Originally, if you ended up going to a tattoo parlor not knowing what design you wanted to get, you’d end up getting a flash tattoo. Flash tattoos are tattoo designs drawn on a piece of paper or cardboard, and are usually hung on the walls of the store. These are ready-made tattoo designs that you can choose on the spot and the tattoo artist can easily copy and tattoo you. if you want to get a tattoo quickly, then flash tattoos would be the ideal option.
You can even get a customized flash tattoo upon request. These tattoos are quite unique and include some of the most exotic designs. There is a lot of history attached to flash tattoos and how they were a major thing back in the early days. This is what makes this tattoo even more special and interesting to get. If you want to get a flash tattoo, read further below. Mentioned below is everything you need to learn about flash tattoos, and you will also come across some amazing designs for your next tattoo.
the meaning behind the flash tattoo
lightning tattoos also consist of tattooing in one go and out in a jiffy. all you have to do is select a pre-drawn tattoo design known as a flash tattoo, and your tattoo artist does it then and there. The designs present in flash tattoos have a lot of western flair and focus as they are derived from western origin which makes this style very old and vintage.
A very interesting meaning behind flash tattoos is how they originated and were kept secret. Long before tattoos became popular and accepted by society, it was a huge risk to get tattoos done in America. this is why any tattoo artist would set up discreet tattoo shops in the back rooms of a pool hall, bar, or any discreet location. The tattoo artist would carry all the necessary tools in a bag and hang her own flash tattoo sheet on the walls, so that as soon as a client arrived, she could choose a design and finish it instantly.
One of the main purposes of a flash tattoo sheet was so that the tattoo artist could easily pack up their designs and be gone in an instant if the police decided to show up or crash, as tattooing was not entirely legal and open. at that time. that’s why; There is a lot of secrecy and mystery associated with flash tattoos, and these are the two main symbolisms that you can live by and apply to your daily life, especially if you are a closed book. Getting a lightning bolt tattoo could give people an idea of your reserved characteristics and nature.
Flash tattoo sheets are used to this day and hung in tattoo parlors as they add to the decor and aesthetics of a tattoo shop. A tattoo parlor without flash tattoo sheets really doesn’t look like the ideal tattoo shop; therefore, flash tattoo sheets are a great representation of a tattoo parlor and help a tattoo studio stand out from the rest.
There are numerous meanings behind flash tattoos and these differ depending on the designs you choose. you will come across many vintage designs, from birds and skulls to flowers, all with different meanings. Flowers are one of the most popular flash tattoo designs used mostly by women. These tattoos signify a sense of nature and also represent a beautiful transformation. If you want to show a specific transformation in your tattoo, a flower flash tattoo is the perfect way to do it. You can also go for prominent flash tattoos like animal tattoos that can come with other designs. if you want to keep it subtle, you can choose more delicate designs, like snowflakes or stars. these delicate flash tattoos add a sense of uniqueness and subtlety, and also come with a lot of individual meaning
The meanings behind flash tattoos are very diverse, especially since you have so many designs to choose from. this of course depends on the type of tattoo parlor you go to and the number of designs they display. But every flash tattoo design is always interesting and full of details. once you choose a design, you can incorporate any meaning you want. but, the true meaning that overshadows flash tattoos is secrecy and aesthetics.
ideal placement options for flash tattoos
flash tattoos are very diverse; therefore, when it comes to choosing a location, you are spoiled for choice. In order for your flash tattoo to look good once you’ve tattooed it, you need to make sure you pick the right location. When choosing where to place your tattoo you should consider the design and size of your tattoo. if you are looking for a small and delicate tattoo, such as a star, moon or any symbol, you can do it on the wrist, fingers, hands, behind the ear, neck or in the collarbone area.
If you are going to get a larger flash tattoo, you should choose a location that allows the tattoo artist to properly tattoo the design according to the size you want. For such tattoos, locations like the back, chest, stomach, thighs, legs, hands, and neck are perfect. it has so many placement options and you will also have many layouts to choose from.
This can be a bit overwhelming and confusing for you when choosing. but make sure the location you choose is in accordance with the design. once you have your tattoo design in front of you on the flash tattoo sheet, you can easily select the corresponding location.
sparkle tattoo designs
skeleton claws flash tattoo
You will come across many simple and subtle designs in flash tattoos, but one of the most interesting and meaningful is this skeleton claws flash tattoo. This tattoo includes the hand of a section outlined in black ink, with the rest of the design displayed with negative space. This tattoo is very symbolic as it represents that you are a fighter and will defend yourself against anything. it also symbolizes a protective side of you, and how you will guard and protect anything or anyone that means the most to you. the tattoo artist has carried out many interesting details inside the hand that make it very realistic and unique.
the silent snake flash tattoo
This next design consists of the silent snake flash tattoo, which is a good option if you want to be subtle. This tattoo is made up of an outlined snake with its tail spinning in a spiral design, and the artist has included some lines within the snake’s tail. there are also some black dots to show the snake’s mouth, as there are no tattooed eyes or tongue.
This tattoo symbolizes your knowledge and your strength, giving a message to people that you should not be taken lightly and that no one can play with you. the tattoo also represents determination and motherly strength when it comes to protecting those you love.
flower flash tattoo
Floral flash tattoos are very common as you will find them on very flash tattoo sheets in different parlors. this is a reference design that comes in many different designs and sizes. floral designs are very popular among women; however, they are now also very common among men. This tattoo includes a black outline of a spiraling flower design that incorporates a single flower with lines all over it.
These tattoos would look beautiful anywhere on the body, especially the torso. Floral flash tattoos are also very significant as they symbolize the strength and beauty that every woman has. You can also add color to this tattoo to make it stand out a bit more and add an extra touch.
hopeless romantic flash tattoo
If you want to go a bit dramatic and meaningful with your flash tattoo, then this hopeless romantic tattoo is another good option. this tattoo included a modernized monochrome tattoo of a skeleton holding a woman outlined in black, with much more detail in black ink. This tattoo includes a lot of line work and images that give it a realistic touch.
This tattoo has a very deep meaning as it shows how you can love the wrong people in your life and how you need to change the way you handle a relationship. It’s also a good way to show the loss of someone you loved deeply and had a romantic connection with.
butterfly flash tattoo
You can also incorporate insects into your tattoo, like this butterfly flash tattoo. This tattoo features a butterfly inked in black and gray with subtle details that add a unique touch. This tattoo is perfect to show grace and beauty. Getting this tattoo will help symbolize your adoration for nature and tranquility, and also represents your specific transformation in life.
if you were ever innocent, the transformation from an innocent person to a bold and self-assured one is beautifully displayed in this. If this is something you want to show off, but can’t with words or actions, then getting this butterfly tattoo is the right way to go.
feminist flash tattoo
feminism is something that is getting a lot of recognition in the next few years, and it is a movement that plays an important role in a woman’s life. This feminist flash tattoo includes the outline of a woman in sunglasses drinking a cup of coffee. the artist has used a unique tattoo technique by showing only half of the woman, while the other half is covered by hair.
This simple outlined design is what makes the tattoo so unique and meaningful at the same time. this tattoo symbolizes how much you value femininity and how willing you are to stand up for women’s rights. women’s rights is something you would look at every day, day by day, just like you keep drinking coffee or tea. This tattoo would look good on both men and women.
flower clock meat tattoo
Try something unique and subtle with your tattoo by choosing this floral clock flash tattoo. This tattoo comes with a black ink clock made of different flowers and leaves that spiral around appropriately placed Roman markings in a marking frame. this tattoo includes a subtle sketch technique which is what makes this tattoo look so unique.
When it comes to the meaning of this tattoo, it is quite simple but profound as it means that you are a time conscious person, and that time is something that you will use very effectively and achieve what you want with the time you have . left on this earth. This tattoo is a brilliant way to show how important you are to time, as this way people will learn to be aware of the time around you and won’t end up looking for you an hour late.
“diamonds on me” flash tattoo
If you can’t afford to get a real diamond then you can surely think of getting a tattooed version with the help of this diamond flash tattoo on me. this tattoo incorporates around four or five diamond tattoos in different sizes, and some even include subtle colors along with some star details in the background.
The meaning behind this tattoo is very subtle and cute as it represents you as a true jewel and shows the sparkle that comes within your personality. you can have a very laid back personality but at the same time you can be rough and tough and these diamond flash tattoos represent that. The best part is that you can display these tattoos wherever you want as the design is very flexible.
flash tattoo of feathers and birds
You must try this beautiful bird and feather tattoo and it comes with some beautiful imagery and meaning. This tattoo includes a black inked feather with black birds coming out of the tip of the feather. The entire tattoo includes black ink which makes it more prominent in appearance. The meaning behind this tattoo is beautiful as it symbolizes strength and spirituality through a flock of birds. it also represents your freedom and courage, and you don’t let your thoughts get in the way of these two important things in life.
triangular floral flash tattoo
You can also go for this beautiful triangle floral flash tattoo which includes different flowers inked in black within the shape of an inverted triangle. the way the flowers are laid out in a triangle brings out the uniqueness and makes this tattoo stand out from the rest. This tattoo also sends a beautiful message of beauty and love, while also showing you as a hopeful person. There are many other meanings associated with this tattoo, such as positivity, balance, and confidence. These are the few traits you should live by, and getting this tattoo can help you do just that.
fox flash tattoo
Another animal that you can incorporate into your tattoo is through this fox tattoo. This tattoo features a fox inked in black and gray standing up. with a colored apple tattooed on his head. The artist has done a lot of shading on this tattoo to give this flash tat a realistic touch. This tattoo represents the mastermind in you and shows how you can have a slightly cunning nature. fox tattoos also represent the wisdom that represents you as a good life consultant. animal flash tattoos are very common and you will come across many more types of these.
frequently asked questions
why are flash tattoos called flash?
Flash tattoos are called flash tattoos because in the early days, when tattoos weren’t acceptable at all, artists would carry out tattooing processes discreetly behind bars or pool halls. They made sheets of flash tattoos and hung them up so customers could pick a design and quickly get one tattooed. if a gang of cops shows up, the artists can quickly close shop without getting caught, and can grab the flash tattoo sheets in a flash.
what are the types of flash tattoos?
There are two types of flash tattoos; market and collector of flash tattoos. flash tattoos on the market include classic designs like hearts, flowers and many other pop culture designs. These tattoos are common flash tattoos found on the charts hanging in the salon and can be achieved in one sitting. These tattoos are a good option for when you want to keep it simple. collector flash tattoos are not generic like those on the market. These are custom made designs. you can discuss the design with your tattoo artist, or find it in your portfolio, making it a collectible flash tattoo.
final thoughts
Flash tattoos are one of the most interesting tattoos you will find. Although most of the designs are very simple in nature, the fact that you can choose a design from so many options hanging on the wall makes it very exciting to get these tattoos. you can go wherever you want and select an appropriate flash tattoo design. The designs mentioned above will give you an idea of what to expect and what you can achieve with the help of a flash tattoo. These tattoos also have a lot of meaning, so why not try them out and achieve some meaningful and unique body art?
