many as 100 sailors a day. In 1953 the Baltimore City health department passed new sanitation and licensing regulations. Due to the new regulations every tattoo shop in Baltimore except Tattoo Charlie's disappeared, leaving Charlie’s to be the only shop for a number of years. Charlie was proud to have risen to the challenge while others moved on or gave up the trade.

In 1980 Charlie passed away. Dennis Watkins, Charlie’s protégé, took over the shop. Dennis already had opened his own shop in 1977 in Odenton with his young wife, Gale Watkins. He also taught the trade to her, and 35 years ago she became Maryland's first female tattoo artist, an admirable accomplishment of her own. “Back in the day, people didn't talk about tattooing. It was something you kept to yourself. But Tattoo Charlie opened up to Dennis, and shared everything he knew with him." Mrs. Watkins said in the Capital Gazette. As a youth Dennis would watch Geizer work for as many hours as the older artist would let him stay. Eventually Charlie took Dennis on as an apprentice, and later as a business partner. Like "Tattoo Charlie," Mr. Watkins was dedicated to seeing that his art was done right, safely and respectfully. Dennis passed away in March 2008 leaving his wife Gale in charge of the business.

In June of 2013 the torch was passed on to Sam Mirkin. It’s his mission to preserve the history of Tattoo Charlie's, America's 2nd oldest continuously running tattoo shop. There is a sense of pride, respect and tradition when you step into Tattoo Charlie's. Perhaps it's the vintage photos of tattooed men and women in display cases or the picture of Charlie himself in his older age. Whatever the reason maybe there is a comfort in knowing that you are at a shop thats history has been cared for and held in high regard. Tattoo Charlie's is not just a Baltimore landmark but a piece of American tattoo history.

At the age of 25 Sam (a Baltimore native) created a company and trademarked it called Tattoo Brew. It was a tattoo themed beer line, which was so well received that Jim Beam purchased it from him. This confirmed to him that his innovative and creative ideas could be profitable at a young age. Sam has represented and worked with some of the best tattoo artists in the industry including Chris Nunez, Boog, Matt Rinks and Mike Giant. In the early 90’s Sam was one of the first people to manufacture body jewelry. He saw the unique need and niche for the new phenomenon and was able to capitalize upon it. His company Harm City did exceptionally well until the body jewelry industry became flooded by cheap overseas manufactures.

Sam makes it his priority to preserve the rich history of Tattoo Charlies. The shop recently celebrated its 80th anniversary, there is no doubt that if Charlie were alive today that he would be proud of the dedication and quality standards which Sam and his artists will be sure to continue to deliver.