Charm City Tattoo is currently in the 'hood on the edge of the infamous Pigtown in Baltimore.
I'm the sole artist, Jacki Randall, and I was born when cars had fins. I've been creating since I could hold a crayon. I worked as a freelance artist and musician before taking up the trade in 1990, occasionally receiving notice for my work, like the unexpected Special Citation from Gov. Schaefer. If you ponder my ARTWORK page, you may recognize a couple of my murals in Baltimore City. My partial resume is listed beneath in the PROPAGANDA section and runs the gamut from historic houses of worship, to sex industry newspapers.
Please take the time to review the MY WORK page, as one should always be familiar with their prospective artist's work. I abandoned the programming of a scholarship for the existential experience.
I reserve the right to decline projects that are below standard or am uncomfortable with. If you wish to replicate someone else's work, consider going to their source.
Quotes are only made in shop.
Offering original, unique, bespoke, custom, fineline, freehand and coverup & repair tattooing.
I work alone and never stop tattooing for the phone or the door, as each client deserves my undivided attention, as you will when in my chair.
Many of my clients arrive with nothing more than an idea. If this describes you, I encourage you to search museums, google images, any and everywhere for source material. Listen for what speaks to you. Folks have brought me everything from tea towels, jewelry, porno to prayer cards. Failing all this, I'll play mind-reader, but please make sure you've got something in there.
If you're at the stage of considering a tattoo, wait until you know what you want, you've made the decision to get the work done, and are ready to book an appointment before contacting me. I am not a salesperson.
My focus involves putting art on you that will stand the test of time, and continue to please in the decades to come. Unoriginal tattoos, tiny lettering and borderless blotches of color evade this category.
For a response, send your phone number and times you answer. This is when questions can be answered and your appointment is booked.
Appointments are booked only with a deposit. Please do not just show up as work is not interrupted. I'm in an urban location and distractions are locked out.
To be tattooed, you must be at least 18 years of age with current, valid ID or passport. Sorry, minors are not admitted. You must be sober, not stoned, pregnant or sunburned. No exceptions whatsoever. If you have health issues such as immune compromising conditions or diabetes, consult your physician beforehand.
Please do not show up early. If you arrive with time to spare, find some way to occupy yourself. You will be expected at the time set for your appointment. Until then, I'm either finalizing another project or preparing for your arrival.
The night before, don't drink, and get a good night's sleep. Have something to eat an hour or two before getting worked on. Being tired, stressed, hungry, or worn out is not conducive to the process.
Deposits are not refundable or transferable.
Stuck in traffic en route? Call. If half an hour passes the time of your appointment without word from you, you're considered a no-show.
No-show? Kiss your deposit Goodbye.
Rescheduling requires a minimum two day notice. Postponements are to be within a month.
Anyone drunk or stoned is not admitted into my shop. If you arrive high, or at any point during the session show effects of being under the influence, you'll be ousted, your payment forfeited, and barred from the shop. Feel free to indulge after being tattooed, as long as you don't pose a danger to yourself, my work, or others.
You should have the best possible experience, and your comfort frees me to concentrate solely on your tattoo work.
Regarding the tattooing and art displayed here, all represent but a tiny fraction of my images commissioned, gifted, or outright stolen, most of which I've forgotten decades ago.
This is where you are tattooed. I play music appropriate to getting you into the zone. Most healthy, well-rested people enjoy the endorphin rush so much, that getting tattooed becomes a regular ritual.
You will not be wearing earbuds or engaged in electronic communication while visiting or being worked on.
If your need for entertainment is more important than your tattoo, please go elsewhere. I care what my work looks like.
Despite what you may have heard, being tattooed should not be excruciatingly painful. Unless you have an unusual physiological condition, you should be just fine. Excessive pain during tattooing usually indicates either a physical, mental or emotional imbalance, or a grossly inept practitioner.
You won't need to be holding anyone's hand, nor should you. Polite guests may be able to witness the process (depending on the job) and perhaps even speak to you as long as they don't interfere with the process.
As the sign says, your cell phone must be turned off. If you have urgent concerns or an emergency that necessitates your being contacted, wait until they've passed to book your appointment.
Regarding Coverups: If they're detectible, they're a failure, as even strangers on the street will recognize you previously had something you couldn't live with. Heavy black saturation of an area also signals the covering of regrettable markings, which is why reputable artists refuse this technique. Perpetual reminders of what you chose to eliminate aren't much different from bearing the original insult.