Hello Kate Im a lucky lady. Have 2 pieces of your art. I was in IF tattoo studio a couple days ago getting some work from my nephew Izzy Escobedo. When he mentioned his Aunt had tattoos from Kate, they all came to see. Much love and respect for this lady. Hope to see you in Arizona soon Read Less

I finally at age of 56 decided to get my first tattoo . Kate is amazing. She listened to "my story" for the reason of the tattoo. This is not a run of the mill strip mall tattoo shop, Kate is  artist beyond being an artist. She is a wealth of historic information on creation of tattoos. I LOVE my tattoo and Kate is a wonderfull human being!Thank you Kate-- Read Less

I've worked in different shops around the world, and this is by far the best place I've ever been at. The shop is completely different to everywhere else, it has a zen, relaxed vibe and I've always been treated with love. Kate is an amazing person, she is so knowledgeable and sweet, I learn something new from her every day. She has a 45 year old career and knows more about tattoos and tattoo history than anyone, and just coming and meeting her is worth the trip. I couldn't be more lucky to have her and help her run this outstanding place! Read Less

Got an amazing tattoo at Shanghai Kate's! Diana Pírez was spot on with her work! She took my vision and made it into a tattoo masterpiece! I'm beyond pleased!! The shop had a comfortable zen vibe and was very clean! Highly recommended! Ask for Diana!! Read Less

I went to Kate for my first tattoo and I'm so happy that I did! She made the entire experience a total dream and I could never thank her enough. Her shop and demeanor are so relaxing and I felt completely comfortable the whole time. The tattoo itself is beyond perfect. I left many aspects of the tattoo size and design up to Kate, since she's the expert! Having known about her history and seen her work, I expected a fantastic piece from her. She more than delivered! My tattoo is BEAUTIFUL. The colors are so vibrant they're almost irridescent. I can't stop looking at it, and I've gotten so many compliments. I'll definitely come back to Shanghai Kate's! Read Less

Kate is amazing. I showed her some pictures and we discussed what I wanted. She actually listened to me. We decided on her sketching an original and when I came back to see it she blew my mind. It was better than what I had even imagined. It had all the elements I was talking to her about and when it was done it was even better than the sketch.She's been tattooing for over 45 years. She has intuition and she's truly an artist.There is no way I could be happier!!!Thank you so much Kate. Read Less

About the shop itself: Adorable. Very cllean, inviting and *so* not like any tattoo shop out there (yes-that's a great thing)About the tattoo/her work: I've never had tattoos heal faster or cleaner. Not only that, she took my aforesaid partial coverup and made magic on it. Seriously-I ACTUALLY love seeing my arm. I was a bumbling not-so-sure person coming in to her place: she gently nudged me with chats and pictures and feeling me out. Bam: I have a beautiful piece of art. About the lady: This is THE goddess of tattoos. I live by here and always drove by it. Two years of hemming and hawing over my partially done coverup tattoo, I finally broke down and saw her. Ladies and gentleman: it was like only knowing Super 8s and moving into the Ritz. For. REAL. This woman has soul, experience and talent. Her skill and empathy-YES empathy-for what you want and how you want it is outstanding; I didn't know tattoo artists could be like this. I kid you not-this lady could do circles around most folks. Go go go--you won't regret it!!! Read Less

I have been on yelp for 4 years and nothing has moved me enough to write a review.  I now feel compelled to let others know about my amazing experience.  First, let me say, it is an honor to have a living legend tattooing here in Austin.  I am a person that relishes the experience of getting a tattoo.  The experience is as important as the result.  I did some research on Shanghai Kate and watched some videos.  I was awestruck with my exploration.  I called her and set up a consult.  I met with her and we discussed my tattoo design and the meaning behind it.  It was an informative and comforting consult.  The design I brought her was one that I did.  She complimented me on it and stated that she wanted to leave it like it was.  I was so flattered to have received such praise from her.  We set an appointment around her busy schedule.    After some minor rescheduling, I finally got to go get my tattoo and I was so excited.  Ms. Kate made me feel so comfortable.  She treated me like family from the beginning.  She was beaming with astonishing stories of her past.  It never felt like bragging or boasting, but rather much like an accomplished raconteur.  Ms. Kate is a resilient woman that captivates you with her tales of her glories, pioneering, hard times, and what is in store for her future.  Ms. Kate is robust and tells you how it is, but in a manner that is truly charismatic.  Music filled the shop as she set up.  Being in her super clean shop, it is like being in a museum.  She has legendary tattoo art history on her walls and décor that showcases some of her past.  The time had come to get started on the tattoo. The placement was done carefully to compliment the other tattoos I have.  I got this tattoo in a tricky spot on the back of my arm where I had some space.  It was placed perfectly.  We talked about movies and she put a great movie on for me since I had to lie down awkwardly.  The move was a great choice.  We also chatted through-out the tattooing process.  I knew she was worlds apart from other tattoo artists when she started up her tattoo machine and it was way quieter than others. We took a break after the outline and it was remarkable and flawless.  Ms. Kate received visitors (patrons) who (out of kindness of their heart) decided to stop by and bring her some excellent home cooked food for lunch.  They complimented her on her line-work with genuine enthusiasm.  Ms. Kate finished up the color portion of the tattoo.  Now, came the time to see the finished product.  I was blown away.  It was beyond better than I envisioned it my head.  The colors are perfect, the placement is spot on, and it is as zenith as quality gets.  Ms. Kate is gave me careful instructions on how to care for my new permanent art.  I cannot express enough how excited I am with my new tattoo and the experience.  Ms. Shanghai Kate took her time with the entire process.  Nothing was rushed, because the best quality is what you are getting.  I feel honored to have some of her work on me.  Needless to say, I will be back for more and I will recommend her anyone that wants a tattoo.  Ms. Kate is a must for those who want to have an   exceptional tattoo experience. Read Less

If you are looking for a professional tattoo artist that will take extra care to ensure minimal discomfort  - you have come to the right place.  Appointments are recommended but not required.  Kate is always on time and she will have sketches ready for you to review if you send her your ideas in advance.  She can explain the history of tattoos in her awesome studio on Guadalupe (which is always clean and neat by the way.....).  Shanghai Kate is a master artist and I will never get another tattoo from anyone else.  She has a customer and friend for life :) xoxox Jenn Koch Read Less

This is a great shop, owned by one of the greats! Shanghai Kate's is a clean, calm, and charming shop. Kate herself is super nice, and very interesting to talk to. I and my two cousins were tattooed here by guest artist Shorty, who did highly detailed black and white work with great shading for us. We were all very pleased with our tattoos and have received tons of compliments. I just can't recommend this place enough! Read Less