My friend came up from Philadelphia to celebrate my birthday with me in Salem, where I was to hoping to get a tattoo. I really wanted some artwork from the Black Veil for a while, but their schedule w... Read More
My friend came up from Philadelphia to celebrate my birthday with me in Salem, where I was to hoping to get a tattoo. I really wanted some artwork from the Black Veil for a while, but their schedule was packed when I called a month earlier (they book months out at a time it seems, so plan accordingly). Even though I couldn't get an appointment in advance, we did decide to drop in while we were in town since we had never seen the shop before. While we were there, my friend asked the receptionist if there was any chance they had a cancelation/opening. She said someone might have some time, but the schedule was pretty packed, which of course I expected since all of the artists work there is superb. She reached out to one of the artists, Nathan, to see if he had time, and came by and inquired about the design I was looking for. He listened and said would give me a call later in the day to discuss if there were any openings. I fully expected to be walking away without a tattoo from them. But then, a woman who was waiting for her tattoo, looked at my friend and I and said she was from the city and would be happy to give me her tattoo appointment as she could come over anytime vs. my friend and I who were visiting from out of state. I couldn't believe it, I'm still stunned and grateful at her gesture. Nathan agreed to the switch and he started to work on my design.He came up with the original drawing pretty quickly after talking with me. It was an excellent start, especially considering we had just met each other 15 minutes earlier, part of the project involved covering over my scars and I had a specific style in mind. When he came back with the second draft, it was even better and he showed me ideas of where it would lay on my skin. He added some more details and gave me feedback that I wouldn't of thought of that would make the tattoo less than it could be and detract from the beauty. That type of feedback from the artist is really important I've found, because it shows the artist knows their craft. While the customer has the idea of what they want, it is up to the artist and their vision to make it pop. Nathan was focused and quiet while he worked on me, though when he did talk, it was excellent commentary, story sharing or passing along tidbits to knowledge that was fascinating. He was funny and sweet and I really enjoyed my time receiving his work. I'm proud to display his art on my arm, he did a fantastic job.The room he worked in was downstairs and just gorgeous. Really, the entire Black Veil studio is stunning, the shop provides a perfect backdrop for any photo. What you see on their Instagram is what you will be able to enjoy when you visit. They have the sweetest little preserved kitten in a jar on one of their bookshelves, make sure to check it out. They also have a great selection of their artwork for sale, t-shirts, pins, books and of course, original prints to also buy. The staff is open, honest, and friendly. Even though I wasn't being tattooed by the owners Matthew or Ryan, they both came out at separate times to say hello and briefly chat with my friends and I. It is a little detail, to have the owners stop by to say hello to the customers, but it demonstrates the level attention and appreciation that they pay to their community. I've seen this reflected in their online social media networks which is lovely to see, shops supporting other shops and customers, but to see it happen live and in person was even better.I was pining to get a tattoo from the Black Veil and not only did it live up to my expectations, it was a heartwarming experience. The staff is exceptional, the craftsmanship is superb, the atmosphere is stunning and they have cultivated such a community that even their customers are kind and caring. What a gift they are to Beverly and Salem. Read Less