If you missed the Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Festival in January, you have more opportunities this month to get tatted by artists in the city. There’s plenty of places to get inked up – the city has more than 400 people with body artist licenses, according to one tally from 2020. Given our vibrant arts and culture scene, it’s no surprise that the local tattoo community fits right in with shops across neighborhoods.
But sometimes picking a design is hard. We might want to decorate our skin with an image that reminds us of a special memory, gives us a laugh, or just looks incredibly cool. But if you’re not exactly sure what you want, consider a flash tattoo.
What is a flash tattoo?
Usually flash designs are available at a slightly lower price due to the fact that they’re not custom drawn and are sold to multiple people. The price itself is ultimately determined by size and placement.
On holidays or special occasions, some tattoo artists and studios host flash events where special themed designs are up for grabs. With Valentine’s Day this week, there are plenty of V-Day themed flash events around the city. If you’ve been itching to get inked, here’s what’s happening in Philly.
Feb. 12
Artist Jen Rahman is honoring the gals and pals on Wednesday with a tattoo flash at Hunter Gatherer Tattoo & Piercing in West Philly beginning at 1 p.m. Rahman’s style typically consists of black-and-white botanical illustrations, but available designs on her flash sheet also include cherubs, hearts, and love-themed dice.
Feb. 14
A classic gift on Valentine’s Day is a bouquet of roses – and you can get tattooed with one just for the occasion. Kadillac Tattoo in Mt. Airy will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with some flash designs available, including artist Eric Perfect’s rose tattoos.
Northern Liberty Tattoo, in the neighborhood since 2009, will have two artists doing flash on Valentine’s Day. Folks can walk in any time from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Outside of the city, DeKaying Tattoos in Morton, Delaware County, will have a few artists participating in a Valentine’s Flash Day by appointment only. Prices range from $50-$100.
Feb. 15
Forever Valentine Tattoo is already embodying the season with its name alone, but the artists at this studio are leaning into it further with a special flash event on Feb. 15, beginning at noon. They’re accepting walk-ins on a first come, first served basis. The love-themed flash designs are available in black-and-white or color, but designs will go on arms or legs only. They go for $200. Expect giveaways and merch for sale. Forever Valentine is inside the BOK Building, so to avoid dealing with parking, take the Route 47 bus.
All Month Long
Eastern Pass Tattoo fits right into East Passyunk’s vibrant artistic scene. The studio’s having a month-long flash event with nearly 30 designs to pick from. You can celebrate our Super Bowl win by stamping your love for Saquon Barkley, or just get the cutest Snoopy design to show off. Prices range from $100 to $300, depending on the size and location you pick.
Chinatown Philadelphia Eddie’s will have artists taking appointments for love-themed designs like these. Whether you’re keeping your heart under lock and key, or if your love life is being pulled by the red string of fate, there’s a few different flash designs to pick from.
Terra Vasa Tattoo in Brewerytown will have discounted tattoos throughout the month of February. If you’re looking for a design that has a cute or sexy vibe, now’s the time.
