Everything You Need to Know About Flash Tattoos

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A guide to the meaning and history of flash tattoos

Co-authored by María Fernández González and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: August 5, 2025 Fact Checked

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• What are flash tattoos?
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• Why You Should Get a Flash Tattoo
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• How to Get a Flash Tattoo
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• Expert Interview

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If you’re at all interested in the world of tattooing, you may have heard of flash tattoos. Flash tattoos are pre-drawn designs that are ready to be booked and tattooed at a moment’s notice. These tattoos have a rich history and date back to the beginning of modern tattooing. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about what flash tattoos are, plus why and how to get one of your own.

Things You Should Know

• Flash tattoos are ready-made designs for people who don't want a custom design.
• Flash designs generally come with a pre-determined size and price and are cheaper than custom tattoos.
• Unlike custom tattoos, flash tattoos can usually be done in one sitting without an appointment.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

What are flash tattoos?

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   Flash tattoos are pre-drawn tattoo designs ready to be booked. These designs are meant to be tattooed quickly and efficiently. Tattoo artists typically have illustrations of the design either in a folder or posted on their website or social media. They’re generally smaller, repeatable designs, but sometimes might be larger and only tattooed once.

   • Unlike custom tattoos, which you typically design with the artist, flash is designed without client input. Sometimes, though, artists are willing to tweak designs to fit the client’s needs.
   • Generally, flash tattoos also come with a pre-determined size and price. For example, a 5-inch tattoo for $200. Usually, flash tattoos are cheaper than custom tattoos.
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   There are 3 types of flash tattoos. While there are countless flash designs, there are generally 3 overarching types:

   • Market Flash: these are popular designs that are repeated for multiple clients. Some common designs include hearts, butterflies, infinity signs, and roses. They’re typically small and unshaded.
   • Collector Flash: these are unique designs created by a specific artist. Designs vary from artist to artist and depend on their interests and style, and they may be more intricate than other forms of flash. Collector flash may be tattooed only once or for multiple clients depending on the artist’s preference.
   • Traditional Flash: these are classic designs in the American Traditional tattoo style. They use bold lines and a limited color palette and have been tattooed on many people throughout the decades.
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   The term “flash” might come from when tattooing was illegal. Because these pre-made designs could be done “in a flash,” artists would set up their station and tattoo as many people as they could before the cops arrived. Artists kept their designs in a briefcase so they could close up and disappear before getting caught.

   • Another theory is that the term originated with the circus in the mid-to-late 1800s. Artists hung their designs on walls or displayed them in “flash racks” for clients to choose from. Alternatively, the term could come from the fact that the designs look “flashy.”
   • Some also claim that the term originated with sailors who would arrive in a town for a day and want a tattoo that could be done “in a flash.”
   • Tattoo artist Lew “the Jew” Alberts introduced flash to New York in the early 1900s. Some other early flash artists include George Burchett, Christian Warlich, and Sailor Jerry. Their work often included symbolic meanings, and while those meanings might not be as significant to clients today, American Traditional flash is frequently inspired by their work.
   • Sometimes, tattooers traded and sold flash sheets with each other as a way of networking.
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Section 2 of 3:

Why You Should Get a Flash Tattoo

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   Get a flash tattoo if you’re overwhelmed by choices. If you want a tattoo but struggle to decide on a specific design when there are countless possibilities, choosing a flash design might remove some of your stress. You can still get a cool, unique design without trying to come up with it yourself.
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   They’re a great introduction to getting tattooed. If you’re getting your first tattoo, try a small flash design to see what getting tattooed feels like without making a huge time and money commitment with a large custom piece. This way, you’ll know if you can handle the pain and if you want more tattoos in the future.
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   You can usually get one sooner than a custom tattoo. Since most flash tattoos are pre-designed, pre-sized, and pre-priced, you and your tattoo artist can skip the consultation and designing process. In many cases, flash designs can be tattooed on a walk-in basis with no appointment necessary.

   • Not all tattoo artists take walk-ins. Be sure to contact your artist beforehand to make sure they have time to take you.
   • Some artists even have flash days, in which they dedicate a whole workday to tattooing flash designs rather than custom work.
   • If you’re visiting a new place and want a permanent reminder, get a flash tattoo from a local artist! You can also do this with your friends to form a lasting memory.
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   Choose a collector flash design to support your artist’s creativity. If your artist designs their own flash designs, odds are they’re very proud of them and can’t wait to tattoo them on someone. If you’re itching for some new ink but don’t know what you want, this is a great way to show some appreciation for your artist’s talent.

   • If you find a flash design you really like but there are one or two details you’re not sure of, ask your artist if they’re willing to adjust it. Some might be willing to work with you while others want to tattoo the exact design they drew up.
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   Traditional flash designs are timeless. If you want a tattoo but are worried the design will eventually go out of style, opt for a traditional flash tattoo. These designs have been popular since the beginning of Western tattooing, so you don’t have to worry about them being a passing trend.
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   Flash designs help new tattoo artists learn their skill. Everyone has to start somewhere, and flash designs allow new artists and apprentices to practice basic tattooing techniques on small, bold designs. If you want to support a new artist, consider letting them tattoo a flash design on you.
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Section 3 of 3:

How to Get a Flash Tattoo

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   Research your artist and their style. Each tattoo artist puts their own unique spin on flash designs. These days, you can find most artists’ portfolios on their website and/or social media, so be sure you’re a fan of their work and flash designs before committing to one.

   • Some artists have “flash sheets,” which are sheets featuring multiple available flash designs. Artists tend to post these on their social media, and they’re often Halloween or Friday the 13th specials.
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   Choose the flash design you want. Like with portfolios, you can typically find tattoo artists’ flash designs online or by looking through a binder at their shop. Select a design that you like and make sure the price and sizing work for you. Also, check to make sure the design is still available since some artists tattoo each design only once.
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   Make an appointment or go to walk-in hours. Determine if your artist takes walk-ins for flash or if you’ll need to make an appointment. To make an appointment, visit, call, or email your tattoo artist to find a time that works for both of you. Be sure to let them know which design you want and ask any questions you have.

   • Even if your artist takes walk-ins, it might be a good idea to reach out beforehand to make sure there’s an opening when you’re available. Making an appointment ensures you get a time that works for you.
   • Tattoo artists typically list their preferred method of communication on their website.
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   Eat and hydrate beforehand. Drink lots of water throughout the 24 hours before your tattoo, and eat a good meal an hour or so before your appointment. This ensures you’ll have the stamina to sit through your tattoo without getting lightheaded or passing out.

   • It’s also a good idea to bring a bottle of water and a small snack to your appointment.
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   Decide on placement and get tattooed. Sometimes, artists have a specific location they imagine for their flash design. Work with your artist to decide where on your body you want the tattoo to go and discuss any further details or questions you have. Then, it’s time to get tattooed. Your artist should walk you through the process and make sure you’re comfortable.

   • Some artists prefer to only tattoo flash designs on clients’ arms or legs while others may be open to other locations.
   • Choose a placement based on whether you want to show your tattoo off or if you want or need to keep it hidden.
   • If your artist makes you feel uncomfortable at any point, don’t move forward with the session.
   • If you’re worried about the pain, consider using a numbing cream. Just be sure to ask your artist if it’s okay beforehand and follow any instructions they have for the process. Otherwise, ask your artist for tips on how to handle the pain.
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   Follow your artist’s aftercare instructions. Once your flash tattoo is finished, your tattoo artist will tell you how to care for it. Always listen to your artist’s directions to best prevent infection or fading.
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