When diving into the world of tattoos, you might encounter a whole new vocabulary. Terms like “blowouts” and “custom tattoos” can be confusing when you’re just starting out. One term you’ll likely hear is “flash tattoo,” but what exactly does it mean?
In this guide, we’ll decode the term “flash tattoo” with insights from experienced tattoo artists. We’ll explore what Flash Tattoos are, how they work, and why they might be the perfect choice for your next piece of ink.
What Exactly Are Flash Tattoos?
To understand flash tattoos, we turned to the experts, tattoo artists Andrea @nolseytattoo and Lauren Hepple @lh.tattoo.
“There’s no right or wrong answer,” Andrea from Brighton explains, highlighting the flexible nature of the term. “If you think of ‘traditional tattooing’ the answer would be designs that you pick from to get tattooed, shown either as prints in a studio or in some sort of folder.” This classic definition points to flash as a collection of readily available tattoo designs, often displayed in tattoo studios for clients to choose from. These designs are typically repeatable, meaning they can be tattooed multiple times for different clients.
Lauren Hepple, owner of String of Hearts in Southsea, elaborates, “Pre-drawn designs that are ready to be booked in as they are shown on the illustration.” She adds context to the creation of flash, mentioning, “When I put out my flash designs, there will usually be something specific I am focusing on for that release.” This suggests that artists often create flash in collections, perhaps around a particular theme or style, offering clients curated choices.
Repeatable tattoo designs known as flash art, displayed as framed prints on a tattoo studio wall.
Flash Tattoo Uniqueness: Are They Always Repeatable?
While traditional flash is designed to be repeatable, modern tattoo artists are putting their own spin on the concept. Andrea shares her approach, “For now (most of) my flash is one of a kind, mainly because I really enjoy tattooing a design and parting with it.” She uses the charming phrase “adopt a design,” explaining, “They are just silly drawings that I do and then someone comes and takes them home with them forever.” For Andrea, creating unique flash allows for a special connection to each design and client.
However, she also acknowledges the place for repeatable flash in her work: “I do have some designs which are repeatable; traditional inspired designs such as kewpie babies and more simplistic designs that I think lots of people might enjoy – small flowers, trinkets, animals, etc, they usually work very well as gap fillers.” These repeatable designs often cater to popular tastes or serve practical purposes like filling gaps between larger tattoos.
Lauren also notes a shift towards repeatable flash for different reasons. “For most of my time tattooing, I’ve only ever tattooed my designs once,” she says. “But with money becoming tighter for everyone, I started doing a small range of repeatable and affordable flash. I hope that this keeps my tattoos accessible. As an industry, we are all trying to adjust to what is a really difficult time for artists to navigate right now.” This highlights how repeatable flash can also be a way for artists to offer more budget-friendly options without compromising their artistic output, especially in challenging economic times.
A sheet of unique tattoo flash designs, showcasing various whimsical and illustrative drawings in black ink on paper.
Why is it Called Flash? Unpacking the Term’s Origin
The name “flash tattoo” itself is intriguing. Lauren delves into the possible history behind the term: “The term flash comes from a few different stories,” she explains, “which ones are true I don’t know.”
One compelling theory connects to the history of tattooing and its sometimes clandestine nature. “One I’ve heard a few times is about tattoo artists needing to be discreet – due to societal views or from when tattooing was illegal,” Lauren recounts, referencing the period when tattooing was even outlawed in New York City until 1997. In such situations, “artists needed to be able to pack up quick and be ‘gone in a flash’.” This suggests the term “flash” might relate to the speed and ease with which artists could display, offer, and potentially conceal these pre-made designs, particularly when operating discreetly.
A tattoo of a frog with intricate line work, positioned on a person's forearm, illustrating a typical flash tattoo style.
Flash Scenes and Creative Tattoo Flash Variations
Beyond individual designs, flash can take on creative and innovative forms. Andrea’s “flash scenes” are a perfect example of this. “I’ve always loved illustration, and since I started tattooing I kept trying to think of a way of merging the two,” she shares. Her inspiration comes from a beloved source: “Where’s Wally? I love those illustrations – hundreds of tiny things all cramped together, the more you look at it the more things you find, it’s so exciting and colourful. So I made my version but even better, you find something you like? You can have it on your skin forever!”
Flash scenes, like Andrea’s, showcase a playful and detailed approach to flash, offering clients a variety of interconnected designs within a larger illustration. This expands the traditional concept of flash, moving beyond single motifs to create immersive visual narratives.
A detailed "flash scene" tattoo design sheet filled with numerous small, quirky character illustrations and objects densely packed together.
Another "flash scene" tattoo design sheet, similar to the first, showcasing a different collection of miniature, whimsical designs in a crowded composition.
Key Things to Know About Flash Tattoos as a Customer
If you’re considering getting a flash tattoo, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Lauren emphasizes communication: “Make sure you know how the artist runs their flash,” advising, “Some will repeat designs and others won’t. Some clients really don’t want to share their tattoo with someone else.” It’s always best to “drop a message to ask the tattoo artist” if you’re unsure about their flash policy. Remember, “you’re under no obligation to book after asking a few questions.”
Andrea offers further practical advice. “Number 1, most artists are happy to tweak a design that is already taken so you can have something similar,” she explains. “Don’t be scared to ask to have a variation of a design that has been taken if you love it.” This opens up possibilities for personalization even within the realm of flash.
She also stresses respect for artists’ work: “And number 2 – just because it’s displayed online or as a print somewhere it doesn’t mean it’s free to use! As a client or a tattoo enjoyer, I think it’s important to respect the artists’ effort and work we put into it.” Flash designs are still original artwork and should be treated as such.
Finally, be aware of “flash days.” “Studios and tattoo artists sometimes run something called ‘flash days’,” explains the original article, “which is literally a day where you can just turn up at a studio (aka a walk-in) and pick from a range of designs and pay a set price. This is usually on a first-come, first-served basis.” These events, like those run by Glasgow-based artist Fidjit for charity, can be a great way to get a flash tattoo and sometimes support a good cause.
A tattoo of a detailed floral design with shading, inked on an arm, representing a sophisticated flash tattoo choice.
Flash Tattoos: Like Purchasing Original Art
To understand the appeal of flash tattoos, Lauren offers a relatable comparison: “The closest would be purchasing original artwork,” she says. “It feels special and like a specific connection to the artist in a way that feels closer to them than purchasing a limited-edition print. I think that is what any client is usually wanting, a connection with the artist.”
Flash tattoos, whether repeatable or unique, offer a tangible piece of an artist’s style and creativity. Choosing a flash design can be a way to connect with an artist’s aesthetic and acquire a piece of their art for your own body.
A tattoo of a stylized bird design with bold lines, placed on a person's upper arm, exemplifying a non-repeatable flash tattoo style.
In Conclusion: Embracing Flash Tattoos
Flash tattoos are more than just pre-drawn designs; they represent a rich history, diverse artistic approaches, and a unique way to connect with tattoo artists. Whether you’re drawn to the traditional repeatability of flash or the unique artistry of one-off designs and creative scenes, exploring flash tattoos opens up a fascinating avenue in the world of ink. So, next time you’re considering a tattoo, take a look at the flash sheets – you might just find the perfect piece waiting for you.
Read more about tattoo styles: Fine Line Tattoos: What You Need to Know
