Billy began his art career at an early age drawing pictures with his big sister of his favorite cartoon characters. He continued his artistic passion well into his teens, drawing his own comic book characters becoming lost in his imagination. This artistic passion helped him cope with the violence associated with his hometown of Flint and kept him away from the streets.
After college, Billy fell in love with the artistry of tattooing and gained an apprenticeship at Inkwell Tattoos in Brighton Mi. Four and a half years of study under award-winning black and grey artists gave Billy the tattooing knowledge he needed to venture out on his own. His own private studio allowed him the opportunity to focus more on each individual client's artwork, plus pour all his time and energy into every project.
After college, Billy fell in love with the artistry of tattooing and gained an apprenticeship at Inkwell Tattoos in Brighton Mi. Four and a half years of study under award-winning black and grey artists gave Billy the tattooing knowledge he needed to venture out on his own. His own private studio allowed him the opportunity to focus more on each individual client's artwork, plus pour all his time and energy into every project.
Services
Color tattoos should contain a lot of contrast and can be visually stunning just by choosing the right color scheme. Color is more tedious than black grey but can be truly breathtaking. Contact us to discuss your vision and let's create a beautiful piece! Traditional tattoos are beloved for their classic imagery and bold colors that stand the test of time.
Reviews (10)
Aaron H.
Jan 18, 2022
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This place is amazing. Mr. Billy Smokes has done almost my entire arm with unbelievable art. Everyone here is great people, and I have also seen amazing work from the other artist in the shop, and not to mention, they are just fun to hang out with while your there getting your art done. Raquel is awesome as well, she does a lot of fun things around the shop and community (as well as special request for the kids :) thanks again
Nick Barto
Jan 13, 2022
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My gf and I went here to get our matching initials tattooed on each other because we are "consciously uncoupling" due to life getting in the way, and so we wanted to honor and remember each other.
We got a quick next-day appt when dozens of other shops couldn't accommodate us. They had COVID precautions. They were clean, kind, and professional and our artist Boy was incredible at putting my gf at ease, as it was her first (and probably only) tattoo. All-around great experience.
10/10 would highly recommend to everyone. Thanks guys. I'll definitely be coming back.
We got a quick next-day appt when dozens of other shops couldn't accommodate us. They had COVID precautions. They were clean, kind, and professional and our artist Boy was incredible at putting my gf at ease, as it was her first (and probably only) tattoo. All-around great experience.
10/10 would highly recommend to everyone. Thanks guys. I'll definitely be coming back.
Raymond Krivitz
Dec 29, 2021
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This is a very cool shop. Billy and his wife were extremely friendly. His wife spent the entire 3 hours I was there cleaning the whole reception area and waiting areas. The shop smelled and looked very clean. He was very patient with me being a little picky about placement. His tattoo gun is cordless and super quiet. It was a tattoo so yes it hurt, but Billy still has very light hands and I think that his technique made getting the tattoo hurt considerably less than I thought it was going to. The artwork is incredible, and I am extremely happy with the finished tattoo. I will definitely be coming
Amiya Stone
Dec 04, 2021
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I went to Tattoos By Billy Smokes for ladies night,hoping to see them in action, however they're so professional they shut down the tattooing for this event and I must say I'm glad they did! Tattoos By Billy Smokes is by far the most layed back,clean,welcoming tattoo shop I've ever been to!
I've been searching for a place like this and was about to give up,now not only do I have my first tattoo appointment with Billy set up,I'm also attending their Paint and Pour ! The crew is so awesome you want to be around them!! They're artists as well,they paint,draw and airbrush,The shop is full of art,jewelry
I've been searching for a place like this and was about to give up,now not only do I have my first tattoo appointment with Billy set up,I'm also attending their Paint and Pour ! The crew is so awesome you want to be around them!! They're artists as well,they paint,draw and airbrush,The shop is full of art,jewelry
Sara Lazar
Nov 28, 2021
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I couldn’t recommend a better tattoo shop! I recently had a shoulder piece done by Billy, I sent a million photos of flowers to represent my loved ones. Billy was able to take all of my thoughts and turn them into a masterpiece, that I am absolutely in LOVE with!! After years of only doing very small tattoos, I am so happy that I took the lunge and chose Tattoos By Billy Smokes to give me my largest piece yet, not only is this the cleanest shop I’ve ever stepped foot into, his attention to detail and light hand will have me back in that chair very soon!!!
Salina Harden
Nov 18, 2021
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I made an appointment with Billy a few months back,let me tell you it was worth the wait!! 10 out of 10...more like 100 out of 💯!! My tattoo came out better than I ever imagined and Billy has the lightest hand ! The shop is absolutely Beautiful and so clean and it even smells good !! I highly recommend Tattoos By Billy Smokes for all your Tattoo wants!
The staff is so nice and extremely professional, to top it off they have mercendise for sale!
I'll definitely recommend Tattoos By Billy Smokes to All My Friends and Family!
Thank you all so Much !!
The staff is so nice and extremely professional, to top it off they have mercendise for sale!
I'll definitely recommend Tattoos By Billy Smokes to All My Friends and Family!
Thank you all so Much !!
Alonzo Rodriguez
Nov 03, 2021
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Billy did a great job on my realism skull,my first tattoo and I love it,while Billy was tattooing me I was so excited I found more art and he's going to turn it into another master piece!
I'm so glad I was patient and waited to get in with Billy.
The shop is so comfortable and clean it makes the nerves calm instantly!!
Definitely recommend and encourage waiting for placement on his schedule!!
Thanks again Billy and everyone at Tattoos By Billy Smokes.
I'm so glad I was patient and waited to get in with Billy.
The shop is so comfortable and clean it makes the nerves calm instantly!!
Definitely recommend and encourage waiting for placement on his schedule!!
Thanks again Billy and everyone at Tattoos By Billy Smokes.
Dave N.
Oct 26, 2021
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I got my first tattoo last week from Billy Smokes. His work and attention to detail is absolutely amazing. I am thrilled with the way it turned out and already want to go back! Being my first time, I didn’t know what to expect. Billy and Raquel were great in talking through my initial design, helping me understand the possibilities and ultimately resulting in new design that I love! Thank you both!
Robert Yusko
Aug 15, 2021
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I had a phenomenal experience with Tattoos by Billy Smokes. I decided to go with Billy because I was impressed with his black and gray portfolio I saw on his Instagram.
Going into the tattoo I was intimidated that my piece was going to take 4 hours. That quickly went away because Billy technique is so smooth I barely felt anything the entire four hours.
Billy was great about asking if I needed breaks or anything else. The piece came out perfect, I am so happy I went with Billy. Shop is clean, sanitized, etc.
Getting a tattoo is a big deal, I would Highly recommended Billy!!
Update - After 3
Going into the tattoo I was intimidated that my piece was going to take 4 hours. That quickly went away because Billy technique is so smooth I barely felt anything the entire four hours.
Billy was great about asking if I needed breaks or anything else. The piece came out perfect, I am so happy I went with Billy. Shop is clean, sanitized, etc.
Getting a tattoo is a big deal, I would Highly recommended Billy!!
Update - After 3
Jennifer Zimmer
Jul 24, 2021
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