Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Sutton
Hi Michael, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began my apprenticeship in 2011 and was tattooing full-time by 2012. I’ve spent my entire career in South Carolina, where I’ve had the chance to grow and connect with an amazing community. Tattooing is an incredibly challenging craft to learn, but I’ve been completely obsessed since day one.
Over the years, my style has evolved—starting with illustrative blackwork, transitioning to black and grey realism, and eventually embracing colorful Neotrad. I’ve enjoyed experimenting with different styles and pushing my creative boundaries.
Social media and word of mouth have been instrumental in building my career. By late 2022, I took a big step forward and purchased the studio (Mr. Shorty’s Tattoo Emporium) from my mentor. Together, we’ve created a welcoming, down-to-earth environment where clients feel at home.
Looking back, I’m proud of what we’ve built and excited for the future. I love being part of the tattoo community and look forward to continuing to grow as an artist and shop owner.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—tattooing is a tough craft to master, and consistency has been one of the hardest challenges. When I was first starting out, there was a steep learning curve, and like many in this field, I had to navigate moments of self-doubt while building my skills and confidence.
Running a business added a whole new layer of responsibility. Managing schedules, balancing creative work with administrative tasks, and ensuring every client has a great experience requires a lot of focus and dedication. Social media has been a great tool for growth, but staying consistent with promotion while honing my craft hasn’t always been easy.
That said, every challenge has taught me something valuable. Whether it’s adapting to different styles over the years or learning to create a welcoming studio environment, those struggles have made me a better artist and business owner. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been worth every step.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
While I’ve worked in many styles like illustrative blackwork, black and grey realism, and neotraditional. I believe my versatility and ability to adapt to different client visions have helped me stand out. Clients know they can trust me to bring their ideas to life in a way that feels uniquely personal to them.
What sets me apart is my dedication to connecting with clients on a personal level. Every piece I create is a collaboration, and I strive to make the process as enjoyable and meaningful as the final tattoo itself. Being part of someone’s story through art is an honor, and it’s what drives me to continually improve and grow.
What are your plans for the future?
In the future, I’m excited to dive deeper into illustrative blackwork and explore more traditional Japanese designs. I’ve always been drawn to the way Japanese compositions flow with the body, and I’d love to continue honing my skills in that area.
As for the studio, we’re really happy with where we are right now, but we’re open to growing Mr. Shorty’s Tattoo Emporium if the opportunity feels right. For now, it’s about maintaining the welcoming and creative environment we’ve worked so hard to build.
One of the things I’ve been focusing on this year is collaborating with other artists from different studios. Creating style mash-ups and sharing ideas with these talented artists has been a blast, and it’s been such a great way to stay inspired while connecting with the broader tattoo community. I’m looking forward to continuing those collaborations and seeing where they take me creatively.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Mrshortys.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrshortystattooemporium/profilecard/?igsh=a2FsZzhvOTJ6MGo4
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15FjRkoQ3y/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
