Every year when we do BEST OF, we ask for the best thing we forgot. This year, we had a very clear mandate from readers on what that should be. Best Tattoo Parlor.

Tattoos may seem an unlikely choice, but the reality is that tattoos are no longer confined to people with a prison record. Tattoos are mainstream, with everyone from seniors to soccer moms boasting custom artwork and hit TV shows about high-end tattoo artists unveiling the mystery of the art. And in Harford County, the hippest, most chic place to get a tattoo is Flesh Tattoo Company in Fallston.

Looking like a chic club, or maybe a Manhattan salon, Flesh boasts a modern upscale look, with a black faux finished ceiling, blue faux finished walls and a grey slate floor. The owner, Mike Rosellini, has a medical background, and the sterilization devices are medical grade – the same kinds used at hospitals in the area – to ensure a truly sterile environment.

“I opened Flesh Tattoo Company to create a new and positive experience for tattoo enthusiasts and artists. We wanted to get quality artists in a professional environment that offered the most to our clients,” explains Rosellini. “This is a more of a salon environment. I wanted a shop that was comfortable for the soccer moms, the football dads, really cool middle to upper class individuals as well hard core tattoo enthusiasts. Tattoos are very popular now, a lot of people use them to express themselves.”

Tattoos are less expensive than you might think. At Flesh Tattoo, the minimum charge is $70 and the average cost is $100 to $250. For more extensive work, the rate is $150 per hour. Some of the more elaborate custom pieces, like sleeves, can take repeat visits over a period of months to complete.

Customers think Flesh Tattoo is worth a visit. As Angelo Romano of Bel Air explained, “I voted for Flesh because of the outstanding job they did on my tattoo. I also have had several friends go there and get the same great service. They are friendly, professional, reasonably priced and they take pride in their work. I have several tattoos and this is hands down the best place I have visited.”

That kind of response is just what Rosellini hoped to get from his clients when he opened his shop. “Flesh Tattoo clients are educated consumers that expect talented artists, a clean sterile environment and superior customer service,” he says. “Flesh is based on customer service and customer appreciation. Our artists communicate professionally and well with their clients – two of them are parents and they understand real life.”

While Flesh does do simple flash (pre-made designs), it’s the custom work that brings out their true artistry.

“My artists like a challenge, they like to work at being creative to bring something to life,” says Rosellini. “A lot of people aren’t coming in getting little tattoos anymore – they’re coming in and getting sleeves, or pieces that are six inches to a foot in size. It’s so accepted now. There is no denying that tattoos are going mainstream. People from all walks of life are enjoying the freedom to express themselves with beautiful body art.”

Flesh Tattoo Company, Fallston Building 1716 Harford Road, Suite 106, Fallston 410-877-9005 www.fleshtattoocompany.com | www.myspace.com/fleshtattoocompany

Story: Gina Kazimir Photos: Matt Button

Above: Detail of tattoo being inked by artist Brother Mike [seated in background of photo on left.] and Flesh owner Mike Rosellini.
Top of page: Artist Emily Sloman.
Middle Right: Client Mike Atwood displays his amazing “sleeve.”