The artists there are usually friendly and very professional. What some people don't understand is these ladies won't put a tattoo on you unless it will have a professional appearance. They also won't put a tattoo just any where on the body. It's their "name" that your tattoo will represent. I honor that code of ethics. Read Less

Sent a picture of what I wanted to Michael. He being my cousin I trust him, he asked if he could play with my original design for it lacked any "art". Again with full trust I told him show what you got. Hands down the finish product came out 100x better. Much appreciative cousin! Read Less

Fantastic results; Laurna really invested a lot of energy into designing a tattoo that is perfect. Expect to spend more time than expected; but the outcome of that is top quality work and tattoos are forever. Read Less

This place is AWESOME! Gaia the owner and the girl that did my tattoo cover up is incredible. She explained what would work well with the curvature of my body and she definately knows what she is talking about. I waited three weeks because she was booked for that long....but it was absolutely worth it! My tattoo is the best one I have and I have 8. She was right about the position and characteristics of it. I will be going back. Recommend this shop to everyone! Read Less

Manager Gaia was offensive and also had an attitude while walking in. Basically lectured me on my skin color and told me I shouldn't get a tattoo in the place that I wanted while also lecturing me on how to be professional?...umm it's none of her business where I want my tattoo. Also offensive using racial identity when she knows nothing about me, being latino sure sucks, probably not going to this place ever again. She also appears ethnically challeneged, stating since one of her co-workers is Native American, that she can create well detailed wolf tattoos (which is what I wanted). I DON'T CARE what ethnicity a person is, I only care what they are capable of doing, and leaving ethncity out of it , would make her sound more intelligent and less ignorant. I checked the website for that "Native American" artist, and I couldn't identify who it was based on the photo, so she didn't have any right to judge me using racial slurs and gender indentification. She had the lowest audacity to tell me I shouldn't get the tattoo idea I was striving so hard for, that's a very unintelligent thing to do. Also gave her a nice phone call on her sucky customer service and I NEVER do that. I'm sure their tattoos are great but I'd rather pay a fortune for a tattoo artist that is "professional" enough to talk to people and not judge them first glance, than treat me like im 12 by giving a long ass speech about my career (which has NOTHING to do with her life), like this chick Gaia did. Totally uncalled for and what she said to me, she can't take that back. Gracias, no tatuajes aqui, lo siento! Read Less

Have Gotten Many Tatttos In Different States..The Owner Is A Truly Talented Artist Plus Her Personality Just Made The Experience Great..My Scheduale Was Crazy Hours For Work And She Made It Possible Wish I Lived Closer Id Be There Everyyyy Day!! Read Less

I went today and was so freaking happy with everything. Evan greeted me with a smile and helped me work out exactly what I wanted. He was very friendly and enjoyable, very informative, they were very sterile and my tattoo is absolutely beautiful. I'm so impressed (: Read Less

As in the past, I urge readers to please take negative business reviews with a smidge of skepticism. Over the years, as a business owner, I have noted that these are often not reliable indicators of actual business behavior, but rather, personal vendettas or competitor trashing. Always check for other reviews posted by anonymous persons and see if, after posting a negative review on a business, a glowing review is posted about its competitor. It is interesting to see the pattern that emerges. For a true and honest view of this business, please feel free to stop by and speak to the artists, check out the facility, and formulate your opinion based on your own experience. You will find Mr. Shorty's staff freely suggest other quality studios within the Columbia area and even provide directions, sometimes calling ahead to confirm availability. The prices are competitive with other quality studios in SC, however, as with any art, it is one of a kind.. no two artists can tattoo exactly the same and will each see the end result differently. The studio encourages clients to return after 3 weeks so that the artists can review the healed tattoo and make any adjustments if necessary. Mr. Shorty's also makes available complaint forms that are freely available by the front door. Should a client be unhappy with their tattoo, opportunity is available to the client to find a resolution by conferring with the artist, management or simply filling out a complaint form. So, please disregard negative complaints and focus on the positive. Visit Mr. Shorty's and see for yourself the professionalism and talent that available in Lexington/Columbia area. If they aren't what you are looking for, they will happily refer you to some of the other quality studios and artists in the area. Read Less

My last tattoo experience left me with a half done clover that I had to stare at for 5 months but I went to mr Shortys today and got an awesome cover up by laurna and I couldn't be happier with it I strongly suggest that if you want a tattoo go to mr Shortys their awesome Read Less

I just got a tattoo from them. there sanitary, their kind ,not once they show an ounce of rudeness the prices are good for work is great and also offering to come back and catch up on anything that needs to be done any other shop want to get your money they really don't care enough to send you on your way today buddy have to say this place is that obviously has never been there is just a disgruntled employee that's my opinion and I don't care what anybody else says never talks by the spot this place has no clue yes I might look small in outside when you get in is not only rumor is also a lot nice people living inside of it and working they care about their art and they will not put anything halfway a shot is most tattoo shop if I can come down from Spartanburg did this place so can anybody else. Read Less

My experience at Mr. Shorty's Tattoo was excellent. Laurna and Gaia are so talented and friendly...they treat you like family. The shop is very clean and they follow all the safety rules. There is not a better tattoo parlor anywhere near Columbia...if you want a badass tattoo done by friendly, professional girls go and visit Mr. Shorty's. Read Less

Thank you so much ladies for a truly wonderful FIRST tattoo experience. You were very kind and helpful in designing something specifically for me. I absolutely love the tattoo and can assure you that I will be back for more! Read Less

My last tattoo experience was not a great one so it was about 10 years before I finally made the decision to get some new work done. I'm EXTREMELY picky about what goes on my body (and where) so this is not something I take lightly..I took my ideas to several shops before going to Mr. Shorty's on the recommendation of my sister. When I walked in I knew right away that these were the folks that would be doing my new artwork..the ladies were very helpful and took the time to answer my questions (of which there were plenty)..it was just very comfortable to me. Gaia really stood out because she told me some things that would improve the appearance of my tattoos that other artists did not take the time to explain..that type of honesty and dedication to the work goes a long way with me..I was deteremined to have her as my artist even if that meant having to wait more time until she was free. As a matter of fact..I even brought my daughter there to have her first tattoo done, as well...and that is saying something about how great this place is. Gaia even managed to fix the mess that was my back tattoo from 10 years ago...I thought it was impossible to repair but she did it and did it beautifully. I've noticed a couple of reviews concerning rudeness and such...my belief is that people generally tend to get the same thing out of an experience that they put into it, but of course all I can say for sure is that I've never had that issue during the times I've been there. There is a difference between people that just do tattoos and actual tattoo artists...Gaia and Laurna at Mr. Shorty's are definite artists and I won't go anywhere else. Read Less

I know many people who have gotten work down from Mr. Shorty's and they all look absolutely wonderful. I take their business cards with me everywhere because I'm always asked where I got my piece from. Out of all of my tattoos, the one from Shorty's is indeed my favorite. Plus, I love the ladies! And feel more comfortable with them doing my more sentimental and meaningful pieces opposed to a big, rugged man. You dig? Read Less

I have posted pictures of my tattoos. I love each and every one of them. They were done by the ladies at Mr. Shorty's. I recommend them to everyone in my family. And I hand out cards constantly when I am stopped and asked where I had my work done. Immaculately clean shop, extremely friendly staff, and unbelieveably talented artists. You really can't go wrong here. Read Less

I went in for my first piece and gaia was completely rude. I guess I should have taken a hint right there but I didn't. I got my tattoo and the hole time gaia made me feel like I was stupid and made me feel uncomfortable. She crap talked my wife and tried to rip her off. Honestly gaia is inexperienced and gives good tattoos if she likes you. And on top of all that she refused to touch it up and now it is faded and looks like I've had it for 15 years ..... I know other people she's ripped off too. Honestly she thinks she knows everything and will treat you like crap. Jessie finch was the only good artist there Read Less

Each of the ladies at Mr. Shorty's are amazing! I couldn't ask for better company as tiny needles graze my skin, there's definitely never a dull moment :) I've gotten several tattoos done by Gaia, in particular, and I'll be back for many more! If you're ever in the Lexington area or just looking for an awesome tattoo artist, check out these amazing ladies... you'll be glad you did. Read Less

Honestly, if you want a wonderful tattoo, this is the place to go. I know that when you walk into the parlor, you expect to see men. well these ladies are the best of the best in sc. Laurna has an amazing talent with cover ups. she can take something and turn it into a completely different piece. and you wouldnt be able to tell what it was before. Gaia, well she is quite the tattoo artist, i can say i have never in my life met anyone like her. and he tattooing skills are one of a kind. great line work and somehow makes the tattoo pop with the colors. all i had to say was "choose what you think is best" and she did. My cover up looks amazing. and will always come here. I have not been able to be tattooed by Jessie, but ive seen her work, and she has great line work and runs with the top dogs just like Gaia and Laurna. These ladies are highly reccomended by me any day. One tattoo by them, and your hooked. Read Less

I have had a few tattoos done at Mr. Short's now, my artist Gaia di a fantastic job!!! I love the cleaniness of the shop, I love how its like a visit to your favorite friends house when you go there, i wouldnt go anywhere else! Great Job Ladies!!! Read Less

I went there to get a tattoo on my foot and my artist gaia did a fantastic job. They have an awesome atmosphere and are just overall awesome people. I love their shop and it's one of the best shops in columbia. so i would highly recommend any of the artists at Mr. Shorty's to any of my friends or family. Read Less

I have recieved a number of tattoos before, being in the military, I've been in shops around the world. Of all the shops I've been in Mr. Shorty's was by far the most appealing and friendly. The cleanliness of the shop in general was impecable. I got a piece done by mom and she was very enthusiastic about it, and kept me informed as to what she was doing. Any questions I had she was able to answer and at no other tattoo shop was I so informed as to the after care of my tattoos. Like I said I have been to quite a few tatoo parlors before, but will never go to another one besides Mr. Shorty's again. Read Less

Great place, very professional, very clean, and really helpful, great customer service. Made me feel safe and comfortable about the whole experience of getting a tattoo. Mom, as everyone calls her, is a God send when it comes to putting your ideas in to a tattoo. She helped me thru the whole process and I couldn't be happier. Read Less

I got my first tattoo here back in March of '07, a custom design, and it really came out great. The artists are good and very personable, very willing to work with your ideas and make suggestions. I can't decide now whether to go with my thought about a dragon or Chris' idea of a Koidragon and dragon to go with the koi I also got there. It's a great dilemma! Read Less