Frequently Asked Questions

Answered by Caitlin

“What does your ‘flash’ mean exactly?”

Traditionally, flash tattooing was done as a streamlined process of pre-drawn ideas that customers could choose from in the shop. I draw up a variety of designs each week for people to choose from on the day in person. Unlike traditional flash, once a piece is chosen I will take it away and it is reserved only for that person. I will do similar variations as time goes on but they are never intended to be traced and re-used unless that is clearly stated. I include a minimum number of each ‘type’ of design eg: animals, plants, native plants, flowers, new ideas etc. (If an animal is chosen, I’ll replace it with another so that people towards the end of the month/s aren’t limited with their selections). All of the designs stay within the style I work in - fine line with no colour.

“Can I book in for custom ideas?”

No. The flash approach to appointments began as a one-off idea to showcase some new designs I had been working on, to my surprise these appointments were booked out quickly and as a result I’ve grown to eventually prioritising this process as my way of tattooing.

“When will your books open again for custom work?”

I do not currently have the intention to open my books for custom work. I do not have a waitlist for if this ever happens.

“Why are you not taking on custom tattoos?”

As a perfectionist and someone who truly understands the magnitude of trust involved in receiving a tattoo, the pressure of bringing customised ideas to life took its toll on me. Switching in and out of different people’s ideas multiple times on a daily basis proved to be something that would not morally align with who I want to be as an artist. I felt rushed and overwhelmed with the high expectations and pressure of knowing every drawing would be permanent. I like to work to my strengths and I draw my flash pieces when I am inspired and in the right creative mindset. Spiritually I do not feel right about putting stressed and rushed energy into a drawing that will follow you for life. This may only make sense to me personally as a tattooist but I believe I am creating stronger and more positive work through the flash process.

“Do you do vouchers?”

No.

“How can I book in for a flash appointment?”

The flash page on this site explains a lot of the information about the booking. I always advertise when I will be posting new appointments via my instagram - @lucidlines. I make 2-3 months available at a time, any further than that rescheduling gets much more difficult and I like to have availability for new clients during the year rather than booking out an entire year with no new options. These appointments have previously booked out quickly, within minutes each time so it pays to be quick with filling out your details and confirming the appointment before it is chosen by someone else.

“Do you have [insert specific idea] in your flash this month?”

Coming in on the day with a specific idea in mind defeats the purpose of flash. If I were to include that particular plant or animal for you, it has become a custom piece. There are some weeks when I was doing custom that I would be drawing the same type of design every day of the week due to current popularity. To avoid this happening I aim to include a variety of illustrations each time.

“What if I don’t see anything I like?”

You will have the choice to either rebook to a later date to choose from new flash or cancel entirely if the pressure to choose doesn’t work for you. Booking in for flash is not for everyone so I urge you to do your research, understand the process and trust the idea of spontaneity. The deposit is something we would discuss on the day depending on the circumstances.

“I want to book in but I can’t see any availability on your website?”

The appointments will be available once every few months, I will post the date/time on instagram. If you do not see any times then they have all been taken. I will be usually be repeating the process again in the next 2-3 months.

“I’ve tried to book in for flash and I keep missing out!"

Please try a different method of booking in (choose different days of the week or use a computer instead of a phone etc). The process of choosing a time and confirming the deposit straight away has been the most effective for booking in large quantities at the same time. Unfortunately this does not mean you are always guaranteed an appointment. Initially I would have people email me to book in (each time I advertised availability) but this booked out even quicker. It was also much harder to keep track of people and allow them to choose the time that suited them best. I’m working on ideas to help people out that have been waiting/keep missing out but any type of waitlist situation has become overloaded as well. Tattoos have become so popular in the last decade and even if I can tattoo up to a couple of people each day, I’m receiving more requests than I’m physically able to book in.

“What types of people are ok with seeing designs on the day?”

I am constantly in awe of the diverse community I’ve been lucky enough to have book in each time. I would have expected a more reckless and confident type of person to book in but I have met so many different personalities getting tattooed for different reasons. A common statement heard is ‘I have always wanted tattoos but never known what to get’. People know what style appeals to them and sometimes it is just a matter of having something that you like to look at and not overthinking it.

“I like my tattoos to mean something, does flash = no meaning?”

In my opinion having something you like is a meaning in itself. ‘I like it’ shows that it means something positive to you. Like choosing jewellery or clothing we gravitate towards what makes us happy, to me personally that is meaning enough. I also love that flash can represent self trust and a sense of diving in the deep end for some people that would normally never do something spontaneous like that.

“Can you send me the available flash?”

I add to the available flash almost daily, it is constantly changing. Sending images through opens the process up for people trying to reserve designs before their appointment. I noticed when I would do this that most people would actually change their mind on the day anyway and end up choosing something else that they hadn’t seen yet. It also makes me uncomfortable to send through my artwork to people personally when I know I want to add more before your appointment and refine some new ideas first. I’m still working through the confidence of promoting my designs at all so for now this isn’t an option. While seeing them on the day you can take as much time as you need, send pictures to loved ones for opinions and talk to me about any decisions you’re making and I’ll help you through it. I will never rush you!

“Can I choose the size and placement?”

100%. All of that is entirely your choice, I will work with you to ensure the design is not too small for the details to heal well or too big that it looks too simple. Please note that I do not draw up flash for finger placements or bottom of the feet as these are notoriously hard healing and the level of detail I use would not translate well.

“Do you provide touch ups?”

Yes. I do not charge for touch ups and would ask for a photo to be sent through to see if booking an appointment is necessary. If you are properly taking care of the tattoo and everything goes to plan a touch up should not be required (excluding some troublesome areas like the tops of hands or feet). I continue to post healed photos on my page when possible and believe that a tattoo is only completed when it is fully healed and the client is happy with how it has settled in.

*Please note that if you have emailed asking something similar to what I’ve answered above I may not have the time to respond to you. Do not take this personally, I am prioritising my creativity and focussing on the people booked in each day.