ELECTRUM'S TATTOO CULTURE BLOG
How to Build a Tattoo Flash Book (That Doesn’t Suck)
So you’ve got a few designs, a sketchbook full of half-finished ideas, and a burning desire to be taken seriously.Time to build a flash book, right? Yes—but let’s make it one that doesn’t suck. Whether you’re an apprentice or a new artist, your flash book is more than just “cool art”—it’s your handshake, your pitch, your silent sales rep sitting on the counter waiting to get picked. Here’s how to make one that clients actually want to pick from. 1. Know the Purpose of Your Flash Book Your flash isn’t just for show.It should: Help clients choose something from your style Show off your linework and saturation skills Give you consistent practice with designs you love Make it easy to say “No customs, flash only this month” A good flash book = fewer chaotic last-minute redesigns + more tattoos you actually want to do. 2. Pick a Style and Stick to It Flash isn’t where you show off your range.It’s where you define your voice. If your flash book has: A cute kawaii frog A biomech skull A photorealistic lion A fine line flowerYou don’t look versatile—you look like you’re still figuring out who you are. Pick a vibe. Commit. Build around that. 3. Design for Skin, Not Just Aesthetics Tattoo flash has to be tattooable. Not just pretty. When designing: Use bold, clean linework Avoid excessive tiny detail that won’t heal well Think about placement—arm, thigh, ankle—does it fit? Use black to create depth and contrast, even in color pieces If it wouldn’t hold up in five years, it doesn’t belong in your book. 4. Organize It Logically Nobody wants to flip through chaos. Try organizing your book by: Theme (flowers, critters, daggers, spooky babes) Size or pricing tiers Color vs. black and grey Label clearly. Include dimensions, prices (if applicable), and whether designs are repeatable or one-and-done. 5. Print It Professionally (or Neatly AF) Yes, you can use an iPad or a nice binder, but don’t make it look like a high school art project. Options: Laminated printouts in a sleek portfolio binder A branded iPad flash book for easy browsing Printed zines you hand out or sell at events Use consistent formatting. Add your name/handle on each page. Sign your flash. 6. Update It Regularly Your style evolves. Your skill improves.That flash sheet you loved 6 months ago? Might not hit the same now. Schedule time every month or so to: Retire old pieces Redraw or tweak old designs Add new ones you’re excited about Make seasonal or themed sheets (Halloween flash, Pride flash, etc.) 7. Make It Easy to Choose from The best flash books don’t intimidate people.They spark joy and say: “Pick me. I’m gonna look hot on your leg.” Don’t overload your pages. Keep the layout clean.Highlight your favorite pieces.And make sure someone who knows nothing about tattoos could flip through and fall in love. Bonus: What to Avoid Sloppy linework (clients notice) Unclear pricing or sizing Ripping other artists’ flash (you will get called out) Adding customs into the flash book (keep them separate) TL;DR: Flash That Sells = Art You’d Want Tattooed on Your Best Friend Because if you’re going to spend hours drawing it, printing it, and showing it off—you deserve to actually tattoo it. Start small. Stay consistent. Keep refining.
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The Business of Tattooing - How to Attract Your Dream Tattoo Clients: A Step-by-Step Guide
Every tattoo artist dreams of a steady stream of clients who love their work, respect their time, and align perfectly with their artistic style. But attracting your dream clients doesn’t happen by chance - it’s all about intentional branding, marketing, and building relationships. Here’s how to make it happen:
The Business Of Tattooing: The Client Experience Funnel
Every tattooer knows: it’s not just the art that keeps clients coming back—it’s the experience. From the moment someone hits “Send” on that first DM to the day their tattoo heals, you’re building trust (or losing it).
The Business of Tattooing - The Ultimate Guide for Tattoo Artists: Creating Viral Content for Instagram Reels & TikTok
Creating engaging, professional-grade content is essential for tattoo artists looking to boost their visibility and attract more clients. Here’s your ultimate guide, complete with gear recommendations and specific filming techniques.
The Business of Tattooing - How branding can set you apart as a tattoo artist
As a tattoo artist, creating a cohesive brand goes far beyond simply showcasing your tattoo style. Your brand is the unique, memorable experience clients associate with you, from the way you interact to your studio's atmosphere and even the aftercare you provide. In 2025, clients are seeking artists who not only create great tattoos but also deliver an experience that reflects their own personalities, values, and aesthetics. Here’s how to build a cohesive brand that makes your work unforgettable and helps you attract more clients.
The Business of Tattooing - The Psychology of Repeat Clients: Why They Come Back (or Don’t)
Every tattooer knows the thrill of a getting a new client - but repeat clients?! They’re the backbone of a sustainable career, returning clients not only bring steady income, they also become your biggest advocates, sending you referrals and posting your work on social media. So why do some clients stay in a long term relationship with one artist for years while others bounce? The answer is partially customer service and the other part: psychology.
The Business of Tattooing - Stop Letting Instagram Control Your Income
Instagram is a great tool—but it should never be your only one. If every time the algorithm shifts your bookings slow down, your business is too dependent on a platform that you don’t own.
The Business of Tattooing - The Client Education Shift: Why 2025 Clients Aren’t the Same as 2015 Clients
If you’ve been tattooing long enough, you’ve seen it.Ten years ago, a client might walk in and say: “I want a tattoo. What do you think would look cool?” Now?They walk in with a Pinterest board, three TikToks, an AI mockup, and a 20-minute lecture on ink migration they got from a YouTube comment section. This isn’t a bad thing—it’s just different. And the way we educate and work with clients has to evolve to match it. 1. Informed… But Not Always Accurate Social media has made tattoo knowledge accessible to anyone with a phone.Some of it’s solid.Some of it… could make a dermal anchor reject from sheer bad vibes alone. Your job now isn’t just to teach—it’s to un-teach before you teach. Correct myths about healing, color longevity, and style limitations Show actual healed work in your portfolio to set realistic expectations Share why you do things a certain way so clients understand it’s not arbitrary 2. Passive Education Saves You Time If you’re answering the same questions over and over, you’re bleeding time you could be tattooing.Instead: Turn FAQs into Instagram carousel posts Make short “myth-busting” videos for TikTok Create a shop “Start Here” page with prep guides, aftercare, and policy explanations Educate once. Repurpose forever. 3. Education Is Marketing Every time you share knowledge, you’re marketing your expertise. Healed tattoo reels show your long-term quality Aftercare guides build trust Explainers about trends (like fine-line or color realism) position you as the authority Informed clients are more confident, less micromanaging, and more likely to rebook. 4. Re-Educate Without the “Actually…” Tone matters. No one likes being corrected like they’re in trouble. Instead of: “Actually, that’s wrong.” Try: “That’s a common belief, but here’s how it works in practice.” Validate → Redirect → Educate.They leave feeling informed, not embarrassed. 5. Streamline Your Process Use the Client Education Shift to make your workflow smoother: Pre-send prep instructions and aftercare guides Build a highlight reel on Instagram for common questions Keep a library of healed photos for different skin tones and tattoo styles The more educated your clients are (with your info), the smoother your day will run. The Client Education Shift isn’t a problem—it’s an opportunity.Your knowledge is a value-add that keeps clients coming back, sends referrals your way, and protects the integrity of your work. Teach often. Teach well. And teach everywhere your clients hang out online.
10 ways to take care of your artist self (especially now)
Take Care of the Artist Behind the Art You can’t grind forever. Not without paying for it.And if you’re a tattooer, piercer, or creative who feels like you're constantly chasing the next booking, the next project, the next trend—it’s easy to forget that you are the asset. Here’s your permission slip to treat yourself like someone worth protecting.Because you are.
The Business of Tattooing - AI Tools for Tattoo Artists That Are Not Creating Art
As a tattoo artist, you already juggle many tasks—from managing appointments to creating content and engaging with clients. While you’re deeply rooted in the creative process, some operational aspects can be time-consuming. Enter AI! Leveraging AI tools for business management, social media, scheduling, and more can free up time to focus on your art and your clients. Here’s a rundown of how to make AI work for you without it touching your creative process.
The Business of Tattooing - Affiliate Marketing Isn’t Selling Out — It’s Buying In (to Your Worth)
If you flinched a little when you heard “affiliate marketing,” you’re not alone. Tattoo artists have been taught that making money outside of sessions is "cringe" or "selling out." Like if you’re not dying behind the chair 60 hours a week, you’re not legit. Babe, that’s a lie. Affiliate marketing done right isn’t about being fake, pushing junk, or selling your soul. It’s about getting paid for the influence, trust, and expertise you already share, every single day.
The Business of Tattooing - How to Protect Your Clients From Scams
Keep it simple! Don't overcomplicate it by having a million different ways to book. We recommend not booking through social media, but encouraging clients to email or complete an official form. The more options you give, the more opportunity there is for scammers to take advantage of.
The Business of Tattooing - How To Set Up An Engaged Instagram Account For Your Tattooing
YOUR ACCOUNT USERNAME, NAME AND BIO Your username should be your name or business name, as short as possible and if your name alone is not available; try adding a word for context "tattoo, tattoos, ink" for example if your name is Joey Smith, @joeysmith, @joeysmithtattoos, @inkbyjoey @joeytattoos etc. in your bio, your name should be your name or business name and then the city you work in and your profession. for example, Joey Smith | Tattoo Artist in Elkhart IN or Joey Smith Tattoos | Elkhart IN
