Forever Gallery Tattoo — Attraction in Carmel

Michael and Matt are two of the most professional tattoo artists I've come across! Before they opened Forever Gallery together I had the privilege to hangout with them for over a year at their former parlor whilst getting my sleeve done. Mike has always been my artist personally so I'll mainly write this review about him, but I can promise you that both these guys can and WILL get the job done.

I think the most important aspects of the artist-client relationship is collaboration and comfortability. You want your artist to understand your view on a piece but you also want them to give you their professional opinion before making it permanent. You also want to trust your artist, to know that they want the very best out of your artwork. I came to Mike with some ideas for a sleeve, not really knowing what path it would end up taking and it was amazing to be able to collab with someone who had all the right insight while still maintaining the ideas that I desired. In one year we finished my entire colorful sleeve and I couldn't be more satisfied!

Cleanliness is another extremely important factor with tattoos and let me tell you, it feels like being in a luxury hospital with these guys. Everything is fresh, sterile, and their workspaces are completely spotless while still sporting their personal decor. I've been to a few tattoo parlors and none came anywhere close to how clean these guys are. Plus Mike always has new tattoo-friendly creams and soaps every time you show up so you know he's trying to give you the absolute best experience possible!

Lastly, before I sign off on this review, I want to mention their personalities. I don't think I've ever had more fun being in pain than when these guys are chatting it up in the booths. It may take a few sessions to get comfortable with someone new, as with any interaction, but once you're in it's like being amongst your best friends. On the opposite side of that, if you're not into conversation, these guys will not mess with your vibe. They'll check up on you periodically to make sure you're doing alright, or you'll have Mike apologizing every five seconds because the elbow isn't a fun place to get tatted lol. Whatever your poison, these guys will work with it. That's the beauty of it all. These guys will work with your vibe.

As far as pricing is concerned, it's pretty fair for what you're getting. Sure, you could go to some rinky-dink (can't believe I just typed that) tattoo shop that isn't super clean or 100% professional and spend $100 on something. Or you can live it up in luxury and pay $150 for that same something. I think we all know it's worth it to save up and spend that extra $50, and if you didn't know that, you do now!

Give these guys a shot at your next piece of artwork! They won't let you down!

11/13/20 UPDATE: I am so joyful for Mike and Matt these days as their tattoo parlor is just getting better and better! Their art gallery will blow your mind and you absolutely shouldn't miss it, even if you aren't interested in getting tatted up! I actually have booked my own 6 week show next June and I'm excited to showcase my own artwork inside this amazing environment. As far as updates go with regards to my full sleeve, I'm adding some more pics to this review for your viewing pleasure! Everything I wrote above is still 150% true and legit, so PLEASE don't hesitate to get your ink at Forever Gallery. There's no better feeling in the world than seeing the art of your desires perfectly represented...

I browsed several tattoo shops in Carmel before making the best decision of my life and going with Grace Enstrom at Forever Gallery. I could never thank Grace enough for the beautiful masterpiece she created on my skin.

When I first walked in Forever Gallery, Grace was the artist who came to talk with me initially about the piece I wanted. I did not look at any of Grace’s past tattoos. I did not know how long Grace had been tattooing. I just showed Grace a photo of what I wanted and asked her, “Can you make me something exactly like this?” Without hesitation, Grace confidently responded, “Yes I can do that.” She did not know, but she was the first tattoo artist to confidently assure me that she could do a tattoo exactly like the photo I showed her. I had gone to many artists before her who had responded with things like, “Well I can make something similar, but it won’t be exactly like that.” And with that, my life was changed forever. I knew that I had found my artist. Grace did recommend looking at all the artists’ work to see what style I liked best. However, there was no need. I knew Grace was the one.

This piece was very large, so I was a little nervous about getting it. Grace has a digital program that allows you to see the outline of the tattoo on your skin before she starts tattooing. Once she sent me the outline, I was completely in love. All my nervous feelings vanished. It looked so beautiful. And Grace brought that outline to life in an extraordinary way that I never could have imagined.

To say Grace is talented is an understatement. She is an amazing tattoo artist. She is also unbelievably humble and kind, which makes her even more powerful as an artist. I cannot say enough good things about her. Trust me, you will not be disappointed about getting a tattoo with Grace. She is a true gem with remarkable talent.

The entire piece took 3 sessions (5 hour, 4 hour, and 3 hour). I needed several shorter sessions because I’m very weak and can’t tolerate the pain well. For the last session, I ended up buying some tattoo numbing cream and applying that before the session. It made a world of difference. I highly recommend it.

Forever Gallery is in Carmel located next to the infamous Graeter’s ice cream (as if that’s not a good enough sign for you to get a tattoo here). There are 6 artists (3 women and 3 men). All the artists do both black and color tattoos. The environment in this shop is very warm and inviting. I definitely recommend Forever Gallery if you are looking for high...

BUYER BEWARE | Please note that this review is based upon my interactions with Michael Hockman and do not represent the entirety of the staff at Forever Gallery Tattoo. To summarize my experience so far, I began communicating with Michael about a Tattoo sleeve project back in August of 2023, to which I was excited to start with Michael as his portfolio showcases some amazing art and tattoos. In order to reserve this appointment, Michael required a $250 appointment deposit and a $500 art deposit for larger works. While he may be an exception artist, Michael lacks even basic communication skills and does not respect the customers time or interest. To continue down that trend, when it finally came time for my appointment, Michael informed me the day of my appointment of a family emergency and quickly worked with me to reschedule on a day of my preference. While I was originally not thrilled about the same day cancellation as I had already taken time off work for the appointment, I understand that family always comes first. Now fast forward to my rescheduled appointment... Not thinking that I would need to check with someone who set an appointment, I made the approximate 2 1/2 hour drive from Dayton Ohio to Carmel Indiana with excitement to get started on this tattoo. However, when I arrived at Forever Gallery Tattoo, instead of being greeted by Michael, I was informed that yet another family emergency had occurred and my appointment was cancelled. When I mentioned to Michael the frustration I felt in this, it was his opinion that somehow this was my fault. After some discussion, Michael did Venmo me $200 for both Gas and Food and implied he would reach out at a later time to reschedule again. Now coming full circle since the second cancellation... Michael has completely "Ghosted" me in any attempt to reschedule this appointment over the course of weeks from the last cancellation. In my last message to Michael I even requested a refund of the $750 deposit, as it simply appeared he was to busy to be bothered. Currently, I'm under the presumption that i've been robbed of $750 and days of my limited off time. In today's day and age, it shouldn't be anywhere as this difficult to work through a...