Navigating the world of tattoos comes with its own unique vocabulary. If you’re new to getting inked, terms like “flash,” “blowout,” or “custom” can sound like a foreign language. One term you’ll often hear, especially when exploring different tattoo styles and studios, is “tattoo flash.” But what does “flash” really mean in the tattoo world?
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into defining tattoo flash, exploring its origins, different forms, and why it might be the perfect choice for your next piece of body art. We’ll be getting insights from experienced tattoo artists to decode this essential tattoo concept.
What Exactly is Tattoo Flash?
To truly Define Tattoo flash, we need to understand its history and evolution within tattoo culture. According to Brighton-based tattoo artist Andrea @nolseytattoo, flash tattoos are rooted in “traditional tattooing.” She explains, “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.” Essentially, tattoo flash is a collection of pre-drawn designs created by tattoo artists, readily available for clients to choose from. These designs are typically repeatable, meaning they can be tattooed on multiple people.
Lauren Hepple @lh.tattoo, owner of String of Hearts tattoo studio in Southsea, elaborates further, describing flash as “Pre-drawn designs that are ready to be booked in as they are shown on the illustration.” Artists often release flash collections with a specific theme or style in mind, allowing clients to easily select a design that resonates with them.
Various repeatable tattoo flash designs in black ink, showcasing tattoo art by Lauren Hepple.
Repeatable vs. One-of-a-Kind Tattoo Flash
While traditionally flash designs are repeatable, the concept has evolved. Andrea shares that much of her flash is “one of a kind,” driven by her personal artistic enjoyment. “I really enjoy tattooing a design and parting with it,” she says. She playfully refers to her flash designs as needing to be “adopted,” highlighting the personal connection clients can have even with pre-drawn art.
However, Andrea also creates repeatable flash, particularly “traditional inspired designs such as kewpie babies and more simplistic designs that I think lots of people might enjoy – small flowers, trinkets, animals, etc.” These types of designs are versatile and often work well as smaller tattoos or “gap fillers” to complete a larger tattoo composition.
Lauren echoes this shift, noting that while she primarily tattooed unique designs for most of her career, she began offering repeatable, affordable flash due to changing economic circumstances. This move makes tattooing more accessible, ensuring artists can continue to create in challenging times.
Detailed tattoo flash art showcasing various whimsical and illustrative designs drawn by tattoo artist Andrea.
Why is it Called “Flash” Tattoo?
The term “flash” itself has an interesting backstory. Lauren explains, “The term flash comes from a few different stories, which ones are true I don’t know.” One popular theory connects to the historical context of tattooing. “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. In times when tattooing was stigmatized or even illegal, artists needed to operate quickly and discreetly, ready to pack up and disappear “in a flash” to avoid detection. This need for speed and impermanence might have contributed to the name “flash” for these readily available, pre-designed tattoos.
A tattoo of a frog, an example of flash tattoo art created by Lauren Hepple, demonstrating nature-inspired tattoo designs.
Creative and Unique Flash: Beyond Traditional Sheets
Tattoo flash isn’t limited to simple sheets of designs. Artists are constantly finding innovative ways to present flash and engage clients. Andrea has developed “flash scenes,” inspired by “Where’s Wally?” (Where’s Waldo?). She describes them as “hundreds of tiny things all cramped together, the more you look at it the more things you find, it’s so exciting and colourful.” These intricate illustrations are packed with individual tattoo designs, offering clients a unique and interactive way to choose their next piece. Clients can “discover” designs within these scenes that resonate with them, adding an element of fun and surprise to the selection process.
Two images of tattoo flash scenes, complex and illustrative artwork by Andrea, filled with numerous small tattoo designs for clients to choose from.
A second close-up image of tattoo flash scenes, highlighting the detailed and imaginative tattoo art style of Andrea, perfect for unique tattoo selections.
Important Considerations When Choosing Flash
When considering getting a flash tattoo, it’s essential to understand the artist’s approach to their flash designs. Lauren advises, “Some will repeat designs and others won’t. Some clients really don’t want to share their tattoo with someone else.” If you have concerns about the uniqueness of a design, don’t hesitate to communicate with the tattoo artist. “You can always drop a message to ask the tattoo artist,” Lauren suggests, emphasizing that asking questions comes with “no obligation to book after asking a few questions.”
Andrea highlights two crucial points for clients considering flash. Firstly, “most artists are happy to tweak a design that is already taken so you can have something similar.” If you love a flash piece that’s already been tattooed, inquire about variations. Secondly, she stresses respecting artist copyright: “just because it’s displayed online or as a print somewhere it doesn’t mean it’s free to use!” Flash designs represent an artist’s creative work and should be treated as such.
A completed tattoo from flash art, inked by Andrea, showcasing a pre-designed tattoo now on a client's skin.
Flash Days and Tattoo Events
Beyond studio flash books and online portfolios, “flash days” or “walk-in days” are another common way to access flash tattoos. These events are often held at studios where clients can choose from a curated selection of flash designs and get tattooed on a first-come, first-served basis, often at a set price. Glasgow-based artist Fidjit, for instance, frequently hosts flash days featuring her “Drowning Girl” designs, donating proceeds to charity, Rape Crisis Scotland. Flash days offer a fun, spontaneous way to get tattooed and sometimes support a good cause.
Tattoo Flash as Original Art
Lauren draws a parallel between purchasing flash and “purchasing original artwork.” She explains, “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.” Choosing flash can provide a unique way to connect with an artist’s style and vision, offering a piece of original art for your body. This connection and the accessibility of flash are key reasons for its enduring popularity in tattoo culture.
A tattoo design created from non-repeatable flash art by Lauren Hepple, emphasizing the unique and original aspect of some tattoo flash designs.
In conclusion, defining tattoo flash encompasses more than just pre-drawn designs. It represents a rich history, artistic accessibility, and a unique way to connect with tattoo artists and their creative vision. Whether you’re looking for a classic, repeatable design or a one-of-a-kind piece, exploring tattoo flash is a great way to begin or continue your tattoo journey.
