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Tattoo parlor in Wellsburg offers designs to all

NEW TATTOO PARLOR — Mike Viderman, owner of Mountain State Tattoos, and his staff marked the opening of the new business at 67 12th St., Wellsburg, with a ribbon cutting conducted by the Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce. Participating were, front, from left, tattoo artist Kayla Haddon, Heather Viderman, Mike’s wife; Mike Viderman, and tattoo artist Jason Flenniken: and back, Jacie Ridgely, chamber executive director; and Donna Conley, chamber board member. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — From eagles to flowers and even portraits of loved ones, the owner of a new tattoo parlor has created a variety of illustrations for his clientele and he’s also helped them to “camouflage” old tattoos they didn’t want anymore.

Mike Viderman, owner of Mountain State Tattoos at 67 12th St., said while tattoos once were common primarily among servicemen and motorcyclists, a variety of people come to him to have an assortment of designs applied to their skin.

“Lots of people get tattoos now. I’ve tattooed lawyers, doctors, police officers,” he said, adding many women also have come to him.

The most common requests from women are flowers, hearts, butterflies and cancer ribbons, often in honor or memory of a loved one who has battled the disease, but female clientele also have sought more exotic illustrations, he said.

Asked his favorite designs, Viderman said he enjoys creating eagles, flags and other patriotic symbols, assorted animals as well as realistic depictions of family members and pets.

Those seeking to memorialize a beloved relative or pet have provided photos for reference, explained Viderman, who tattooed the image of his grandfather on himself.

He said it’s not uncommon for brothers, sisters and close friends to get matching tattoos, with an infinity symbol a popular choice among them.

Viderman also has helped people to “cover” old tattoos they don’t like for various reasons. He might use dragon scales, flower petals or other illustration to cover the name of an ex boyfriend or girlfriend, for example.

“I usually try to go with something they’ve always wanted,” he said.

Viderman is a 1999 graduate of Brooke High School and 2001 graduate of the Pittsburgh Technical Institute, where he studied art.

“I’ve always been artistic,” said Viderman, who also has painted and sold many landscape paintings.

His tattoo parlor is staffed by Jason Flenniken, who has 25 years of experience as a tattoo artist; and Kayla Haddon.

Viderman, Flenniken and Haddon had worked for Brothers Tattoo & Body Piercing in Weirton before it closed.

Viderman, who resides in Wellsburg with his wife, Heather, and their daughter, said he’s excited to be opening the new business in his hometown.

Closed on Wednesdays, Mountain State Tattoos is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays through Tuesdays.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated and may be made by calling (740) 219-0190. Information and examples of the work can be found on the Facebook page.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)

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