Suburban middle-aged mother of three driving evil mini-van down main drag of hometown when cheeky monkey child reads store front title "Tattoo". Mom says "What ... in Watertown". I got one tattoo 15 years ago in Portsmouth in honor of my oldest son, three kids later and I am thinking (mostly because the bastards are asking for "their" tattoos) that it is time to add on. This week decided to "test drive" this new studio with a small tattoo of two intertwining hearts in honor of my 20th wedding anniversary. Jaesun was very polite and did not talk down to me. It was not busy but probably because it is relatively new. It was clean and everyone seemed happy to be working there. I explained to Jaesun what I wanted, he designed it and we were inking it, baby. I definitely will be back for the next two I am thinking of getting. Bring Cash, that is all they accept right now. read more

My bad for taking so long. I craved a tattoo for a year, had to wait. End up at this cool little place in Watertown after seeing & hearing about Holly's work. I just walk in, Holly's free, we talk - she's amazing but....what I want isn't really her specialty. She refers me to the uber talented Deitsch. Turns out the tat of my dreams (very ornate dragon) is his specialty. I like & trust him immediately, great, draw what you want, no, really, have at it. And I end up with THE most beautiful piece of art. Clean lines, clear colors. My total vision. Can't wait to add on to it! If you're thinking of adding a piece of art to your body, this is the place. BTW: It's cash only just so ya know. read more

BEST TATTOO SHOP EVER!!! No really sometimes you walk in and just know that someplace is the real deal and A&F is that place for sure. I had a consultation with Jaesun who was awesome, friendly, knowledgeable and a fantastic artist. 2 weeks after our consultation I got tattooed from him.. He brought my vision to reality better than I ever could've imagined. He worked quickly but was still able to get a ton of detail into the piece. He was super friendly and answered all my questions with ease. I can't wait to get back to this place and have Jaesun do more incredible art.. read more

Always & Forever Tattoo Studio - Jaesun did an amazing job.. - Tattoo Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

I can't believe it's taken me so long to write this review. I got my tattoo done at Always and Forever by Holly on September 19th 2012, (talk like a pirate day, Arrrrrg!) Holly brought to life the tribute piece I wanted to honor my Nana. At the intake visit I described the concept and the key elements I wanted in the tattoo, Holly listened to everything I had to say and explained the entire process to me, I paid my deposit and booked my appointment I was so anxious the day of my appointment but when Holly showed me her drawing I immediately loved the design she came up with, it was beyond perfect. You can ogle it on her website; it's the Teapot, artichoke, rose with spool of thread and needle on a large calf, I have huge calves, it's ridiculous. 6 hours later of lounging on her awesome sparkly pink vinyl table I had an epically amazing work of art etched into my skin forever. It truly made my heart happy when my Nana saw the work Holly did. My Nana immediately said "these are all things that represent me" even before I explained it to her. I get a ton of compliments on how beautiful my piece is and I couldn't be happier with how it came out, it is everything I hoped for and more. On a side note, I don't know what kind of witch craft Holly was using but the stencil she created fit my calf PERFICTALLY on the first try! Holly saw my leg once before during the intake when I talked concept with her, I was super impressed. You don't need to check out any other shops, you won't be disappointed with the talent and skills of the artists at Always and Forever. read more

Just got my first tattoo and Always and Forever made the whole experience amazing from beginning to end. Friendly, professional, passionate, immaculate. From the first visit to discuss a very generic idea, my tattoo artist seemed excited about the concept. Came in on the day of a bit nervous and he put me right at ease. I wanted a small alteration to the picture and he was gracious and very accommodating as well. The shop is very clean and the tattooist made sure to set up his work station in front of me, so I could observe the process thoroughly. Dietsch was very friendly, got right down to work. He wasn't a big talker, but I get the feeling he realized that I wasn't comfortable chatting while he had the needles out. He seemingly tailored his approach to put me the most at ease. Everyone probably has their own preferences, but I liked that he was singularly focused on my tattoo. The end result is better then I could have imagined. He added artistic touches to the background that make the tattoo pop, and shaped it to my arm. Now even my chunky arm looks amazing. Definitely a very badass tattoo. Time estimate was right on and price was on the low end of his original estimate. Having never been tattooed before, I didn't know what kind of tip was customary. He was very gracious and told me some give nothing and others tip extremely well. No pressure about it at all. Having expected to spend a bit more on the tattoo itself, I dropped a decent tip for him. I would definitely go back again and would happily recommend it to anyone looking for a tattoo. When I get the money for a second one I know where and with who I am going. read more

I guess she only does big tattoos. Was told to find somewhere else to get my tattoo because she doesn't do small ones. Actually I wanted a wrist tattoo. read more

If I could give more stars, I would. If I could write multiple reviews, I would. Maybe when I go back again, I'll write a follow up. Jaesun did my very first tattoo when he was working out of Visions in Medway, MA (see my review) and it was a glorious experience. At the time, Holly was also doing some work out of Visions. I moved out to Boston eventually and was overjoyed when I found out Holly & Jaesun had moved to Watertown! i hadn't planned on another tattoo, but my roommate really wanted one and so I took her over for a consultation. somehow, while I was there, I put down a deposit for another tattoo. a huge fucking tattoo. it took 2 sessions, about 7 hours in total. i love how the studio is one big open room, so Holly was working on someone else next to me and we were all joking around and talking the whole time. Jaesun is an incredible human being, and an amazingly talented artist. it felt like just hanging out. we listened to music, we told dirty jokes. holly is a fucking doll and i am deeply considering cheating on jae to let her ink me next. we were wearing the same penguin vans slipons that we've owned for about 8 years. we both have "cattoos" now. they have stress balls shaped like breasts. i honestly do not know why anyone would get tattooed elsewhere. besides the fact that they are like the best friends you never had, both are unbelievably talented tattoo artists. really, i know holly's won awards and I'm sure Jaesun has too. people know Holly's name in the tattoo world, she's that fucking good. don't believe me? type "holly azzara alice in wonderland" and be prepared to shit yourself. tattoos are intimate and they're uncomfortable and they take a long ass time and they're permanent, so I would highly suggest you get it done with some of the most laid back, hilarious, compassionate, talented artists out there. as far as pricing goes, i believe its 100/hr with a 100 deposit. for the experience you get here, its a bargain, really. i don't think tattoos are something you should be price shopping on anyways. the first time i went, it was cash only but when i went back to finish it, Jaesun let me go on his computer and use paypal to transfer him the $. they're both amazing. i will love them always & forever. read more

I was looking to get another tattoo (that I have been planning since my last one 17 years ago) and underwent my typical meticulous research. I went to the Boston Tattoo convention, researched their awards, best of Boston, yelp, and google searches. After all was said and done, there were a few good places around (Boston has a good scene). I chose Always and Forever bc it was close and I liked their reviews the best. So I called to talk about tattoos, spent some time with a very pleasant young lady on the phone and discovered that I could come in for a consultation for free. Awesome. So I scheduled that, had to reschedule it (given no guff), and then came in to chat w Holly about my ideas. My consultation was great and she totally sold me. She asked great questions, both to get to the essence of what I wanted and why. I'm a psychiatrist and think holly could have a future in it if she wanted. But I expected her to suggest how big and where - what I got was a really thoughtful evaluation of what I was really after and how best to represent my ideas through a tattoo. She opened my mind out to really cool ideas I hadn't considered - a muse for my creativity, if you will. It was awesome. I also told her about wanting to get old tattoos touched up (dragons) and she suggested Dietsch, the dragon guy. After the consultation, Holly could have told me having my eyeballs tattooed would be a good idea and I would've considered it, so definitely trusted her on Dietsch. Set up the appt and came to meet Dietsch a few weeks later. Dietsch is an interesting guy, passionate and dedicated to the art. We talked about what to do which was an interesting process as I'm very anal and have a need to know exactly what's going to happen while Dietsch works more as a feeling it and doing it kind of guy. After an interesting and at times difficult conversation, we came to an accord and got to work. We spent the time chatting, both Dietsch and I and the other artists/clients. It was quite an enjoyable afternoon. Anyway, it quickly became clear that Dietsch knows his craft and I'm left now with a tattoo that is even more badass than I could have imagined. And I'm hard to please. And throughout, Dietsch was very attentive, professional, and made the entire experience a pleasure. It wasn't cheap, but this isn't a burrito, you don't want to skimp on permanent body art. When I'm ready, I'm going to have him rework my other tattoo and get something incredible done with Holly. If you want quality (for the rest of your life), do yourself the favor of checking out Always and Forever. read more

What can I say?? This shop is the BEST!!! So clean you could literally eat off the floor. Owner, Holly Azzara is an amazing artist hands down. She has taken many pains to make this shop (her dream) a reality. She has done most of my work & I get compliments almost daily when I'm in short sleeves. Photographer Dave Marden & fellow tattoo artist Jaesun Duggan are very talented & have great vision, not to mention they are great company. Both Holly & Jaesun have tattooed my husband extensively (no they're not done yet) his pieces done by them are amazing. Keep on keeping on, you guys rock!! read more

I have three tattoos from Holly, and am basically ruined for other artists: she is incredible. She was very patient throughout the consultation process and went back and forth via email (I used to live about 45 minutes from the shop, so that was great). The shop is super-clean, very inviting with bright colors on the walls and Holly's art displayed throughout. My tattoos have aged so well over the last four years that people think they're recent. Her color work holds up and her black and gray detail is impeccable. She has always been up front about cost and design and will make sure you leave with a piece you love. read more

Met Jae and Dietch on 5/4/2013 Saturday night and had a great conversation with the both of them. They listened to my stories and offered some of theirs. My wife and I were visiting and exploring ideas for art/tattoos to celebrate our twelve year wedding anniversary. They took the time to help us visualize what we had in mind for my wife's second tattoo in 11 years and my very first tattoo. We were able to get the concepts out there and schedule time with Jason the very next day, Jason even volunteered to come in early on a Sunday to suit our needs. That is what I call going above and beyond. They had become Friends by the time we left on saturday night. We started celebrating our 12 wedding anniversary at Always and Forever and now have permanent reminders of our happiness together on our anniversary Cinco de Mayo. We cant wait to go back, they have customers for life. read more

One word: AMAZING! I just got my first tattoo with Holly a few weeks ago. (not my first tattoo, but my first with her) and I am beyond thrilled with the experience and the end result. The whole experience, from the consult to the actual tattoo was great. She is an amazing artist, and created the design for my tattoo exactly to what I was describing. I'll definitely be going back, and would recommend her to anyone. I actually already have! I've been stopped by several folks in public wanting to know where I had the tattoo done, and I've given Holly's information out each time. :) read more

Just got a tattoo done by Jaesun, and it is beyond awesome, nothing big, I wanted a 13.1 on my foot to celebrate my finished a half marathon, I didn't know a style all I knew was I wanted it to be pink and black (color of my sneakers). Jaesun came up with a super awesome design and incorporated the colors perfectly. I really couldn't ask for better, also he is super pleasant and just nice to chat with. I will be going back to Jaesun for all future tattoos. read more

I have been going to tattoo shops for a long time. This shop is my absolute favorite. They are not afraid to guide you in a better direction with your tattoo. The artists are great and very friendly. They include you in the jokes right away. I love this place, love the work and love them. read more

I have two tattoos done by Holly and I love both of them. My most recent one is a cover-up an awful globe that I got on a whim with my friend. I met with Holly and discussed my thoughts of having some sunflowers on my forearm, showed her some pictures, and let her do her thing. My forearm took two sessions and Holly was, once again, a joy to work with. My other one, I got a while ago from Holly while she was at another shop. It's located on my lower back and I have to say, was pretty painless to get. Obviously, tattoos are painful, but Holly was as gentle as can be and didn't dig at my skin like some tattooers. I recommend her to all of my friends. Also, if you bring her cat related things, she'll love you. P.S. Check out their fish tank's nontraditional theme for some laughs. read more

I was referred to Holly from a friend of mine who had a full sleeve which was very good quality, and said she does great work and takes her time to develop a custom piece as I don't want an image from off a wall. I emailed the website and they got back to me fairly quickly and asked me to upload more photos and images of the piece that I wanted. I'm no artist so I uploaded about 6 different images. They got back to me a week later and asked if I could clarify what I liked about each piece to which I replied that day. It took about another week and Holly emailed me back to let me know that she didn't feel that her style of tattoo would be a good fit for what I wanted. ****READ****: If your getting a custom piece done, then you want an artist who will match the style you want especially when spending about 500 dollars on a piece. It was incredibly honest and self-less for her to admit that my tat wasn't her style AND referred me to an artist better suited for my piece. Props to being a legit artist with integrity. read more

I was referred to Always & Forever by a friend who has two beautiful tattoos that were done by Holly. The shop is both extremely clean without feeling sterile and blah, and also very comfortable and well decorated. I knew what I wanted to get for my tattoo, and brought in photo examples of styles that I liked and did not like and discussed in detail with Holly. I had seen her portfolio and knew I could trust her to create something fantastic, and she did! The tattoo took about 3 hours, and Holly is an easy person to talk to, so it was a (relatively - it's still a tattoo, after all) painless experience. The aftercare instructions were very clear and thorough, and my tattoo healed beautifully, with no irritation, and in less time than I had experienced previously with my first tattoo (from a different place). I get compliments on my tattoo all the time - a few from people who claim to not even like tattoos. Can't wait to go back for more! read more

When it came time to bring my idea for my second tattoo it only took a few minutes of talking to Holly to know that she would be the one to do it! She was great when I told her my budget and the area I wanted and I have to say I never knew having such a beautiful piece of artwork on me would have so many people stopping to ask me about it and even my girls, the inspriation absolutely love it!! Well after that how could I go to someone else for my next one and when I brought Holly the 4 inspiration photos it didn't take her long to come up with another great memorable piece. I also got to work with Dave on a photography project and quite enjoyed the envirnment of the shop, including chatting with Jaesun and his client. With 2 unique pieces from such a great artist I will have a hard time going to anyone else in the future!! She has an amazing talent and I'm very greatful to have found her!! read more

Awesome from consultation to inking! Met with dietsch (who has now moved to back to TN) who helped me figure out the design and I wanted. He was unavailable to do the actual tattoo so I was introduced to jae. Jae was so nice and accommodating. He was so professional and funny. The tattoo was a pleasant experience with laughter and good times. Sure to go back soon !! read more

I have worked down the street from Always and Forever Tattoo since they moved to Watertown a couple of years ago. I had no idea they were there until a friend mentioned that was were she had been going for her last couple of tattoos. She is a stickler for cleanliness and has a lot of really clean lettering so I figured it would be a good place to try out. I sent an email with a stock photo of what I was looking for and Holly told me I could swing in whenever. I went by that night and they were able to see me immediately. They went over all of the paperwork and Volker Dietsch sat with me and gave me my options for the tattoo. He truly made it a work of art. It is so feminine and original. I was worried about having the same stock photo (two clefs in the shape of a heart) as a million other people but he really made it his own. I wish I could post a picture on here to show the amount of detail that was done FREEHAND! I have been told on multiple occasions that it looks like I have a piece of lace on my arm. I was also told that it makes my first tattoo from a couple years ago look like shit. I have been telling everyone I know in the area about this shop. It was so clean and the quality was amazing. I am already planning out my larger next tattoo and can't wait to go back! read more

The wait was over and after 3 months of anticipation my first session on my chest piece with holly was finally here. More importantly this was going to be the first time that I was going to see the completed sketch of what she did with my ideas and what I wanted the piece to mean to me. As soon as I saw what she put together for me I was blown away! I absolutely loved it. I really didn't know what to expect from some of my ideas that I gave her and some reference material like I said in my earlier review my mind was spinning with ideas. What I ended up with was a one of a kind tattoo that no know one else will ever have. From getting it stenciled on and aligned on my chest to the end of the session Holly was awesome! She made the time go by quick by sharing stories, very personable. I am not the most talkative or outgoing person she made it so comfortable. Everyone that I have shown what has been done so far are just amazed by the details of the tattoo. Holly is such an amazing artists and to have such a beautiful piece of work that is special to me and to be able to look at it everyday in the mirror permanently is such a proud feeling. I love it!! Thank you holly!! read more

i came to holly with a really important tattoo idea. i have lost 100 lbs and i wanted a thigh tattoo as a reward for all my hard work. so i told holly that i wanted a portrait of a pin up miss piggy sort of a reminder of my former fat kid self. she then explained to me it had to be more of a bust to be able to capture her the right way. (i always appreciate a professional not just doing what you say because you say it, i dont know what im talking about because im not a tattooer. im a hairdresser) when i came back for my apt it blew my mind how perfect it was. it was a bit bigger than i expected but i know holly and she does amazing work so i deff dont mind the size. im honored that i have such a beautiful piece of work on me forever. also i love the shop. i always have such fun conversation and laughs there. love love love!!!! thanks so much holly. ill see you in may! read more