Tattoo Flash

From LoveToKnow Tattoos

Every great tattoo begins with a drawing, so let tattoo flash inspire your next body art design.

About Tattoo Flash

Tattoo flash is an illustration of a design created by a tattoo artist, used to show off the caliber of his/her talents and creativity. Many people turn to flash art to help them choose what kind of tattoo they would like to have. The designs come in every style imaginable, and the only limits are an artist's own creativity.

If you purchase flash to take to your local shop, be aware that the most useful tattoo flash art comes in two parts.

[edit]

The Stencil

This is the initial line drawing of the design, the basic outline of the tattoo. It is what an artist needs to make an accurate recreation of the original design. Think of it as the frame work for your eventual masterpiece.

Your tattoo professional will use the stencil to make a temporary tattoo on your skin, which serves as a template to be filled in with permanent ink. Without a stencil to follow, your artist will have to rely on his/her own talents to copy the outline onto your body, and the results may vary slightly from the original design. Unless you don't mind a little artist's licence, make sure you have a stencil. It makes the job easier for your professional, and should help you wind up with the results you want.

[edit]

Full Flash Design

This is the full-blown design, complete with color. While the stencil is essential, few people pick their tattoos from the line drawing. It's the full design that shows them what the tat will truly look like when finished.

[edit]

Where to Find/Purchase Flash

There are several sources for obtaining tattoo flash art.

Tattoo Shops: Tattoo flash is likely covering the walls of any tattoo shop you walk into. Artists in the shop like to display their work. It helps them sell a tat job, and it helps the customers to decide what they want when they see something cool, so it's good for everyone. The artists may also have extra flash sets for sale or trade with other artists whose designs they admire.

Online Tattoo Suppliers: Online stores feature thousands of tattoo flash sets and tattoo kits for sale, much of it in downloadable form. Be sure that any flash you buy from them also includes the stencil as well as the full design, or you might be disappointed with the final outcome.

Trade Shows: Trade shows are terrific places to meet people in the industry, and feature all kinds of tattoo supplies, including lots of flash art. You can even get tips on who are the up and coming tattoo stars.

[edit]

Keep in Mind

Tattoo flash can help you achieve a great piece of body art, but you could also wind up with the same tattoos that everybody else has. You don't have to stick with the complete original design. If you trust in your tattoo professional's talents, the two of you can enhance or alter the flash into a custom design that may just make you the envy of all your friends.

[edit]