Often an artist will work off of a predesigned flash tattoo and add his or her own bit of creativity into it for a unique look. They will also create them from scratch using a clients idea of what they would like. A custom flash tattoo will often cost more, as the creative process does require more time.
Classic Styles
Jumping back to the early nineteenth and twentieth century in the United States, tattoos were predominately seen on sailors and carnival folk. The famous heart design with mom written underneath it is still a classic today. Other popular flash tattoos included pinups and skulls.
In looking at these designs today, it is the style in which they were created that is appealing, comparative to watching an old cartoon and how they were drawn. Color was limited, and the designs often seemed rough or had an unfinished look to some.
This is what makes them classics. The characters are still widely used today, but the old world style has been left behind to a great extent.(unless it is requested by the client)
You can have any style of tattoo you wish. If the look of yesteryear is desired it can be yours.
Today
With the advances in color and equipment, flash tattoos and their applications have greatly expanded. Pigments are brighter and designs have become very intricate. Just about any design can be replicated in the hands of a talented artist. We have entered the fantasy world in body art where faeries, pixies and unicorns dwell. Men often choose dragons, daggers and wizards.
While tribal art has been in circulation for hundreds and even thousands of years, it is being revisited as more people are drawn to its mysticism and are applying it to personal origins from their ancestry.
Religious art is another developing style and is highly personal in terms of displaying ones beliefs and customs. The image of Jesus has been growing in popularity, and ornate crosses adorned with flowers are also appealing and aesthetic.
Symbolism is growing among flash tattoos. One must be careful when applying a symbol. Do your research on a selected symbol and its accurate meaning. A simple example would be the pentagram. This symbol has more than one meaning. For those who practice Wicca it is the symbol which represents the five elements of Earth, Air, Fire, Water and the Great Spirit