American traditional flash refers to pre-designed tattoo artwork—bold, iconic designs like snakes, panthers, daggers, and roses. These pieces are drawn ahead of time and ready to be tattooed, making the process quicker and often more affordable than custom work. Rooted in old-school tattoo culture, flash is all about strong black lines, solid colour (or black and grey), and imagery that holds up over time. Whether you’re picking a one-off piece or building a patchwork sleeve, flash is a classic for a reason and I love tattooing it!

Flash is a solid choice if you’re into bold, timeless designs and want something that’s already been thought through and looks great as-is. It’s perfect if you’re building a patchwork sleeve, collecting pieces over time, or just want a design that caught your eye. If you’re indecisive or overwhelmed by endless options, flash can take the pressure off—giving you a strong starting point for a sleeve or just getting tattooed!

Can’t decide between colour or black and grey? Both are solid options in traditional tattooing. Colour brings that bold, eye-catching punch—reds, greens, and yellows that make a design pop and age well. Black and grey, on the other hand, has a super clean, classic feel that works with almost anything. It really comes down to the vibe you’re after. If you already have a theme or palette going, I usually suggest staying consistent—but flash also gives you the freedom to switch it up and try something new.

American traditional flash has its roots in early 20th-century tattoo shops—where artists like Sailor Jerry, Bert Grimm, and others created bold, ready-to-go designs that lined the walls. These sheets made it easy for sailors, soldiers, and everyday folks to walk in, point to a piece, and walk out with a tattoo that meant something. The style was all about efficiency, strong lines, and imagery that could be read from across the room. Flash wasn’t just practical—it helped define the visual language of traditional tattooing as we know it.