Whats a Flash Tattoo & Flash Sheet?

What are Flash Tattoos?

Chances are, if you’ve seen anything about tattoos, you’ve heard of flash – but what are they? Flash tattoos are pre-made designs that are ready to be tattooed immediately. They are usually displayed together on one or two sheets of paper – called flash sheets – and come exactly as you see them. Because they are pre-designed, the tattoos have set prices, and usually set sizes. Meaning they are fixed as is, and ready to go on the skin before you even set foot in a studio.

The term “flash” in the tattoo industry has dated back to when tattooing was illegal in the US. Artists would create set designs which could be displayed easily and tattooed quickly. This allowed artist to have pop up shops, quickly tattoo, and elude police. The term flash is thought to be used because it these quick designs allowed artists to be “gone in a flash.” Although there’s no proof of this.

There are three types of flash designs; Traditional, Market, and Collector.

Bold Black Sheet by Devynne Dlubac

Traditional Designs

Traditional sheets are American Traditional styled tattoos, which mimic the style of Sailor Jerry. These are timeless, classic designs with bold lines and limited color palettes. Because they follow American Traditional rules, these designs usually include anchors, ships, sparrows, skulls and more. You can find Traditional sheets in many shops, and specifically in Traditional tattoo shops.

Market Designs

Market sheets are designs that are extremely popular amongst the general public. You can typically get these types of tattoos at nearly any street shop. Designs usually include hearts, cherries, dice, infinity signs and more. Because of their popularity, designs are likely repeated over and over on many clients. They are designs that are typically not specific to one artists – likely any artist in shop could do the tattoo.

Collector Designs

Collector sheets are specific to an individual artist. Meaning it would only be done by the artist putting out the designs. Unlike other flash sheets, these designs are artists specific style or designs to practice certain techniques. Consequently, the designs could be any subject matter.

Why get a Flash Tattoo?

Stipple Ghost Design by Devynne Dlubac

For many, coming up with custom designs for themselves can be daunting. Flash sheets allow for clients to walk right into a studio, flip through designs, and get a tattoo within minutes of walking in. They may also use these designs as a base for a custom piece. In addition, there are many advantages to getting these sheet designs. Typically, these tattoos are cheaper than a custom design. It allows you to skip the design process of tattooing – which can be time consuming as well as expensive. In addition, these tattoos are likely tattooed multiple times. That means your artist has had time to practice the design, and learn from previous tattoo sessions.

Every Day Floral Design by Devynne Dlubac

Why do Artists have interest in putting these designs out?

There are many reasons why your tattoo artist puts out sheets. For younger, less experienced tattoo artists, it allows them to practice specific techniques and learn quickly. Completing several similar designs in one day gives more education than a two day piece. Because flash designs are to be quick and easy, it allows apprentices to build portfolios quickly as well. In addition, artists can build sheets, sell their designs and the rights to use them to other artists. Comparatively, an experienced artists can use sheets to focus on a particular tattoo style. Artists can host “flash days” and draw in new clients as well as fill down time between scheduled appointments.

Flash designs are part of the tattoo industry, and will likely never go away. They are popular during the months of October, and whenever Friday falls on the 13th. But they can be present throughout the year – and sometimes only offered for a short amount of time. Check out past and present flash designs put out by our apprentice Devynne Dlubac below.