Bradley Ink Tattoo Studio
Rapid City, South Dakota

BRADLEY INK

Where Art Meets Skin – Professional Tattoo Artistry

Bringing your vision to life with precision, creativity, and passion. Custom designs, expert craftsmanship, and a commitment to excellence.

Licensed & Safe

Fully licensed with strict sterilization protocols

Custom Designs

Unique artwork tailored to your vision

Expert Artists

Years of experience in all tattoo styles

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About Us

Rapid City's Premier Tattoo Studio

At Bradley Ink, we believe that tattoos are more than just ink on skin – they're personal stories, meaningful expressions, and works of art that last a lifetime.

Located in the heart of Rapid City, South Dakota, our studio combines artistic excellence with a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're getting your first tattoo or adding to your collection, we're here to make your vision a reality.

Our experienced artists specialize in a wide range of styles, from traditional and neo-traditional to realism, blackwork, and custom designs. We take pride in our attention to detail, commitment to safety, and dedication to creating tattoos you'll love forever.

10+
Years Experience
5K+
Happy Clients
100%
Satisfaction
Professional artist tattooing woman's arm with machine in salon, closeup
Our Work

Featured Portfolio

Explore our collection of custom tattoos and see the artistry that defines Bradley Ink

Bradley Ink custom tattoo work

Custom Tattoo Design

Expert artistry by Bradley Ink

Bradley Ink professional tattoo

Professional Ink Work

Quality craftsmanship

Professional tattoo artist makes a tattoo on a young man's leg

Precision Line Work

Clean lines & expert technique

Ready to create your custom design?

Schedule a Consultation
Services

What We Offer

Professional tattoo services tailored to your unique style and vision

Custom Designs

Work directly with our artists to create a one-of-a-kind tattoo that perfectly represents your vision and personality.

  • Personalized consultation
  • Original artwork
  • Unlimited revisions

Cover-Ups

Transform old, faded, or unwanted tattoos into stunning new artwork with our expert cover-up techniques.

  • Expert assessment
  • Creative solutions
  • Seamless integration

Traditional & Neo-Traditional

Classic tattoo styles with bold lines, vibrant colors, and timeless designs that stand the test of time.

  • Bold & iconic
  • Vibrant colors
  • Clean line work

Blackwork & Dotwork

Striking black ink designs featuring geometric patterns, mandalas, and intricate dotwork techniques.

  • Geometric precision
  • Intricate patterns
  • Bold contrast

Realism

Photorealistic portraits and imagery brought to life with exceptional detail and masterful shading.

  • Photo-quality detail
  • Expert shading
  • Lifelike results

Touch-Ups & Restoration

Refresh and restore older tattoos with touch-ups to bring back their original vibrancy and clarity.

  • Color restoration
  • Line refinement
  • Revitalize old work
Tattoo Care Guide

Pre & Post Tattoo Care

Follow these professional guidelines to ensure your tattoo heals beautifully and lasts a lifetime

Before Your Appointment

24-48 Hours Before

  • Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water daily
  • Get a good night's sleep before your session
  • Eat a full meal 1-2 hours before appointment
  • Avoid alcohol and blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen)
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure on the area
  • Moisturize the area (but not on day of appointment)

Day of Appointment

  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
  • Bring snacks and water for longer sessions
  • Shower and clean the area thoroughly
  • Don't apply lotion or oils on tattoo area
  • Bring valid ID (must be 18 or older)

After Your Tattoo

First 24 Hours

  • Keep bandage on for 2-4 hours (or as directed)
  • Wash hands thoroughly before touching tattoo
  • Gently wash with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water
  • Pat dry with clean paper towel (don't rub)
  • Apply thin layer of recommended ointment

Days 2-14 (Healing Phase)

  • Wash 2-3 times daily with antibacterial soap
  • Apply thin layer of fragrance-free lotion 2-3 times daily
  • Don't pick, scratch, or peel scabs - let them fall naturally
  • Avoid soaking (pools, hot tubs, baths) for 2-3 weeks
  • Wear loose clothing over tattoo area
  • Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds

Long-Term Care

  • Always use SPF 30+ sunscreen on healed tattoo
  • Keep skin moisturized and hydrated
  • Avoid prolonged sun exposure to prevent fading

What to Avoid During Healing

Swimming pools, hot tubs, and baths for 2-3 weeks
Direct sun exposure and tanning beds
Tight or dirty clothing on the tattoo
Picking, scratching, or peeling scabs
Petroleum jelly or heavy ointments
Scented lotions or harsh chemicals

Have questions about tattoo care?

Contact Us
FAQ

Common Questions

Everything you need to know before your tattoo session

Tattoo Resources

From the Studio

Expert insights, tips, and guides from Bradley Ink's professional tattoo artists

Aftercare

Saniderm vs. Tegaderm: Which is Better?

Both Saniderm and Tegaderm are medical-grade adhesive bandages used for tattoo aftercare. While they serve the same purpose, there are key differences to consider.

Saniderm - Specifically designed for tattoos, breathable, and designed to stay on for up to 7 days

Tegaderm - Medical-grade film, typically changed more frequently, widely available at pharmacies

At Bradley Ink, we recommend what works best for your skin type and tattoo size. Both create a protective barrier that keeps bacteria out while allowing your skin to breathe and heal naturally.

Etiquette

The Importance of Tipping Your Tattoo Artist

Tipping is an important part of tattoo culture and shows appreciation for your artist's skill, time, and dedication to creating your custom artwork.

Standard tip: 15-20% of the total tattoo cost

Exceptional work: 20-25% or more for outstanding service

Large projects: Tip per session or at completion

Remember, tattoo artists invest years perfecting their craft, and many operate as independent contractors. Your tip directly supports their livelihood and shows respect for their artistry.

First Timers

Choosing Your First Tattoo: What You Need to Know

Getting your first tattoo is exciting! Here's what to consider before taking the plunge into permanent body art.

Placement matters: Consider visibility, pain level, and how it will age

Start smaller: Test the waters with a smaller design before committing to large pieces

Research styles: Find an artist who specializes in your preferred tattoo style

Take your time choosing a design that's meaningful to you. At Bradley Ink, we offer free consultations to help you explore ideas and find the perfect first tattoo.

Pain Management

Managing Tattoo Pain: Tips for a Better Experience

While everyone's pain tolerance is different, there are several ways to minimize discomfort during your tattoo session.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and during your session

Get rest: Being well-rested helps your body manage pain better

Breathe deeply: Focus on slow, steady breathing to stay relaxed

Avoid alcohol: It thins your blood and can increase bleeding

Remember, pain is temporary but your tattoo is forever. Our artists work efficiently and take breaks when needed to ensure your comfort throughout the process.

Styles

Color Tattoos vs. Black & Grey: Pros and Cons

Choosing between color and black & grey is a major decision. Here's what you need to know about each style.

Color Tattoos

Vibrant, eye-catching, great for bold designs. May require more touch-ups over time and can fade faster with sun exposure.

Black & Grey

Timeless, classic look. Ages beautifully, requires less maintenance, and works well for realistic portraits and fine details.

Both styles can be stunning when done by skilled artists. The choice comes down to your personal aesthetic and how you want your tattoo to evolve over time.

Maintenance

When Does Your Tattoo Need a Touch-Up?

Even the best tattoos may need touch-ups over time. Here's how to know when it's time for a refresh.

Initial touch-up: 4-6 weeks after your original session if needed

Fading colors: Excessive sun exposure can fade tattoos over time

Blurred lines: Fine details may soften as your skin ages

Prevention: Use sunscreen and moisturize regularly to extend tattoo life

At Bradley Ink, we offer touch-up services to keep your tattoos looking fresh. Proper aftercare and sun protection can significantly reduce the need for touch-ups.

Have more questions about tattoos?

Contact Us
Get In Touch

Book Your Session

Ready to start your tattoo journey? Reach out to schedule a consultation or ask any questions. We're here to bring your vision to life.

Location

116 East Blvd N

Rapid City, SD 57701

Phone

(605) 786-7386

Call or text for appointments

Email

[email protected]

We'll respond within 24 hours

Hours

Mon-Sat: 10am - 8pm

Sunday: By Appointment

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