Look! People Say Nice Things About Us!
“Garden of Ink allowed me to pursue a life-long dream of mine. The curriculum was stimulating and educational and I feel like I have a solid foundation to enter the tattoo community. I feel privileged to have had a supportive team of instructors and classmates to motivate me to explore my creativity.”
Former Student:
Cassie Shammel
Myth Tattoo
Eugene, OR
“It was an awesome experience and I learned a lot from you guys. Every day was fun with you and you both are playful and have great attitudes. Thank you for helping me out all along the way, including being flexible with my work schedule. I will truly miss you!”
Former Student:
Valentin Serna
All in One Tattoo
Grants Pass, OR
“I really enjoyed myself and the students and teachers in this program. Everyone was super helpful and friendly and supportive. Whenever I doubted myself or wasn’t confidant or satisfied with a piece people were there to cheer me on. Thank-you garden of Ink and thank you fellow students. It’s been real!”
Former Student:
Kai Fujita
Analog Tattoo
Eugene, OR
“I appreciate you guys. The extra things like pizza and chair massages on those crazy days, were awesome and over-the-top. I had a great time and I am sad to leave.”
Former Student:
James Bozeman
All in One Tattoo
Grants Pass, OR
“I searched long and far for a tattoo licensing program in the great state of Oregon which would meet my needs as an aspiring artist. Upon first stepping into Garden Of Ink I could instantly sense this wasn’t some seedy tattoo shop but that the atmosphere maintained here was much more jolly and uplifting.
I found Garden Of Ink to be a positive learning environment with knowledgeable instruction. Overall I had a wonderful experience during the course of my training and would recommend Garden Of Ink Tattoo School as the place to go!”
Former Student:
Nic LeBrun
SubRosa Tattoo,
Grants Pass, OR
“I really enjoyed attending Garden of Ink, which is a tattoo shop AND school. Everything is well put together. From the student assignments, curriculum covered, to the great atmosphere, and the amazing teachers, Garden of Ink Tattoo School was a great experience. Anyone, at any level in their tattoo career, should look into this school to get licensed! Any questions or concerns will be answered with great information so students leave confident in moving on to their next shop. I appreciate the time and effort that both Shelly and Gil put into their school everyday. Come check them out and you’ll see for yourselves.”
Former Student:
Alissa Muhlnickel
The Ink Shop
Grants Pass, OR
“Finding the right tattoo school was a daunting task to say the least. Garden of Ink Tattoo School provided everything I needed and more to continue my journey as an artist. It was affordable, very thorough and an all around great atmosphere. Shelly and Gil are extremely professional and also very relaxed and friendly. I had a great experience at Garden of Ink and am thankful I was given the opportunity to experience it surrounded by such caring people.”
Former Student:
Michael Klemm
Anchored Ink
Eugene, OR
“Garden of Ink was clean and well-organized–they took into account different learning styles, flexible when working with traveling students, workspace was nice and chill, quiet and calm. They were also very accommodating to people traveling long distances and made it as easy on us as possible. Local clients were great–made it really easy to get your procedures done on time. Cottage Grove is also a cool town with a lot of great restaurants. (Don’t forget to come a little early to get breakfast at the “Backstage Bakery”, and be sure to tell Alex that Kyle sent you for probably no discount.) In an industry where hazing and being treated poorly is considered the norm, Garden of Ink Tattoo School’s instruction was delivered respectfully and courteously. Thank you Gil and Shelly! Yeaaaaaaah!”
Former Student:
Kyle Durrant
Get Some Inc
Eagle Point, OR
“For me, starting the tattoo schooling journey in Oregon was both an exciting and intimidating task, as there are a lot of options and uncertainty out there. Choosing Garden Of Ink Tattoo School made the process much easier and enjoyable.
The instructors are a good mix of fun and professional, and most importantly genuinely care about giving the students all of the tools that they need to succeed. I got a great start in the industry thanks to them, definitely the best choice out there.”
Former Student:
Mikal Hansen
Memento Ink
Eugene, OR
“The positive energy and environment at Garden Of Ink was nothing short of amazing! It was stress free and I was able to learn all the Oregon Laws & Rules efficiently without any problems, taking my state test and passing on the first go. I was able to learn more than enough from the book work and tests, along with the hands-on tattooing experience through the course to feel comfortable and confident in my own tattoo abilities.
I was able to open up my own shop and have had great success without any regrets! Going to Garden Of Ink Tattoo School was a no brainer for me, and if you’re an aspiring artist looking for proper training, look no further!”
Former Student:
Shane Smith
The Ink Shop
Grants Pass, OR
“As a former student of Shelly Dax’s Garden Of Ink Tattoo School, I strongly endorse it.. The school provides a positive, no drama and fun environment to learn in. Shelly focuses on turning her lucky students into competent tattoo artists, rather than just providing the bare minimum to obtain a state license. Shelly stays current with her curriculum and provides her students with the skills needed to breeze through the state testing process.
I occasionally stop by the school to say ‘hi’ and I am impressed how it continually evolves and improves! If you are looking for an awesome tattoo school, look no further… Garden Of Ink is it!!”
Former Student:
Brandon Johns
Independent Artist
Glide, OR
“My time at Garden Of Ink was very smooth and educational. Shelly is very proficient in preparing her students for the state test, making a student’s time there worthwhile. If I had to do it again, I would still choose Garden Of Ink Tattoo School!”
Former Student:
Sarah Knapp
Northwest Tattoo
Eugene, OR
“I am very grateful for the time I spent at Garden Of Ink Tattoo School. The book work was incredibly thorough and I was very prepared and confident going in to take my state exam (which I passed with flying colors.) During my schooling, I was encouraged to follow my creative instincts while learning firsthand how to run a successful tattoo shop. The small class size allowed for more of a team spirit and camaraderie between me and the other students.
After a year going through Shelly’s program, I have now opened my own shop. With the experience and positive encouragement I received at Garden Of Ink, I am ready to find success on my own. I would gladly recommend this tattoo school to serious artists who want to get certified in a friendly and knowledgeable atmosphere.”
Former Student:
Pazyryk Wombat
Flying Elephant Tattoo
Veneta, OR
“For anyone serious about a career in the art of tattooing, I would highly recommend Garden Of Ink Tattoo School. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting to customers as well as students. Shelly is extremely talented and her creativity knows no bounds. She is not only highly knowledgeable in the theory and technical aspects of the field, she is continually striving to increase her knowledge and skill. On top of that she is a very patient and effective teacher that actually cares about her students and their futures (as opposed to some of the arrogant self-serving instructors at some other schools just out to make a buck). I guarantee you will not find a school in the area with more integrity. If you are looking for a quality education and a solid foundation from which to start your career, Garden Of Ink is definitely the place to go.” Client: Leslie Swanson Electrical apprentice Eugene, OR
“My experience with Garden Of Ink has been nothing but positive. As a tattoo studio and school, as well as a graphic design business, Garden Of Ink is a top-notch establishment and an asset to our area. Shelly Dax operates a professional learning environment and a clean, up-to-date tattoo studio. Other than tattoo work, I have ordered custom stickers and t-shirts for our business. They turned out beautiful and were offered at a very reasonable, competitive price.
Thank you Shelly Dax and Garden Of Ink for your devotion and service to the greater Cottage Grove and Southern Oregon communities.”
Client:
Heather Barklow
HB Horsemanship & HB Consulting
Glide, OR
“I had a great time attending school at Garden Of Ink. The atmosphere of the shop was always relaxed and welcoming and the curriculum was engaging without being overwhelming. Shelly always made sure we understood everything; even made a little game to help us absorb the information.
When it came time to do the practical, Shelly went out of her way to get us clients if one of ours didn’t show up. The studio was always in good spirits with lots of jokes and random stories. I will always remember my time there and will highly recommend Garden Of Ink Tattoo School to anyone wanting to get their license.”
Former Student:
Vaune Rush
Memento Ink
Springfield, OR