I originally bought a Groupon and that is what brought me to Garden Tattoo. I was going to get a 3"x3". I brought in a sketch that my husband had drew of 3 lotus flowers that I thought was very pretty. After Mike got done doing his magic by adding his artistic touch to the sketch, my tattoo turned out to be better than I could have anticipated. I love it. I have several other tattoos, but none of them compare to this new one. I will never go anywhere else but to Mike to get another tattoo. I have nothing but great things to say about Tattoo Garden.
Review Source:Received a tattoo from Michael yesterday with the Groupon deal. I was confident going in after reading the reviews. I had an idea going in that was pretty simple, and he still managed to turn a simple idea into a custom piece. I got the 2X2 inch option and I was amazed at how much work he put into it. I thought there would maybe be a color limitation, or that it would turn out small (which I was ok with), but it turned out gorgeous and plenty large! There is all sorts of detail and shading and it is better than I had imagined.
Michael is very kind, very mellow and easy to work with. Even though I had previous tattoos he still made sure I was comfortable and doing ok, and provided proper aftercare instructions.
It was definitely a quick process. Groupons are walk in only and he got me right in, which I wasn't expecting. It took all of maybe just over an hour to consult, draw, prep the station, and ink. His work does not looked rushed at all though, and I could feel as he added extra details and shading. It was great to see he took just as much care on a Groupon tattoo as he would on a normal one.
I will definitely be back for another tattoo with my friend! I can see where appointments if you don't do Groupon are pretty necessary--the shop is only Michael and his apprentice. I like this however because most bigger shops have at least one artist that isn't as great as the others, and if you aren't familiar with them you may get stuck with the lesser artist. At Tattoo Garden, however, you know you are always in good hands!
Thank you Michael!
When I was searching for a good, local artist to do a tattoo for me, I found Tattoo Garden on Yelp. I had my eye on another shop but when I read their reviews it was no way. Tattoo Garden had both great reviews AND amazing artistry.
I walked into the shop yesterday after contacting them via their Facebook Page. They (I am assuming Michael) responded to me on FB immediately and was very inviting and reassuring that my tattoo would not be too small to be worthy of his time. I brought some very rough drawings with me and he immediately got what I wanted. We worked together and came up with a simple but beautiful tattoo that really means something to me.
He did my tattoo today and I love it. I was very comfortable during the entire procedure from walking in to getting inked. It was only my second tattoo (the first was a small piece of flash on my ankle) so I was nervous.
If you're looking for a shop that treats you with respect and has AMAZING art, go see Michael. His designs are incredible, and I could not be more happy.
Mike is incredible. I had an older tattoo that I needed updating (not a cover up - will post before and after). He brought new life and form, from a free hand sketch he did on the ly after out conversations. He also undstood that there were meanings and reasons for the old to transform into the new. My current Mayan glyphs now have new life being created from them - just like in life.
Very professional, considerate, and helpful... plus he is fast. Not often do you find a good tattoo artist who is both fast and good.
Since I found Tattoo Garden initially on Yelp, I thought I'd close the circle and write a review. Â I was grateful for the reviews people posted as they helped lead me to exactly what I was looking for. Â First, Michael Gardner has a private studio and it's a super comfortable space. Â Second, he's amazingly talented at creating custom pieces - he does awesome work. Â He's thoughtful, a good listener and I absolutely love the art he did on my back. Â In fact, I might be getting more done. Â Recommend him hands down.
Review Source:Both my husband, daughter and I recommend Micheal and Tattoo Garden. He does EXCELLENT work. He is very talented at designing custom art. My daughter and I both had our first-ever tattoos and it was a wonderful experience. My husband had a new tattoo done, as well as an existing tattoo enhanced with custom work by Michael. We are all extremelly happy and would not hesitate to return. It's also a very calm atmosphere at his studio, as he works on his own. Prices are reasonable for the outstanding quality. Overall, just a great place!
Review Source:I got my tattoo from Mike around the same time my husband got his from Mike. My husband got a full sleeve/chest/upper back piece which Mike drew freehand and then inked. This tattoo is a true work of art. I told Mike that I wanted a tattoo that was an homage to my marriage, and he came up with a gorgeous piece that incorporated my husband's design, yet mine was ultra feminine and totally representative of my style and personality. Not only is Mike a phenomenal artist and tattoo genius, but he's also a nice guy who makes his customers feel comfortable. Â I can't recommend him enough!
Review Source:Mike took an okay tattoo I got in Hawaii and made it phenomenal. Â I told him what I had in mind to bring out more detail, and then left it to him. Â WOW! Â The color is absolutely beautiful. Â And the detail pops off of my skin. Â My husband had Mike finish his tribal arm band--(Mike's work is better than the 1st artist that started the tattoo). Â After all, Mike won best tribal at 2008's Seattle Tattoo Convention! Â I am very selective and Mike fills the bill. Â He's really a nice guy too!
Review Source:Mike is a freakin genius! Â I sent him several references of what I was looking for and he sent a sketch that not only hit the mark, it blew it out of the water. Â The actual tattooing experience was just as great and I felt totally relaxed in his private studio (much better than a regular shop with all sorts of strangers dropping by). Â The tattoo turned out better than I could have ever imagined and everyone that sees it absolutely loves it. Â I recommend Mike and his work to anyone that not only wants a tattoo but a true work of art on their body.
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