Best Tattoo Shop
Making imagination reality
When did your business open in Frederick?
Late 1998. We’ll be celebrating our 20-year anniversary next year!
What makes Frederick County a great place to do business?
The demographic of people that live and come here, aided especially by the Downtown Frederick Partnership. The proximity to Washington, D.C., and Baltimore and the progressive nature of the area.
What sets your business apart?
Our focus on customer service, custom art, and unique experiences. We have the largest selection of body jewelry, including BVLA, Anatometal, and Neometal.
What’s the most memorable tattoo you’ve worked on?
In 2003, Capt. Gordon, the owner and proprietor of Time Bomb Tattoos & Curiosities, had the opportunity to re-work a bicep tribute and memorial to UMC and Vietnam for a Veteran…. Vietnam had been spelled wrong, on top of it being an overall low quality piece. This client had been struggling with mental health and had been in and out of the VA Hospital for 20 years before Capt. fixed the spelling and brought the honor that the client felt into view. In the years that followed, he continued to get updates from his client that he no longer had to return to the VA Hospital. Having the opportunity to be a part of people’s healing processes is the most rewarding aspect of the work we do here.
What’s the most unusual experience you’ve had in your line of work?
Having our shop featured in Suddenly Royal (2015) and the Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry Documentary (2008). Drew Howe, King of the Isle of Man, had Capt.Gordon tattoo his Royal Crest on the side of his calf as part of the first episode of his TLC Reality Show. Zeke Owens, legendary tattoo artist, gave an interview about the famous Sailor Jerry, Norman K. Collins, because he felt we were the best tattoo venue in town!
What is the most common question you are asked?
“When can you fit me in?”….We take walk-ins whenever possible, and can frequently schedule even large-scale work within a week or two depending on artist preference and how flexible the client’s schedule is. We are generally very busy, but can fit small pieces in on most days and can sometimes even start bigger projects on the spot. Our process usually starts with a free in person consultation and those are very easy to schedule! We do always recommend making an appointment or at least calling ahead to confirm availability.
In a competitive market, why do you think your business and artists are the “best?”
Our artists are very creative, open-minded, and committed to making sure that we get the right design every time. Exceeding the customer’s expectations is a priority for us and one of our favorite feedback statements is “It’s better than I imagined it could be!” We have a large counter staff dedicated to fielding client inquiries quickly and thoroughly and always with a smile.
