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Writer's pictureSabrina Robinson

WHAT IS "FLASH"

Updated: Aug 17


"Tattoo Flash" is a fairly popular and widely understood concept in the art community. Before I was a tattooer, I associated it with old school sheets of simple designs. Now, I know it can mean many things different to clients and artists, and that there is some confusion around the use of the word. The average person associates it with pre-drawn as well as custom small tattoos in general, sometimes equating flash to simply cheap tattoos. Let's briefly cover the history of tattoo Flash, what it means today, and some common misconceptions.


The origin of the American idea of “flash” tattoos dates back to the early 20th century. Tattooing was unregulated and in many places unlawful. In cities like New York and Richmond, tattoos were still in high demand (mostly among men in the military). Flash were pre-drawn templates and reference sheets that could be displayed, executed, and packed up quickly. Traditionally, the designs consisted of basic shapes and a limited color palette. American traditional flash motifs are still recognized and referenced in modern tattoos and throughout pop culture.


Today Tattoo Flash is, at it's most basic, any pre-drawn design. Once a piece is altered, or customized, it is no longer Flash, but a custom tattoo. The community mostly uses the term to refer to ANY original, pre-drawn, small-medium sized design and often a themed sheet of designs. A lot of artists now use flash to move their clientele and style in a certain direction. It no longer has to be a simple design that’s quick to reproduce.


Let's talk discounts! I’ve heard clients say “flash sale” when referring to any flash sheet or design because they are accustomed to shops doing micro tattoos at a low cost for an event like Friday the 13th. Though popular, It doesn’t have to be a special event, discounted price, or limited time offer. I love a sale as much as the next guy, but I do prefer a more conservative use of the word when discussing flash. I want to help people squash the misconception that every "flash" tattoo is significantly discounted because though they CAN be cheaper than custom pieces, that is a personal choice that varies artist to artist, and shop to shop.


Though most artists have a plethora of non-holiday specific Flash waiting for a loving home, Flash centered events are still extremely popular. I see many artists and shops promoting flash surrounding holidays, fundraisers, misc. special events during which sheets are designed with a central theme. Friday the 13th, Halloween, pride month, etc. are recognized as special events in shops nationwide. Occasions like this tend to get a lot of foot traffic, and can be treated as walk-in, call ahead, or appointment only events. Now-a-days they are so popular that shops frequently have to turn clients away or stay hours past closing.


There is no one right way to draw, organize, or price a flash sheet, or flash day. I encourage everyone to look into designs created by their favorite local shops (hehe especially ours). Sometimes a pre-drawn piece can speak to you in the same way a custom can, or even more-so because they come straight from the creative stream of the artist. HAPPY TATTOOING!





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