Flash or custom: which tattoo should you get?

What flash is

Flash is a design the artist has already drawn, usually shown on a sheet or in a gallery with a set price. Shops have long pinned these sheets on the wall so walk-ins could point at one.

Some designs can be tattooed over and over, while one-offs get crossed off once someone claims them.

Why people go for it

It's often the fastest way to get booked with someone popular.

• You see exactly what you're getting before you book
• The price is set, so there's no quote back and forth
• Appointments for flash often open up sooner
• It's drawn the way the artist most likes to draw

When custom makes more sense

If the tattoo is about something specific to you, like a pet, a place or someone's handwriting, go custom. Same if it has to fit around work you already have.

Custom usually means a consult and a deposit, then a wait while they draw it. Many artists only show you the drawing on the day, which surprises people the first time.

Can you change a flash design?

Size and placement, usually. Sometimes color. Asking to change the design itself is a bigger request, and with one-of-a-kind flash a lot of artists will say no.

Where to find it

Artists post flash on Instagram and on their booking pages. Many Studio Haven artists list their available flash with prices, so you can pick a design and book it in one go.

Read: what is a flash day?