Dark Star Tattoo

Category:	Tattoo Shop
Address:	2360 State St, Salem, OR 97301, USA
Phone:	+1 503-763-9696
Site:	tattoosalem.com
Rating:	4.2
Working:	Closed 12–7PM 12–7PM 12–7PM 12–7PM 12–7PM Closed

Location

Photos 14

Reviews 6

Cassie F

Several weeks ago I went in to get a somewhat basic piece down by Nate. I gave him exactly what I was wanting and told him I didn’t want it to be very big since it was going to be on the back of my neck. He seemed pretty chill and like he understood what I wanted and said it would be easy to do and take about an hour. However, the day I went in for my appointment it was a very different story. After he finished smoking his cigarette we went inside and he showed me the outline. It was really big and I told him I didn’t want it that big. He said because of the detail it needed to be. Since I have several tattoos and one of them being the Sublime 40oz to freedom sun which is way more detailed (and smaller than what he was trying to push) I knew that wasn’t true. He said he can make it a little smaller but it wouldn’t look good. That’s not what I wanted to hear and so I told him that if he doesn’t think he can do it I can go to a different artist. Then he said that he was the only one in town who would be able to do this. I try to get my pieces by different artists and knew he is a fan of Tool which is what my piece is of so that’s why I went to him. After he made the stencil a bit smaller we went back to his area where he took a good 30 minutes to set up. After two hours my neck was becoming sore and I was anxious to get it finished. I asked him how much longer and he kind of laughed and said he wasn’t even half way done and he would do a little more but then I would need to come back for another session. I was annoyed with that but didn’t want him to mess it up so I continued to sit still and let him work for another hour and a half. When he was finally done I looked at it and was shocked how big it was and even made a comment which he didn’t respond to. Once he cleaned me up I asked him when I can get it finished and he told me to wait a week and see. I didn’t say much and was clearly unhappy when I left. After a week I contacted him and made an appointment to get it finished. I showed up a few minutes early and again he was outside smoking so I told him I would wait inside. After he got done smoking we went to his station where he took about 20 minutes to set up again. We didn’t talk much and it took him about an hour and a half and then was done. Towards the end two girls came over to talk to him. After I stood up I turned around and told him I wanted to let him know that this was my worst tattoo experience and he needs to be aware of how he acted. I told him I didn’t like how he said he can make it any size I want but then made it bigger like he wanted, it was not at all like the picture he was using as a reference, and that he shouldn’t have stretched it out into two sessions. I said I wasn’t trying to be bitchy but he needs to be careful because if he is tattooing someone for their first time they may not want to get another tattoo. He didn’t say a single word and just stood there with a confused almost mad look on his face. One of the girls tried to get involved and back him up but I told her sorry but I am not discussing this with you. Feeling like talking was go nowhere I told him thank you for finishing it and put my hand out to shake and he just shook his head no. I waited a sec and then said ok well peace out and left. I am still not thrilled about the final project but as time goes by it should lighten up and not be as bad but knowing its nothing like I wanted is a horrible feeling. For the first time I have a tattoo, which is pretty noticeable, that I’m not stoked about. I do not recommend him to anyone I know and want to caution anyone who considers going to him or any other artist in general. If they seem difficult or pushy don’t let them touch you.

Israel Harden

Im very picky about the types of tattoos that I put on my body. Usually, my tattoos have some type of personal significance and I agonize over them for a long time before I actually get tattooed on my body.My idea for the Joker came from a old t-shirt I had in the late 80s early 90s; I wore that t-shirt so much that it was a shell of its self when I finally out grew it. I never really out grew the image though. It took me two years after my last tattoo to finally feel ready to get the Joker. After some timely advice and lots of searching I found my placement and my artist. I was lucky enough to reconnect with an old friend of mine Erik who I was happy to learn had been tattooing at Dark Star for the last six years! When I went to meet with Erik I was impressed with how clean and professional Dark Star was; lots of open space with semi private stations for each artist. The unassuming exterior hides a very modern, relaxing tattoo shop that tugs on my pop culture heart strings. Dealing with Erik was one of the easiest parts of getting the Joker tattoo. Erik was friendly and confident that he could give me the tattoo I wanted at a fair price. I gave Erik the Joker image, we discussed the placement, and scheduled my appointment. Erik was very accommodating to my schedule he was willing to work weekends and evenings to finish my tattoo. The end result is nothing short of amazing. Erik took his time to make sure he had every aspect of the Joker tattoo spot on. The detail in the face, hair, playing card, pistol, and even the HA HAs come together to create a colorful, scary, and perfect rendition of the original image I came to Erik with. Erik has always been an artist for as long as Ive known him but the Joker tattoo he did for me surpassed any expatiation I had. If you want a bad ass tattoo by a experienced, creative, detail oriented artist then go make your appointment with Erik at Dark Star; you wont be disappointed.

Jules Dread

As good as the best places in Portland. Check each artists portfolio to see who is the strongest in the type of tattoo you want. I wanted realism, and therefore chose Tim. I couldnt be happier with the result. Incredible work.

A Private User

Ryan is a true master at his craft (an artist). He did my tattoos even better than I imagined, also everyone else was polite and easy to talk to. Im now a dark star customer for life thanks guys.

Katharine VanBuskirk

Eric is awesome he takes his time am makes sure everything is just righ! He even said hed touch up my tattoo he did almost three teats ago along with finishing my new one! Best place ever! !!

A Private User

Nate laird is amazing he did matching big & lil sister tats and a great star to cover up a name we love our work and we will be back again!