A Flash of Genius! Selling Tattoo Art — JD Crowe Fireside Tattoo Network

A Flash of Genius! Selling Tattoo Art

[36:13] “Say you bought 50 sheets, it would take you 2 months just to get them up on the wall cause you had to paint them all up. When [clients] walked in looking for a tattoo it was on the walls. There were guys that would boast that ‘this shop has 25,000 sheets of designs up on the walls’.”

— JD Crowe

Tattoo artists sometimes find themselves venturing into other industries, and there are ample opportunities for them to contribute back to the tattooing community. Crowe, for instance, stumbled upon a specific need closely related to tattooing: the demand for high-quality flash. While many individuals were selling flash designs, they required considerable back-end work to be done by the tattoo artist. Coloring and painting these designs consumed valuable time that could have been spent tattooing or managing their business. With the introduction of full-color flash, artists could simply frame or display them on the wall, ready for clients to choose from. If clients desired different colors, adjustments could be easily made.

Flash designs represent just one aspect of the industry that tattooers have revolutionized over the years. They have made significant contributions to machines, needles, ointments, glides, inks, and stencil application, constantly striving to create better, safer, and faster products. The ongoing potential for innovation in tattooing is vast, offering numerous opportunities for artists to be part of the next revolution in the field.

Tattoo artists possess a unique perspective and expertise that enables them to identify areas for improvement and develop innovative solutions. By leveraging their skills and creativity, they continue to push boundaries, advancing the art of tattooing and enhancing the overall experience for both artists and clients.

Watch the full episode:

Tattooing Through The Decades | JD Crowe | EP 269