Had a great experience here last night. First, let me say that I have several tattoos, many of which were done at shops or by people that were just kind of cold feeling, douchey, judgemental, or not v... Read More
Had a great experience here last night. First, let me say that I have several tattoos, many of which were done at shops or by people that were just kind of cold feeling, douchey, judgemental, or not very professional. In the last year, I found a shop near my home in NY that made me feel respected, and I've decided I'll never get tattooed in a place or by a person that makes me feel like shit ever again. I ducked into a shop in New Orleans with some girlfriends last November and I pulled them both out with me; I WILL NOT get tattooed by impatient, inflexible assholes anymore. So, I'm in Salem this past weekend with my oldest niece to celebrate her 30th bday, and after a day of cool touristy stuff, we both decide we'd love a non-tacky Salem tattoo (quote by Giles Corey: "more weight"). We walked in at 7ish. First good sign: VERY nice/clean shop. We were told by the courteous woman at the front that although they close at 8, and their only artist still in (Larry) was working on a large piece until around 9, he'd be willing to stay and do our relatively simple tattoos. Second good sign: super accommodating. We went off to get a bite and Larry called us when he was ready. Third good sign: Larry was the consummate professional. Stayed until almost 11 helping us (and by the way has a super long commute home, which he did not even mention until we asked if he was from the area). Changed font, size, and placement multiple times until we were, and sometimes he was, happier with the result. We walked out on cloud nine - we have wanted matching tattoos for years, and everything about the experience, start to finish, made us feel great. I could not recommend this shop and Larry in particular more highly. Read Less