Im working on a large project with two different artists in the shop right now as a collaborative piece and I love everything about this place and these people. They were great in the design and consultation process and theyve been great in the process of working on it as well. They ate happy to be working on my piece and Im not being treated like just another paycheck and just another client and its great. I highly recommend this shop and these artists to anyone looking to get any work done.

I have tried multiple times now to contact an artist in order to schedule a consultation. Weeks have passed. Well over a month and a half, in fact.I have money to spend.I am patient.I understand that the artist is busy.I dont expect them to drop everything for me.But I have received nothing so much as an email or a phone call letting me know that he knows I exist.What? Is my money not good enough?Do you just not want new clients? Is that it?You could at least muster enough professionalism to reach out and say so.As it stands, as somebody who genuinely looked forward to getting work done here, I dont know what to think.But Im disappointed and frustrated.I just wanted some quality work.

Best Tattoo Shop in MISSOURI hands down! Transformation is very talented, chill, & true artists. I get stopped & asked about my ink ALL the time! This shop is pricey, but it’s worth it when it’s on your body your whole life. Josh is the artist I go to there, he’s amazing!

Austin is an incredible artist that has a clear talent and passion for his work.

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

I wasnt the one getting the tattoo, but I was there with my fiancée while she got hers done and it was great. I didnt talk to very many people while I was there, but it seemed like a really professional, laid back, and fun vibe. Also Austin did some amazing work!

My tattoo turned out better than I expected!! All of the staff and artists are great. Professional, clean and amazing talent. I highly recommend Transformations its been an awesome journey. Thanks Gabriel Tennison

Gabriel is awesome! Intuitive and professional.

Transformation has been an amazing experience. I’m about to finish a project here with Gabe, who has been so much fun to work with. I came in with an idea and little knowledge about the world of tattoo art and I immediately formed a connection with what Gabe had to say. He not only informed me but challenged me to grow as well! During our sessions he is beyond professional and keeps a comfortable atmosphere. I’m so glad I chose Transformation, I know my work will be meaningful and original. It’s amazing to have an artist excited to create a piece that I will have with me for the rest of my life.

I never wanted basic ink on my skin; I want TRUE ART and that is exactly what I have received here. Ive had three sessions so far and Im ecstatic to continue my full back/full sleeve combo piece. The artists are all awesome people, their equipment is always clean and well-kept, the gallery itself is beautiful and filled with fabulous artwork, and they have amazing products and highly educated advice for the after-care of every tattoo you receive.

Awesome people with great passion and understanding.

I absolutely LOVE the work done at Transformation!Ive seen a friend get some memorial portrait work done by Austin and that piece came out so amazing.Josh did my first two tattoos for me and after getting tattoos here in California following those two, Ive decided that I need to make trips to Springfield for the rest that I get. Theyre that good!The atmosphere is so clean, chill, and everyone is professional and kind.I 110% recommend them to anyone in the area!

I lived in Springfield for 4.5 years and moved to Madison, WI last May. I made the trip recently back to Springfield to get my first tattoo done by Austin at Transformation. I always told myself that when I decided to get a tattoo, I would go to Transformation, and I was not disappointed. Austin took the time to make sure we were always on the same page with the tattoo, communicating from miles away. When the time came for the tattoo to be done, I went in with high expectations and they were exceeded. Austins dedication and attention to detail is incredible, and his professionalism is second to none. Transformation has a comfortable, clean, and chill environment and I truly felt cared for throughout the process. Cant wait for the next session on my half sleeve!

In the past few years Ive had the privilege of having work done by Gabe at Transformation. He and everyone else at Transformation are very respectful and awesome to work with. The art work is absolutely phenomenal! Both pieces that Gabe created for me took multiple sessions to complete. As I have spent a lot of time at the shop, I can say that Transformation is definitely top notch in every aspect. I know I can trust Gabe to do an excellent job every time I come in. I wont go anywhere else.

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.

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!

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.

Very Clean/crisp studio, with an amazing atmosphere. Everyone is super friendly and upbeat. Gabriel Tenneson is an outstanding artist, and a great person. Being tattooed by him has been a great/easy going experience. He makes sure that you feel at ease, and comfortable during his tattoo sessions which is hard to come by in the industry. Highly recommend!

Transformation gallery offers an upscale Art Gallery as well as tattooing, piercing and permanent cosmetics. If you want a sticker from the wall this is not your place. If you want true art, a large tattoo, that special piece of jewelry, high end jewelry, and a very knowledgeable staff. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Saville (APP member, body piercer, and permanent cosmetic artist) Austin, Gabe, (owners and tattooers) Josh (tattooer) and Danielle at the front desk. They are amazing and strive to make your experience that much better. They are a clean and safe studio. I have had several tattoos and piercings here. It is my top recommendation for Springfield.

Spent about a year on Gabes 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. Im not sure what my next tattoos are going to be, but I know where Ill be getting them.

Amazing shop. Environment and vibe is very professional yet fun. Austin Evans is you guy if you want excellent work! A+++. My wife and I will never go anywhere else for out Tattoos.

Im about a month away from finishing my full back piece! Needless to say, Ive spent some quality time at Transformation Gallery. Gabe is an amazing overall artist and one of his mediums just happens to be ink. He is thoughtful, sweet and has been very accommodating to my crazy schedule.If you care about having an amazing, original, comprehensive piece of art - youre in the right place. If you are just looking for something stock, you can get out of a book, that can be completed in an hour or two - just dont bother.I promise, thinking it through and working with an artist is so worth it for a unique piece. I mean, think about it, Michelangelo took 2 solid years to create David! It will take time and patience, but the end result is truly amazing.

If you want a piece of art on your body, this is the place to be. I have a beautiful piece done by Gabe and my wife has a very large one, we were at world class art gallery, and people were actually taking pictures of her piece, she was approached by a curator and was told it should be hanging on the wall. Gabe was very professional and worked diligently with us to make sure our artwork was perfect. He takes pride in his work and it shows. I highly recommend Gabe, Austin and Josh, they all have different styles and you can pick which artist is right for you. You will have to wait but, isnt all great things worth waiting for?

I started my sleeve with Josh about two years ago. After starting it I had to move unexpectedly. Josh has been very patient with scheduling conflicts because of the drive I have to make each time I go to get it worked on and has been helpful every step of the way. The artwork is incredible, I have people ask me where Im getting it done all the time. Having spent plenty of time in the shop over the past couple years and seeing the manner in which Josh, Austin and Gabe handle their job and how they treat their customers I would highly recommend any three of them to anyone looking to get work done. By far the best shop and best artwork Ive seen.

Austin does fantastic work! Gabe and Joshua do really good work too! Went in with a idea and he sketched it out and loved it! Super nice people and the place is super clean.

Gabe is fantastic. So are the other artists here. Definitely get yourself on a waiting list and line up for some amazing tattoo work.

Saville did an amazing job piercing me, Id recommend her to others. She was very calming in the consultation and helped me understand fully what was going to happen. The staff here are very friendly and are professional.

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!

The Transformation Gallery and Tattoo shop is awesome! The art work is amazing and the artists were very professional. I have been wanting to have a portrait of my dog tattooed for years and now I know where to go to have all of my ink done. Couldnt have asked for anything better. Thanks Austin!!!

I love Saville!!! Best eyebrows ever ❤️❤️

Amazing artists, such a great art gallery, as well as being filled with really great people, who are passionate about their work.

Best Tattoo shop in Missouri. Best permanent cosmetics and piercings shop in Missouri. Beautiful Art is always displayed in Transformation as well.

They know what they are talking about and they really love what they do! Art in the heart of the beholder! Love

This isnt a typical tattoo shop where you would find laminated poster boards of flash to flip through. This is an art gallery where you find talented artists who are passionate and detailed. You dont leave this shop with a tattoo, you leave with a work of art. Joshua was artist.

If you are looking for a piece of artwork that you will love every day for the rest of your life, book an appointment with Gabe. I will never have any other person put art on my body but him. Now, when I say art, I mean art. If youre looking for a 60$ spur of the moment, carelessly thought out tattoo, dont even waste your time giving Gabe a call. If you are looking for a truly remarkable piece of art, hes your guy. No stencils necessary. I cant even begin to describe how amazing and talented he is, but I knew the second I saw one of his charcoal drawings hanging in his shop that I had to have him recreate that on my body. Nearly a year after getting my very own piece done, I am still obsessed with it. I will forever be faithful to Gabe at Transformation Gallery.

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 youre wanting a tattoo artist to tell you your lame ideas are cool and put them on you for sixty bucks, hes 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.

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 anyones 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.

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.

Amazing work and amazing people with integrity who work there. Hands down the greatest tattoo and piercing establishment Ive ever met.

Amazing work

Saville is amazing! My eye liner tattoo is epic. Painless, healed quickly, never scabbed.

If I could rate higher than five stars, I most definitely would.Every time I go to the gallery I get nothing short of a pleasant experience. Not to mention Josh does amazing work. I came in to discuss a cover up, and now I am two sessions away from a beautiful piece of art on my leg. Not only did he design a piece that was exactly what I wanted, he upheld a wonderful attitude and maintained a professional demeanor while tattooing me. Everyone is so fun to talk to and the gallery is beautiful to look at as well. If you want quality, professional tattoos that are done right %100 percent of the time by amazing artists who make you feel at home, this is where you should go. I wouldnt recommend anyone else!

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.

My initial contact with Mr Tenneson made me feel very comfortable and pleased with the thoughts of our future work.

Saville did a fantastic job. I definitely recommend her.

Best artists in thre midwest!

I have been working with Gabe for many years now, and will soon be finished with a full sleeve. Transformation Gallery has blown me away with their quality work from the moment that I walked into their studio. I came to Gabe with an idea of what I wanted for my sleeve and he was able to work with this abstract idea and generate a piece for me. Gabe has always been easy to talk to while in the shop, and he communicates openly and frequently with me outside of Transformation. When a session becomes available, Gabe has always contacted me to see if I would want to move my appointments up. Every time that I have come to Transformation, it seems that they are practicing a new method that they have learned from elite tattoo artists or a new method discovered within the tattoo community. This shop stays current and always utilizes the best practice available for their customers.

The guys at transformation where helpful and very talented i will continue to go to them for a tattoo.... i was also reading some of the other reviews on this page and am appalled at what they said i know these guys and it baffles me because alot of people like to blow things out of proportion... the conversations seem to be one sided has any one heard of the new testament please read before going off about some ones beliefs its a two way street not a one way

Ive seen their work, top notch.

Everything about Transformation Gallery was amazing. I received my first ever tattoo from Josh, the apprentice, and he did an absolutely phenomenal job! He was so wonderful, and was nice about everything when I was in pain or had questions. I am currently at MSU in the Pre-Med track, and hope to be a Pediatrician some day so I was very interested in any and all information I could get regarding the tattoo, the location, and the aftercare. He was extremely thorough on the information and made sure I was entirely comfortable when I left the building. I would HIGHLY recommend getting any tattoo done at Transformation Gallery.

Thank You Gabe, for letting me feel good about myself once again.

The artwork and portfolios for the artists are impressive, probably the best I have seen in the area. That being said, the customer service was subpar at best. Entered the shop inquiring about appts and the staff was unfriendly, eating their lunch at the counter, and between bites informed us that they were booked for months. Two workers in the shop, eating their lunch, completely uninterested in our potential business and rude in their demeanor. I left the shop without a second thought and unfortunately will not be giving or recommending business to this shop.While their work is exquisite, they should work on their first impressions because that, in turn, is what turned me away.

Go there and you will see for yourself it was amazing When I took my shirt off they didnt even judge my big nipples I was overly extatic I cant wait to go back

Permanent makeup! Ask for Roxi! Exceeded expectations.

Thank you Austin! Very happy with the work you did for me!

I had heard about Transformation when I was in college at MSU and was instantly attracted to the gallery. It isnt like any other tattoo shop I had ever been to. It is a beautiful art gallery that has chairs for their artists on the side of the gallery. It doesnt have that dirty, kind of trash feel to it like other shops have, so I was easily drawn towards getting work done there. There are 3 artists, Gabriel, Austin, and Josh. My husband and I have both gotten work done at Transformation and wont ever go anywhere else. When we were contemplating who to use, we thoroughly looked through the artists portfolios and were drawn towards Gabriels portfolio. They are all amazing artists though and we wouldnt mind getting work done by Austin or Josh. One of the things I like most is he is willing to educate you on the art of tattoos and work with you on the piece he will create based on what you are wanting to convey in your tattoo and what will work best on your body. I am no expert in art, or the art of tattoos, so I definitely welcome his expertise when it comes to choosing the final project that will be on my body forever. I can tell him my idea, or an idea of what I am wanting, and he will give me options for that based on where I am wanting the tattoo and what will look best overall as an art piece. Yes, he does want to do big pieces (how most people covey his work), but I think of it like this, if you have an 8x8 canvas, would you only paint on 4x2 inches of that canvas? Why waste valuable space? It looks unfinished to an artist. You wouldnt buy a picture that had tons of white space left on the picture would you? As an artist, Gabriel sees your body as a canvas, so when you come to him and want a small tattoo, he doesnt see value in that. And for me, it makes total sense that he would only want to do true art for his portfolio.Transformation is very clean. They are super detailed when it comes to making sure everything is as sanitary as possible. You can easily tell that everything is new, for you only, and if theres a chance that anything may cross-contaminate anything he is working with, it gets changed. They dont skimp in this area at all! So I never worry about anything along those lines.Over the years, my husband and I have traveled to Springfield, from Kansas City, to see Gabriel for our tattoos. The drive is nothing to us to know we are getting the highest quality work! And if he ever moves, we will still travel to get our work done by him.I also just had my naval pierced by Saville. She did a great job and explaining everything to me as far as the best jewelry to use, how to clean it, how long it will take to heal, and also let me pick out my own jewelry for her to order so I can get that next time we go down. She is super chill and fun to be around and I hardly felt the piercing. Naturally, being at Transformation, her tools are sanitary as well and she follows strict procedures while piercing you.I would highly recommend Transformation Gallery for anyone looking for a tattoo or a piercing. Like I said above, its the only place we will ever go!

I didnt receive a tattoo or piercing here, but the atmosphere was very professional and clean appearing compared to most tattoo studios I have visited.

The fact that the only bad reviews here are from people that havent been tattooed here says somethingAs someone that has been tattooed by Gabe I will say that he is a very nice man who loves to talk to you while tattooing you to keep your mind off the pain and he does very good work that receives compliments from plenty of people

These guys are the best. Undeniable

Saville does a great job!

Transformation Gallery houses three very prominent talents, there is no argument in that. This being said: their talent is no excuse for poor behavior and indirect bickering.Allow me to start off by saying that I know a thing or two about art. Ive been acknowledged more than once for my work, and I come from a family of business and painters. Transformation Gallery has only held ts head above water on the basis of talent, and in the area in which they are stationed. Of COURSE they are a few of the best tattoo artists in the state of Missouri. Its MISSOURI. We arent known for our ink.The supposed big-boss man, Gabe, is pompous and hard to talk to. He is set firmly in his ideals of a meager portfolio, and likes to claim some great status in the community, where Kaleidoscope down the road doesnt even know he exists. His ego was actually larger than a Goodyear blimp and jumbo-jet set nose to nose. Gabe isnt even the best artist there-- probably because he refuses to flex in what he already knows. For a big budget tattooer, he sure doesnt when to give and take on customer desires.Just to let you in on how egotistical this man is, he considers himself above Katherine von Drachenberg in talent. He said that. I snorted.If youre insistent in getting a quality tattoo from Transformation, hit it up with Josh and Austin. Not only are they disgustingly professional with a needle, but theyll be willing to listen and compromise as long as they are without Gabe looming over both their shoulders.Austin is quick to follow store policy, and needs to work on his communication skills, but hes overall a good guy with a super chill personality. Josh is who you want if your looking for customer satisfaction. He is very, very sweet and very respectful. He made me feel comfortable, even in turning me away due to my status as a minor. He made room for my coming in sooner rather than later (which makes me wonder why these boys put up the facade of being booked without bothering to look at schedules?) Id only request that he learn to pay more attention. Even after handing him my ID, he failed to realize my birthdate of 1997.To be honest, I feel as though its a sort blessing that i was turned away the day of my appointment. Ive since discovered that Transformation has a reputation for being homophobic, which is super disappointing. Shame on them. If youre looking for a no-hassle experience, head on over to Ink Ink just down the road. Those girls are crazy talented and not at all cocky.Edit: Seeing the reply to this review, I must chuckle. I am 17 years old, however, that wasnt the issue at hand. I ABSOLUTELY respect the moral of the client, as I AM underage, and tattooing me wouldnt settle well with everyone. Ive made that perfectly clear to you, Gabe. The issue was a disrespectful artist whom insisted that he was in-demand , and a step above the rest, as well as a notable lack of customer service. There are, ONCE AGAIN, artists in greater demand than Gabe who show some iota of self-respect, and respect for the client.My tattoo came out just as well without a cocky vice.

Beautiful artwork, talented artists, superb tattoos with incredible quality.

Best tattoo shop in Sprinfield hands down..

Very nice people and amazing work!

Saville is the best.

True artists. Great people.

The very best

Nice art work!

Closed when they said that they were opened