Transformation Gallery & Tattoo

I saw Austin Evans on January 21, 2014, to have tattooing done after my double mastectomy. Austin was very professional and I felt very at ease with him. The tattooing went very smoothly.
Being a breast cancer survivor, Austin does not charge to do this particular tattoo job. I even tried to give him a tip after he was finished and he said “No. This is my gift to you.” How touching that was.
I saw some before and after pictures Austin and two other artists had done, and I would recommend them in a heartbeat.

My tattoos are amazing. There is literally nowhere in the state (few in the country) where I would have received the quality of art that I have on my body. People constantly stop me and are amazed at the detail and time that went into it. Gabe does all my work, and aside from the fact that he is a true artist, he is an honest and genuine person. If you're wanting a tattoo artist to tell you your lame ideas are cool and put them on you for sixty bucks, he's not your guy. However, if you would like obscenely amazing artwork from a straightforward actual artist, hit up transformation. The money and wait is worth it.

If you want a piece of art, whether it be a tattoo or a painting, then you owe it to yourself to visit any of the artists at Transformation. Gabe, Austin or Josh…you cannot go wrong by picking any of them. Gabe did my piece of art, a full sleeve on my right arm, but I have had a relationship with the group at Transformation since 2012. I have watched Austin and Josh over this time perform their craft also. They all have a crazy amount of ability and are passionate and dedicated to art and their craft.

I have read all of the reviews of Transformation Gallery….the good and the not so good. If you are like me, you give the good reviews a cursory glance, but you really root into the not so great reviews to see if there is something you should be aware of about the place being reviewed.

There are two similarities between all of the less than flattering reviews. The first and foremost, everyone recognizes the enormous amount of talent at Transformation. Even those who feel they have had a less than ideal experience cannot deny the amount of talent available.

Secondarily, is the customer service of Transformation. Words like “pompous” and “arrogant” are sprinkled through these reviews. These are unfortunate, but I think it is a matter of perspective. By understanding the fundamental idea behind the tattooing at Transformation, you can easily replace the words “pompous” and “arrogant” with “passionate” and “gifted.”

I have always wanted to get a tattoo; however, I wanted to get one that had a special meaning to it since I would have it until the day I died. I came up with an idea back in 2012. It looked like a code, but once you knew the solution is was easily recognizable.

I did some research online and decided Transformation Gallery had the best portfolio. I was hard pressed to decided between Gabe or Austin (Josh was not yet on the website), but I was drawn more to Gabe’s body of work.

I went in to discuss my idea. Gabe immediately shot it down. He was just on the side of politeness, but he was very firm in his opinion. I admit, for a heartbeat or two, the words “pompous” and “arrogant” were chasing each other through my thoughts.

I asked Gabe to explain his rejection. What followed next was a 20 minute long speech full of passion and dedication to art and his craft. It was clear he had a very firm vision for his business and he was not going to deviate from this vision just to make money. Gabe was not a “salesman,” he was not interested in just taking my money. He was an artist which believed each piece is an individual experience and should not be haphazardly approached. By the end, I was convinced Gabe and I collaborating together could transcend a mere tattoo and we would create a piece of art which would encompass my passions in life.

He encouraged me to send him anything which would help him understand what I was passionate about. I left it to him, the artist, to pull everything together I wanted and turn it into art. He finally had the piece done the day before my first appointment. I was nervous cutting it so close to my appointment. I walked into Transformation the day before my appointment to approve the final design and to say I was blown away is to do the moment injustice. He had somehow captured everything and put it together in such a way it was breathtaking.

I had many sessions with Gabe to finish my piece. I witnessed the interaction of the artists of Transformation with customers and potential customers. I never observed them being unprofessional at any time. However, they also never wavered from their vision for Transformation and some people could not reconcile this dedication; hence, some of the less than positive reviews.

If you just want a tattoo, there are multiple places which will happily take your money and give you exactly what you asked to be done.

However, if you want a piece of art on your body, or hanging in your home, you owe it to yourself to go to Transformation Gallery.

Spent about a year on Gabe's waiting list to get my first tattoo. Hands down my best investment ever. From beginning to end it was an awesome experience with an immaculate tattoo to show for it. I'm not sure what my next tattoos are going to be, but I know where I'll be getting them.

Nothing but the best! Since day one I have been nothing but impressed with Transformation Gallery and Tattoo. Gabriel was amazing to work with. He took an idea I had and turned it into a one of a kind piece of art that I have the honor of wearing for the rest of my days. Gabriel is quick, efficient, pays attention to detail, and makes a 7 hour session go by quickly with great conversation. Make sure to brush up on your Seinfeld trivia knowledge before coming!

Received cosmetic tattoo from Saville! The establishment is very clean and well maintained. Saville was friendly and professional. I never felt nervous or uncomfortable. She made the experience pain-free and pleasant. I would recommend her to anyone wanting cosmetic tattooing.

Amazing work! Always a pleasant experience. Clean, comfortable studio. I constantly receive compliments on the quality of my tattoos. I refer Transformation Gallery to anyone that asks where to go. I am willing to let any of the artists take on a project with me.

Friendly staff. Very clean & classy. I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction & Gabe was able to tattoo on what I had lost. I'm pretty amazed with his talent. They look like the real thing!

I had my second tattoo worked on today by Josh at Transformation. I am confused about the ignorant and ill-informed responses some people have posted. Anyone who has done research will see that this shop has the highest quality and detail available in driving distance from here, and the prices are very reasonable. The atmosphere was very friendly and professional. Having spent a great deal of time at Transformation during my own tattoos and the tattoos of friends of mine, as well as during the First Friday art walk, I can honestly say I have never known any of the artists to be in the least judgmental about anyone's personal beliefs, and anyone who says otherwise is ill-informed at best, if not just a complete idiot. I will never go anywhere else to get tattooed.

I just got my belly button pierced by Saville and had an amazing experience! She was so informative and made me feel very comfortable throughout the process. Their piercings are high quality as well. Would highly recommend!