YES for appointments! We cannot accommodate walk ins. Click on the “Request an Appointment” button and fill out the info for us please!

You must be at least 16 years old to get a tattoo in our studio. If you are under the age of 18, we require matching IDs (last name and address) from both minor and parent/legal guardian. The parent must also be with you for the duration of your body modification.

We will quote each tattoo based on how large and detailed it is and the placement on the body. You are buying a service, which includes your artist’s time, experience, and talent, as well as supplies to create the tattoo.

It depends on the quality and condition of the old tattoo. The general rule is “darkest color wins.” It’s best that the artists see your existing tattoo, and you brainstorm together to determine what is possible.

It’s very important that the design you choose looks good on your body and fits the space well. Take into account if you want to be able to see it easily (then choose the front of your body, not the back) and if you need to cover your art for any reason (some employers are not keen on body art). We will generally not tattoo the soles of your feet, or the inside of your hands, or fingers. These areas will not hold ink for long.

Certainly, bring in your ideas and do your homework. Put some thought into it. A tattoo is a very personal thing. Bring in photos of kids, family members or pets for a portrait or memorial tattoo. Into butterflies? Skulls? Turtles? Brainstorm with a staff member and allow the artist to create a custom piece for you.

No. We recommend Ela Roes at Surly Goat Tattoo & Piercing, for body piercing. www.surlygoattattoo.com or (605) 510-7244

Basically, it depends on your individual pain tolerance and how badly you want the tattoo.

We will prepare for your appointment to the best of our ability. Generally, we like to brainstorm with you at your appointment time and make any last minute changes as needed right before we tattoo you. Click on “Request an Appointment” button and fill out as much detail as you can, and this will get us started.

We pride ourselves in partaking in the most stringent standards in the tattoo profession. We use single-use and disposable everything (needles, ink cups, etc.) We use an autoclave (just like dentists) to sterilize the tattoo equipment. The autoclave is tested regularly, to ensure that it’s working properly. Our artists wear disposable latex (please tell us if you have an allergy, we have latex-free as well.) Our philosophy is that we are protecting ourselves from you, and you from ourselves. We keep our studio very clean and are proud of it.

You have to live with your tattoo for the rest of your life. Discuss size & color with your artist to achieve the look you want. Sometimes it’s better to leave the artistic aspects of your tattoo up to the wisdom and experience of your chosen artist. Bring your concepts and ideas, and watch them transformed into something completely personal.

After nearly 15 years, The Thrash’s decided to discontinue Wild Idea Tattoo & Piercing. It has fulfilled its mission! Long-time employee, friend, and tattoo artist Jamie Grav has launched his own business, Surly Goat Tattoo & Piercing in that location (331 Knollwood Drive). 

Tebori translates to “hand carving” in Japanese and refers to hand poked, or manual tattooing with a bundle of needles attached to a stick, rather than with an electric machine. It is estimated to be around 400 years old and is a much slower, deliberate and almost meditative technique. Some clients claim that it hurts less and is more vibrant in color. Matt Thrash added this to his tattooing repertoire in 2021. If interested in this technique of tattoo, please mention it on your tattoo request form or call with questions. 

Yes! We are the only tattoo studio featured at The Rally at Exit 55 at Black Hills Harley-Davidson in August during the annual Sturgis Rally. We close our West Main studio, bring in guest artists, and tattoo there for about two weeks. We’ve been doing it around 15 years now and it is a blast! We also have attended each of the Deadwood Tattoo Conventions in November, located at Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort, with 2025 being the third year. Also in November, we have an open house every Black Friday in which we prefer to call it Rainbow Friday, and feature homemade tie-dye garments by Matt Thrash. We may consider attending other conventions or doing guest spots across the country.