I went to this shop for my first ever tattoo just a few weeks ago. Doug was amazing, explained every step. He even made sure I hadn't been talked into getting a tattoo. I loved being able to see his set up so I knew I wasn't at any risk with his equipment. His shop is very clean. He made sure my tattoo was perfectly placed and even removed the stencil after the first placement because he said he wouldn't be able to sleep if it wasn't perfect. That is someone who cares about their work. I followed his after care instructions to a T and my tattoo was literally healed a day before the 2 week mark (it is a small tattoo). I would definitely go back again and I've recommended him to my friends and family for their next tattoos. He also has the best prices I've ever seen and being able to see his other work on Instagram helped me chose him to do my very first tattoo. Read Less

I just wanted to warn everyone about going to Hellbender Ink Vintage Tattoo in Smithville (owner: Douglas R. Newton) He did a horrible job on my flowers tattoo, so when I went to put an honest review he blatantly lied saying it wasn't his work! My father can vouch for me that it is in fact his work because he took me there himself. It's one thing to not have the talent to do something, I accept that mistakes can be made, but to blatantly lie and then block me is completely unprofessional. This was supposed to be a memorial tattoo for my grandma, her favourite flower and my mother's, and I'm stuck with this. Be careful going to this guy! Read Less

Doug is amazing! Between my husband and myself he has done about ten tattoos. He takes our ideas and makes a beautiful tattoo. The shop is bright and clean. Doug takes the time to show you his tools and explain maintenance. Great shop! Read Less

Just got my first tattoo at Hellbender. Doug was super friendly, informative, and transparent about the whole process and does everything by the numbers. Perfect blend of friendliness and professionalism, 10/10 would recommend. Read Less

2nd time coming here, brought my mom for one as well this time. It was her first time getting a tattoo and she says she'll come back again for another from him (she only wanted one before !) My dad and I have our appointments booked already for next week! Read Less

Doug has talent. He is not only a great tattooist, but he is also very experienced. I value his advice especially his after care. I have never had any issues with the healing of any of my tattoos. I highly recommend Doug. His creativity and attention to detail is phenomenal. Read Less

Absolutely the best and only artist whom I will ever use...And I say that as someone who is medication induced immune compromised. I can not afford to take a chance with an infection, etc and I know a shop doesn't get any cleaner than Dougs'. He has inked me, my husband and 2 of my kids. We all swear by him.� You know it's a good tat when you get stopped multiple times walking 5th Ave in Playa Del Carmen in MX with compliments on your ink.� Read Less

I was just in the shop yesterday (January 25th), to get my second tattoo from Doug. I was once again blown away by his talent, knowledge and overall service! 5 stars are just not enough when it comes to rating Doug and his shop. Coming from Niagara Falls is well worth the drive. He takes the time to explain everything - before, during and after your session. I will keep recommending him and his shop to all those I know, and will hopefully be back soon! Read Less

Doug is easy to talk to, well priced, VERY clean, and super knowledgeable. I have already recommended him to anyone who asks about my tatts. My tattoos were all redos from a different shop that had messed them up bad! I did 4 at once. 3 were messed up at from another shop, and 1 was just 20 years old. My three from previous shop lacked pizazz; they didn't take the ink well, and were so over worked that I bled... A LOT. They never healed right..lines were too thick or too thin..., blurry, out of place, the colour didn't take so they were blotchy... they were all very flat and lifeless. I was lucky the shop didn't damage my skin ... I cannot explain in words how bad that shop was. Doug fixed all of that!!! First thing I noticed with Doug was that I did not bleed at all. The tattoos hurt less due to this. He did not dig or over work my skin. Because of this, the colour has taken really well & they have healed up quickly and beautifully!! He added life to what I considered bland and boring work. He was able to fix issues I had with the previous work as well. My 20 yr old tattoo hasn't ever looked this good!!! I am blown away. The healing process was exactly as he explained. Due to not over working the skin, scabs didn't form (like previous work). I followed his cleaning and healing schedule, and I am very happy with their progress!! There should be some photos up of the before and afters!! Everyone has complimented the work. I will definitely be back for one more touch up, and a new piece!! I can't wait!!! Thanks again Doug!!! See More Read Less

Doug at Hellbender Ink Vintage Tattoo is friendly, easy to work with, well informed and very professional. He raises money for charities, does tattoo reconstruction for breast cancer survivors and his work is unbeatable. What more can I say but that I have never met a tattooist who will encourage you to wait rather than get a tattoo you do not really really love. Great work, and values all in one. I vote for Doug at Hellbender with my skin! Read Less