I have gotten two cover up tattoos from Michael and his work is beyond impressive. One tattoo was a fairy on my back that covered with an incredible cherry blossom tree and not just a generic tree either... it is very artful! I get compliments on that tattoo constantly when just walking through the grocery store. The other I decided to get a tattoo when out with a friend on my ankle that ended up terrible and Michael was able to work his magic and make that one beautiful also! I am excited to get my first non cover up tattoo from here sometime in the near future. Highly recommend him. I won't go anywhere different ever again! Read Less

Mike has been my tattoo artist for going on 10 years now. Every tattoo I have means something very special to me (as most tattoos do) and I wouldn't trust anyone but Mike with my body art. He's a genius with free hand and helping me conceptualize pieces even when I myself am not clear on what I want. He takes the concept and breathes life and magic into each piece. Everyone in my family sees Mike; my husband, my son, both of my moms, and countless friends. He's a genius and a beautiful soul. One things that truly sets him apart is his serenity. He makes every part from start to finish a pleasant and meaningful experience :) Read Less

I've been seeing Mike and only Mike for my tattoo art for over 10 years. He's a wonderful, unique, and engaging person, and a truly outstanding artist. His talent for collaboration is beyond compare, especially with regard to large-scale pieces, and pieces that have personal significance. No matter what idea I bring to him, I can count on seeing it beautifully realized in a way that's both true to my original concept, and uniquely representative of his skills as an artist. I'm proud to wear Mike's ink, and look forward to many more hours spent in his shop and his company. Read Less

My first and only tattoo is by Michael T. Gardner! I was 18 and desperately wanted a tattoo, I had been planning and researching for the better part of a year. There were many places for me to choose from. What I came upon mostly were scary people in a bad neighborhood where there was not a bit of comfort coming from their voices or behaviors. So, I stopped in at a place which was recommended to me by my sister. The guy behind the counter was polite and friendly which was far from what I had as a greeting elsewhere. This is where I met Michael T. Gardner. Off the bat, I realized I was finally dealing with a PROFESSIONAL! That was 10 years ago and he has ever since been name dropped by me to all of my friends, family, and even strangers who see his work on me and say: "OH MY GOSH! Who did your tattoo because it is amazing!" I hope this review helps someone make a good decision and book time with him or Scott as I know Scott has only been learning from the best. Thanks again Michael and you did make my tattoo dreams a reality! Read Less

I was impressed enough by mikes portfolio work online, I decided to come in and pitch to mike a full sleeve idea. I was completely blown away by mikes complete honesty and customer service. To have an artist admit that while he could probably do the job, it wouldn't meet the standard I was looking for. This spoke volumes to me. Unfortunately the work I was looking for just wasn't a specialty of Mikes but at least he had the balls to admit it instead of charging me. On top of this, Mike took some time out of his day to explain exactly what it was I should be looking for in other artists portfolios and some Ideas as to where to start my search. As Ive already said to mike, I will be advocating his shop to my friends whenever the occasion rises. It was a pleasure to meet such an honest artist.Read Less

Great experience from start to finish. I came in with an idea, Mike turned it into a work of art. He was super helpful with sizing, I was thinking smaller, but he helped me see how much better a larger piece flowed on my body, I'm so glad I listened. After 3 years I still get so many compliments on my tattoo! Read Less

I absolutely loved this place upon first seeing it. Very clean, organized, and comfortable. I got my tattoo done there and Mike was so professional and easy to talk to. My tattoo hurt like hell but Mike kept me engaged in conversation so I didn't think about too much. I will 100% go back to place and will recommend it to my friends as well. Read Less

I have been tattooed by Mike once and by his apprentice Scott five times, and I have found them always to be the absolute utmost in professional, conscientious, clean, courteous... in short, downright amazingly awesome tattoo artists. It's a small custom shop, and both men are actual artists - as is readily apparent by the wealth of artwork covering the walls. They prefer to work with clients individually to create a unique piece of artwork for your skin - that's what custom artists do. Mike has close to 20 years experience tattooing, and has taken Scott on as an apprentice; both do amazing work. As Scott is still learning, they are completely honest and up front about the fact that he: A.) Charges according to his current skill level, B.) All work performed by him is guaranteed, and C.) He's LEARNING. You sign paperwork specific to being tattooed by an apprentice. That being said, part of the process of being tattooed is making sure that your artist is the right fit for you. Look at their artwork (pictures of both Scott and Mike's work is available on the Tattoo Garden Facebook page), talk to them during your consultation, and make sure you can work together to create the right piece of art for your body. If you're more interested in getting the cheapest tattoo possible and don't care about building a relationship with the right artist, then you're probably the same type of person who's going to run to Yelp or Google to complain, rather than speak to your artist. If you're the type of person who is looking for someone to create amazing artwork that will last you a lifetime, this is the shop for you.Read Less

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! Read Less

My daughter and I got our first tatoos here, my husband, his second. What a great experience. Michael is a professional - a talented tattooist (is that a word?) and also a very talented artist. I felt completely comfortable and at ease the whole time and his studio is nice, clean and quiet. If I consider another tatoo, I wouldn't hesitate for a second to go back to him. Highly recommended! Read Less