I just got my first tattoo and the experience was so much better than I could have hoped for. After visiting reaching out to several tattoo artists to check out the quality of the artwork as well as the general "vibe" of each parlor I was immediately impressed by the artist's work, the demeanor of the artist and the simple but inviting atmosphere at Old Salt Tattooers. Laurent's work is simply beautiful. He was certain to explore what I was looking for in design, give me his input when I asked for it and ensure that I was happily with the design prior to having it inked. I felt at ease during the process as Laurent was able to chat when I was I wanted to but worked quietly when I needed to have time to leave off on conversation. While his overall manner was what I needed, the quality of the work was what stood out the most. My Asian inspired tattoo ran from my foot to just above my knee and was completed in only two sessions. His work was quick considering the intricacy of the design but exceeded my expectations in its quality. The tattoo was simply beautiful and exactly what I wanted in its design. I will definitely be returning to Old Salt Tattooers for more work and would definitely recommend Old Salt Tattooers to others as well. read more

Old Salt Tattooers - Tattoo Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Loved my experience with Marcus. He was professional, personable, and made good suggestions for my friend and I. He was accommodating to our schedules as well. The only reason for 4 stars was that our appointment was at 12 and we didn't actually start tattooing until 130. It's all good though because we finished up around the time I had hoped with awesome pieces for life. :) The owner tattoo guy was in the shop too, he was funny and made the shop and even more enjoyable experience. read more

Old Salt Tattooers - One day old, love it! Good work Marcus. - Tattoo Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I used Laurent's website to reach out to him and he responded to me quickly, within days, much faster than other artists. The consultation was quick thanks to his many years experience. On the day of the appointment he had a beautiful piece ready for me. Despite the amount of color and detail the whole session was only about an hour. Laurent gets down to business and makes beautiful work. Go to him. read more

Old Salt Tattooers - Tattoo Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Got my first tattoo today and I was very nervous because I really wasn't sure what to expect and I was afraid of all of the horrible things I had heard that people have experienced at different tattoo places. Old Salt Tattooers is not one of those places. Laurent made feel so at ease by cracking jokes to get my mind off of my inner thoughts. I was recommended to Old Salt by a friend and now it's my turn to recommend Old Salt. Laurent is the best and does a damn fine job on his art. Give him a call you will not be disappointed. Can't wait for my next one! read more

Love Old Salt. Both Laurant and Lane are fantastic, versatile artists. If you're serious about getting something well done done well, this is definitely one of *thee* places to check out in MKE. read more

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Laurent did a phenomenal job! I went to him to see what he could do about a tattoo I wasn't happy with and he was very good to work with. He was professional and fast and reasonably priced! The tattoo I have is very sentimental so I did not want to cover it up but he changed the color and added on to it and gave me the tattoo I envisioned! Laurent is also super lovely to talk to and we had a great report. I will go back to him for more work and will recommend him to all of my friends! read more

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Laurent has done 6 tattoos for me and all have turned out better than I had imagined they would. For example, when I went in for a consultation about my first 3 birds, he looked at my photos, did research, and in 3 days came up with sketches and placement that fit together perfectly. He added a tree branch to bring everything together that is almost more beautiful than the birds themselves. His work is done so skillfully that it heals quickly and rarely even scabs over, it just peels a little bit. He is always professional and his prices are fair. I always suggest Laurent to anyone looking for a tattoo artist in Milwaukee. He is by far the best tattoo artist I know, and many of my friends have also had work done by him and that all agree. read more

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Laurent did tattoos for my friend in the past so we went to him for the tattoos that we had been planning to get together. We wanted smaller tattoos this time and were in and out within 45 minutes. He works on an appointment basis and was ready when we arrived. They were in the process of moving their studio to a different building, but he had everything he needed - I had no qualms. The experience was everything I'd look for from a tattoo artist. Personality, professionalism, and a quick and easy process. I would not hesitate to get another tattoo from him and I would definitely recommend him to others. I could not be happier with the way mine healed. read more

Old Salt is an awesome shop. It is ultra clean, and comfortable. Tattoos here are not an intimidating experience. The artist's are talented and friendly. I have spent many hours with Laurent working on various pieces. His attention to detail in his work is second to none. Lines are super crisp. He excels at any style. While I haven't collected anything from the other guys in the shop I have seen their work and it too is artful and packed full of detail. This is the only shop I will go to. I highly recommend them. Check them out. You will not be disappointed. read more

Old Salt Tattooers - Shoulder, by Laurent - Tattoo Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Great experience, fast response time and Laurent is an amazing artist. Go get you a tattoo at this place. You will not be disappointed.

Laurent has done 3 of my tattoos and I am in love with every single one of them! Not only does he do phenomenal art, but he is fun to be around. If it is your first tattoo or your hundredth, Laurent is your man! He will make you feel comfortable and surprisingly the the time goes quickly. He did my geraniums on my shoulder and the placement is absolutely perfect, the pine tree you can kind of see on my left side - simple but perfect. Mandala on my arm and now peony on my arm - love! read more

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Great service and great work! I saw that Laurent had amazing reviews here on yelp and he did not disappoint. I contacted him to make an appointment and he responded promptly and got me in exactly when I wanted. He is nice and help me feel relaxed in the process (this was my first tattoo and I was nervous). I really liked how personal the whole experience was. He is amazingly talented and did a perfect job on the tattoo, it is exactly what I wanted. I would recommend him to anyone read more

Old Salt Tattooers - Tattoo Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I got my first tattoo done by Laurent. My boyfriend had been going to him to get a sleeve done and I had gone with a few times so I felt comfortable going to him for mine. My tattoo was pretty simple compared to the work he usually does but he did it beautifully and in less than an hour! Everyone gives me compliments on it. Laurent is also a really nice guy. He's really funny and made me feel way less stressed out. My boyfriend's tattoo was a few sessions and looks great as well. If you want something done definitely consider going here. They know what they're doing and you won't be dissapointed. read more

Laurant is a wizard. There really isnt much more to say. If you want the best, then go to Laurent. If you want someone to take your ideas and turn them into perfection, then go to Laurent. Its that simple. read more

Old Salt Tattooers - The shield, horse, bolt, and SD were there before. He took a cheap tattoo and beautified it with his design - Tattoo Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Laurent is truly amazing at what he does. I have had 2 tattoos done by him and as long as he is in Milwaukee i won't go anywhere else. Here is a breakdown of my experience as his client: The first piece I had done was to cover up a tattoo on my forearm that I got when I was 17. It was a black and white tattoo and I didn't know what to expect. It took me almost a year to even start looking because I didn't think it was possible. A friend recommended Laurent and after some research on Yelp I had come across many positive reviews. I figured why not and gave it a shot. I went in for my initial consultation told him what I wanted (a Koy), put down a deposit, and eagerly awaited my appointment. The end result was everything I imagined and so much more. The Koy looks amazing. The color is unique and bright but not too much and the best part...if I didn't tell you it was a cover up you would never know. When I decided to cover up another tattoo that I got when I was younger where to go was a no brainier. This coverup would be much bigger and more difficult. I covered up a fairly large black and white skull on my arm with a scene of Hannibal (ancient general not the cannibal) riding an elephant at the top of a mountain. He was very upfront with me about the difficulty of this and explained that this tattoo would be harder than the previous one. The piece took multiple visits, but was more than worth it. Not only can other people not see that it is a cover up...but when i try to explain what is underneath I have trouble remembering what it looks like because you simply cannot see many if any party of the old tattoo. He simply out did himself. Not only do I have a great tattoo with a lot of meaning to me, but I also have a piece of artwork on my arm. I love seeing people's reactions when they see the before and after pictures and can't believe that the skull is somewhere underneath. In short if you're looking for quality work at a fair price Laurent is your guy. There is a reason you have to schedule your appointment in advance and put down a small deposit. He is simply the best. read more

Old Salt Tattooers - Koy coverup (see review below) - Tattoo Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Adding to the Laurent love! Laurent did a large tattoo for me about 6 years ago and updated/added to a smaller one a few years back. They are both exquisite! He also has a good chairside/tableside manner and is fun and easy to work with. I can't say enough good things about my experiences with Laurent. I won't go anyplace else. You need to see Laurent for your next tattoo! read more

Great experience here. Marcus was super easy-going and patient. I was extremely whiny and fidgety, however Marcus was great at putting me at ease during the whole process. This is unlike other shop I've been to (in Chicago.) definitely not your 3 am, come in drunk, and we'll get you tatted anyway kinda joint. You can tell they take their work seriously. I'll be referring all my Chicago friends here. It's seriously worth the drive. read more

The only place I'll go for work in Milwaukee! Laurent is the best! I followed artist Laurent Marin from another studio to Old Salt, and have been beyond happy with both his work and with the shop's fun and comfortable environment. Laurent is extremely talented in many styles, but what I have is mostly detailed, small line work. I get compliments all of the time on the three pieces he's done for me. Three separate friends of mine have also gone to him for work since seeing what he's done on me. The shop is clean, and the other artists/owners are great too. There is really an artist there for any style you could ever want. Laurent is, clearly, my personal favorite as he's got a great attitude and is really fun and easy going. I can't wait to have Laurent do more work on me in the future! HIGHLY RECOMMEND LAURENT AND OLD SALT! read more

Old Salt Tattooers - By Laurent Marin - so happy with this 3/4 sleeve :) - Tattoo Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Went here to get my first tattoo and had an AMAZING experience! Laurent was was great to talk to and made me and my friend feel right at home. Both of our tattoos turned out great. Definitely would recommend for anyone looking for a good tattoo place! read more

Laurent is awesome! I've had three tattoos done by him and I am very happy with all of them. I always recommend people to go to him. His work is always phenomenal and he's always a pleasure to be around. read more

Old Salt Tattooers - Panther done Laurent - Tattoo Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Laurent has done 3 tattoos for me the most recent was a freehand snake. beautiful color work and clean lines. He's also a really cool dude. read more

Old Salt Tattooers - Laurent did the dragon on the right 4 years ago - Tattoo Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Laurent is awesome to work with. This was my first tattoo and he made me feel comfortable and gave me exactly what I wanted. Absolutely awesome experience. Would highly recommend him! read more

This is the first tattoo shop that I couldn't wait to get more work done. First impression: extremely clean, chill, everyone in a good mood. The art all around the shop is gorgous to look at. Laurent was recommended to me by a couple of close friends who also have work done by him. I followed up, and have both of my legs done by Laurent; all turned out better than I could have thought. He is thorough and cares about his work. My legs were done in fall of 2014, I love to look at them everyday. Laurent a phenomenal artist and stellar at what he does. Highly recommend. read more

Old Salt Tattooers - Kandinsky on the left, and circuitry on the right by Laurent. - Tattoo Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I had my first tattoo done here by Laurent in July. He did a fabulous job on a dragon inked on my calf. He was real nice, easy going, and a true professional. His advice for the aftercare was spot on also. Healed up, looks great, and many compliments. Recommend for sure. read more

Old Salt Tattooers - Dragon inked by Laurent - Tattoo Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Laurent is hands down one of the best tattoo arists around. He did a beautiful forearm sleeve on me. He is professional but makes your experience light and fun. The detailing is impeccable. I get compliments all the time and I constantly admire the intricate work done. He is the only person I will get my tattoos from. You simply won't be disappointed ! read more

Old Salt Tattooers - Tattoo Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I first went to Laurent to get my tattoo on my shoulder touched up. He did a spectacular job and even implemented his own originality to the design in a way that I haven't even thought of before. I knew that I had to get my second tattoo by him and so I did. I showed what I wanted to get done to my friends and some of them thought it was impossible, but Laurent said "nonsense" and not only met my expectations but exceeded them. He will make you feel comfortable and answer any questions that you may have before, during, and after. Laurent manages to bring his own artistic expression into whatever project he works on. If you bring an idea to him, he will mold it into a work of art that will look crisp, clean, and have your friends stare in awe as to how incredible it looks. He will work relentlessly until you are satisfied. I sensed that he pours all that he has into his craft and personalizes each piece. I have one more tattoo to go and if Laurent is still inkin' when I want it done, I'm going to him! read more

After scouring the city for a tattooer that would take on my ultra-challenging tattoo idea, being turned away by myriad hipster "artists", tough guy wallet chain Harley riders, and elitist scenesters, I found Laurent. Rather than staring blankly while judging me as I tried to explain my idea, he asked a lot of questions and became really excited to take on the challenge. He was very committed to the planning and drawing process, worked with me through every detail, made the design exactly what I was envisioning but in a way that was legitimate for a good looking tattoo. This was a large cover-up back piece, so his work was cut out for him. Not to mention that he's the most easy going person to work with, very comfortable, engaging, clean and professional, a stand-alone character in the often crazy and confusing tattoo scene. Icing on the cake: his prices are so fair I felt like I was robbing him. You can tell that he really loves what he does. I've since had a chest piece done by him as well, same story. Truly an amazing experience all around. I wouldn't go anywhere else, in fact, I travel back to Wisconsin from California to get work done by him. read more

Old Salt Tattooers - Cover up back piece by Laurent (arm piece excluded) - Tattoo Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Laurent is an amazing tattoo artist. I was a visitor to Milwaukee and I was nervous to let someone I never met tattoo me. He has a great vibrant personality and his prices are extremely fair. He is a fast artist, thorough, clean, and I love the tattoo SO much. He got everything I wanted in it and it was perfectly executed. read more

Laurent is the best. He did some work for me a few years ago. I can't wait to get more. Over two years later, it still looks brand new. The colors and lines are exquisite. People tell me it looks like a water color painting, and I frequently get told that it's one of the most amazing tattoos the person has seen. read more

This was my first tattoo, and Laurent was fantastic. He was easy to talk to and made the process quick and painless. It was exactly what I wanted, and it turned out great. I highly recommend Laurent. read more

Just got my first tattoo with Laurent. I was really nervous and he was so laid back, kind and funny. I was immediately put to ease and somehow didn't feel scared about the process at all anymore. The shop is small and quiet - only a couple chairs, good not-too-loud music and not a lot of people mulling around. I just found it to be a calming place, which just made it even that much more of a positive experience. My design was a very simple one for an artist like Laurent, so he was fast and it looks exactly like I wanted. I can't wait to come back for my second one! read more

Laurent at Old Salt Tattooers is the best of the best and my husband and I can't wait to have more done by him in the future he has an awesome personality, he makes you feel welcome, he's beyond talented, and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for some amazing ink in the future! read more

I LOVE this shop! I LOVE these artists!!! Not only do they all do amazing work but they make it an enjoyable place to get work done. It's by appointment only and I think that's what gives them a one up. They are not just doing filler flash work all day, but truly creating art. I would recommend Old Salt to anyone looking for a quality one of a kind tattoo. read more

Laurent has done 5 different tattoos for me at Old Salt. I can't say enough about his work. The shop is great. Always a unique mix of people, music, and stories.... The thing I like most about the shop and Laurent specifically is that I come with an idea and we plan what it looks like together. I'm sure it's a pain to do different iterations of designs but I don't get that vibe from him at all. It's comfortable and I know I'll be getting great work done. I'd recommend him and the shop to anyone. read more

Laurent is an amazing artist! Highly recommend him to all friends! I've had 4 done by Laurent and he is very honest and flexible with designs. read more

Could not have asked for a better first tattoo experience. Having shopped around Milwaukee and Bayview, Old Salt was by far the cleanest, most accomodating, and helpful shop. It seemed like they treated tattooing as an art rather than a business, and by that I mean they didn't rush the product for time or money. Tattoo-wise Laurent did an awesome job, gorgeous line work, will be back for more! read more

I went to Laurent a few weeks ago for a piece on my arm, and thought he did a great job. I went to see Laurent because I had seen his work and liked it, and I'm impressed with the thin lines he can do. He was even understanding when I needed to lie down cause I felt woozy. My tattoo is healing nicely and I'm really happy with it. read more

Just right! Laurent is a master of his craft, puts you at ease, and listens well. I'll be back and passing along his card to anyone who needs a fantastic artist. read more

This review is not based off of any one artist's work; simply the experience I had. Having said that, upon arriving here I immediately noticed the smell. It wasn't blow-me-away disgusting but when needles are present I'd like to think I don't have to worry about something like cleanliness. Secondly, I noticed how the tables were all splayed out with zero privacy. When I'm getting inked, it's almost half the experience getting it and half about the tattoo itself. I'm not an exhibitionist. Privacy matters to me. The 'relationship' between an artist and the client can be pretty profound and by that I mean, it takes a lot of faith and trust to hand over your body to someone else. Ack, getting existential here. Thirdly, I noticed the customer service of the gentleman at the counter. He seemed eager to help but upon conversing with him I could tell he didn't listen to what I was saying. Major points lost here, too. I get it. If you have a strength or passion in select styles or 'genre' you're gonna want to do those more often. The problem is, that's not always what the client wants. read more

one of my favorite humans on earth. laurent is good quality, quick work and fair price. his willingness to explore multiple tattoo styles is definitely not the norm anymore, but he can actually execute several effectively. on top of his work, he's also knows how to make the actual tattoo experience fun. when i first met laurent, i had no idea he'd be "my guy" for years to come, but i'm glad it turned out that way. read more