You’ve seen the word “flash” on tattoo studio Instagrams, maybe heard an artist mention it, or spotted a sheet of designs pinned to a studio wall. But if you’re not sure what a flash tattoo actually is or why people love them — this guide is for you.
Flash tattoos are one of the most exciting parts of tattoo culture, and at XOXO Tattoo Studio on Capel Street, they’re a core part of what we do. They’re accessible, affordable, and often some of the most creative work our artists produce.
What Is a Flash Tattoo?
A flash tattoo is a pre-drawn design created by the artist, ready to be tattooed without a custom design process. Unlike custom tattoos — where the artist designs a piece from scratch based on your ideas — flash designs already exist. You see it, you love it, you get it.
Flash has deep roots in tattoo history. Before custom tattooing became the norm, almost all tattoos were flash. Sailors would walk into a shop, pick a design off the wall, and sit down. That tradition lives on today, but modern flash is far more diverse and artistic than the old-school anchor-and-skull sheets.
At XOXO, our artists regularly draw new flash sheets featuring their latest ideas — from delicate florals and tiny animals to bold script and geometric designs. Each piece is unique to the artist who drew it, and once it’s tattooed, it’s often retired so no two people have the same piece.
Why Choose a Flash Tattoo?
They’re More Affordable
Because the design work is already done, flash tattoos skip the custom design fee. The artist doesn’t need to spend hours sketching and refining — the piece is ready to go. Flash starts from our minimum charge of €80, with most pieces falling in the €100–€250 range depending on size and detail.
They’re Quick
No back-and-forth design process, no waiting weeks for a sketch. Flash is designed, stencilled, and tattooed — often within a single visit. Most flash pieces take 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on size and detail. Perfect if you want a tattoo today rather than next month.
They’re the Artist’s Best Work
Here’s something people don’t always realise: flash designs are often an artist’s most creative and passionate work. When an artist draws flash, they’re not working to someone else’s brief — they’re drawing exactly what excites them. The result is often bolder, more confident, and more distinctive than custom work.
They’re Perfect for Walk-Ins
Spontaneous tattoo? Flash is your best friend. Walk into XOXO, browse the flash sheets, find something you love, and get it done on the spot. No appointment needed — just check our availability by walking in, calling, or DMing us.
— XOXO Tattoo Studio Dublin
Flash vs Custom: What’s the Difference?
Flash Tattoos
✦ Pre-drawn by the artist
✦ Ready to tattoo immediately
✦ Lower price point (no design time)
✦ Quick sessions — perfect for walk-ins
✦ The artist’s personal creative expression
✦ Often one-of-a-kind — once tattooed, it’s retired
Custom Tattoos
✦ Designed from scratch based on your ideas
✦ Requires consultation and design preparation
✦ Higher price point (includes design time)
✦ Needs to be booked in advance
✦ Fully personalised to your vision
✦ One-of-a-kind by definition
Neither is better — they serve different purposes. Many of our clients get both. They book custom work for meaningful personal pieces and grab flash designs when something catches their eye. For a detailed pricing breakdown of both, read our Dublin tattoo pricing guide.
Both custom and flash work from our artists at XOXO — different approaches, same quality
How to See Our Latest Flash
Our artists post new flash designs regularly on their own Instagram profiles and through our broadcast group. When a new flash sheet drops, it goes to our broadcast subscribers first — so they get first pick before designs are claimed.
Follow our artists on Instagram to see their latest flash as soon as it’s posted. Designs go fast — the best ones get claimed within hours.
📱 Don’t Miss New Flash
Follow us on @xoxo.dublin and join our broadcast group to get first access to new flash designs. You can also follow each artist’s personal profile to see their latest work the moment it drops.
How to Get a Flash Tattoo at XOXO
Option 1: Walk in. Stop by our studio at 112 Capel Street, Dublin 1, during opening hours (Mon–Sun, 12pm–8pm). Browse the flash sheets on display and chat with whoever’s available.
Option 2: DM us. See a flash design on our Instagram that you love? DM us to claim it. We’ll book you in or let you know when to walk in.
Option 3: Call us. Ring +353 83 812 6727 to check what flash is currently available and whether an artist has a slot today.
Flash tattoos don’t require a deposit when done as a walk-in. You pay the full amount when the tattoo is complete — cash or payment apps (subject to artist approval).
What Makes Great Flash?
Not all flash is created equal. The best flash tattoos share a few qualities:
✦ Bold, confident design — clean lines and clear composition that reads well on skin
✦ Designed for tattooing — not just a drawing adapted for skin, but a design created specifically with tattooing in mind
✦ Appropriate sizing — the artist has considered how the design will age and look long-term at the intended size
✦ Artist personality — the best flash feels like the artist, not like a generic template
At XOXO, every flash design is drawn by our resident artists. They’re not downloaded from the internet or copied from someone else’s work. When you get flash at XOXO, you’re getting a piece of original art.
Flash Tattoo FAQs
Are flash tattoos cheaper than custom?
Generally yes. Flash skips the custom design process, so you’re only paying for the tattooing time. Flash at XOXO starts from our minimum of €80, with most pieces in the €100–€250 range. Custom work starts from €150-€200 for small pieces.
Can I modify a flash design?
Minor adjustments are usually fine — sizing, placement, small tweaks. But if you want significant changes, it becomes custom work and may be priced accordingly. Chat with the artist about what’s possible.
Will someone else have the same tattoo as me?
Many of our artists retire flash designs after they’ve been tattooed once, making your piece one-of-a-kind. Ask your artist about their policy when you choose a design.
Do I need to book for flash?
No — flash is perfect for walk-ins. Just stop by, call +353 83 812 6727, or DM us on Instagram to check availability. If an artist has a slot, you can get tattooed the same day.
How do I know when new flash is available?
Follow us on Instagram @xoxo.dublin and join our broadcast group for first access. Our artists also post new flash on their personal profiles regularly.
What styles of flash do you offer?
Our artists draw flash across a wide range of styles — fine line florals, botanical illustrations, animals, bold blackwork, script, geometric designs, and more. There’s something for everyone.
Want a Flash Tattoo?
Walk in, call, or DM us. 112 Capel Street, Dublin 1. Open 7 days, 12pm–8pm.
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