Halloween Tattoo Ideas: Traditional Halloween Flash
Halloween tattoo ideas from a traditional shop: skulls, black cats, ghosts, horror icons and fun spooky flash, plus where Halloween comes from.
Halloween tattoo flash, every October
Just in time for the spookiest of holidays we have new Halloween tattoo designs ready to go!
Halloween flash and special holiday deals come back every October. Pricing is in person only, so walk in or call (954) 666-1138.
We tattoo this kind of flash all year, not just in October. Walk in daily from 1pm, first come, first served, or request a tattoo.
Since childhood, we have celebrated this holiday with spooky and elaborate costumes and into adulthood with creepy and often macabre Halloween-themed tattoos too!
Halloween flash drawn here by Zach and Nick Lazcano
Where Halloween comes from
In Christian tradition, November 1st was known as All Saints day and the evening prior was known as All Hallows Eve, based on the Celtic festival of Samhain, later Halloween. As time has passed it has evolved into the Autumn tradition we have today that includes trick or treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, costume parties, and the like.
Classic Halloween tattoo ideas
Many Halloween tattoos fall into a few themes:
-Death and mortality
-Misfortune and evil
Needless to say, there is no shortage of skeleton and ghost tattoos.
Black cat tattoos, spooky clowns, and graveyards.
Hand-painted Halloween flash, painted here by Frankie
Horror movie tattoos
Horror movie tattoos are also very popular.
You’ll notice Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, and Jason Voorhees's hockey mask tattoos making the rounds this time of year amongst others.
Fun beats gory
Blood and gore have their place, but the Halloween tattoos people love most years later are the fun ones: a pinup in a costume, a jack-o-lantern with attitude, a slasher villain drawn cute. Pick something that makes you smile every October, not just something that shocks.
Get a Halloween tattoo
As tattoo artists, we absolutely LOVE this time of year cause we get to do lots of fun Halloween tattoos, and that is really what the holidays are all about folks
Whether out trick or treating with your kids or hanging out at the local tattoo shop with friends let’s have an amazing time this year!
Electric Street Tattoo is an artist-owned American Traditional shop at 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, serving Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Broward County since 2015. Walk-ins welcome, or request a tattoo. (954) 666-1138.
More spooky reading: Friday the 13th tattoos and our All Hallows’ Eve flash event. New here? Walk in daily from 1pm, first come, first served, and we do American Traditional flash all year.
Skulls, black cats, and classic spooky flash are on the wall year-round, and the Halloween sheets come back every October. Walk in daily from 1pm, first come, first served, or request a tattoo. A gift card is an easy way to give one.
Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park. Serving Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. 1,100+ Google reviews. (954) 666-1138.
Stoney St. Clair: Sword Swallower, Sideshow Tattooer, Teacher of the Art
Stoney St. Clair swallowed swords in a circus sideshow, then tattooed old school from 1928 to 1980. His life, his flash, and his tattoo on Ed Hardy.
Our Stoney wall at Electric Street Tattoo: a Stoney St. Clair tribute sheet from Tattoo Flash Collective, next to a framed photo of Stoney in his shop.
Leonard "Stoney" St. Clair (1912–1980) was a circus sword swallower who became one of the great characters of American tattooing. He tattooed from a wheelchair, on the road with circuses and carnivals and later in his own shops, for more than 50 years. His Columbus, Ohio, shop called him "the Teacher of the Art."
He isn't as famous as Sailor Jerry. But if you love traditional tattooing, Stoney is worth knowing. His life is the old carnival road that our style came from.
Who was Stoney St. Clair?
Stoney was born Leonard L. St. Clair in West Virginia in 1912, in coal country. His grandfather and father worked in the mines.
At four he was struck by rheumatoid arthritis. He never walked again, and his growth was stunted. His father, who earned $2.50 a day, paid to send him to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, where he stayed 24 months. That's where he learned to draw. He used up his stationery drawing circus wagons, one per sheet, and pasted them into a long parade.
Folklorist Alan Govenar, who knew him well, says Stoney could barely open his hands flat. He could still draw and paint, and later tattoo.
From sword swallower to tattooer
The circus was in the family. Stoney had an uncle in the business, and he wanted in.
His break came from a German sword swallower named Gretchen. She was fired from a show in Bluefield, West Virginia, about 30 miles from his home, heard his story and took him under her wing. In his telling, within three days she had a stove poker down his throat. He joined the show as a teenager, making $75 a week with three meals a day and a berth on the circus train.
Then the circus played Norfolk, Virginia. Stoney went into the shop of August "Cap" Coleman, one of the best-known tattooers of the day, and watched a man put an eagle on a sailor's back.
"I knew I could draw a better eagle than that," he said.
He borrowed a sheet of paper and drew one. Coleman asked how he'd learned. Stoney said he just picked it up. He came back every day the show was in town. On the last day, Coleman gave him two old machines and a few sheets of designs. Professor E.J. Miller, across the street, showed him how to cut a stencil with a phonograph needle and gave him black and red.
Vintage American tattoo flash from the same era, artist unknown. Not Stoney’s work. Smithsonian American Art Museum, public domain (CC0). Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum
Stoney practiced on grapefruits. Then he tattooed showmen behind the elephant barn. When the show's tattooer got into a fight with the sideshow boss and was run off, the boss put the kid on the platform: names and hearts, nothing complicated. He said he'd advertise for a new tattooer. He never did.
That was 1928. For the rest of his life, Stoney signed himself "Tattooist of the Old School since 1928."
Life on the road
For about 50 years Stoney tattooed with circuses and carnivals across the country. Between tattoos he ran snake shows. He worked them as an educational exhibit, he said: "no damn geek or wild man crap."
He crossed paths with the big names of the era. He spent two months working in Charlie Wagner's shop on the Bowery in New York to raise money to get to Florida. He carried daggers on his flash that he got from a tattooer called Sailor Catsy, who was killed by his own python at a small zoo below Tampa.
Vintage American tattoo flash from the same era, artist unknown. Not Stoney’s work. Smithsonian American Art Museum, public domain (CC0). Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum
He settled into shops too. He had a shop in Tampa, Florida. He tattooed in New Orleans, where he said a lot of his old material disappeared. His last shop was on High Street in Columbus, Ohio, under a sign reading "Stoney Knows How." He tattooed there until he died in Columbus in 1980.
Stoney's style and flash
Stoney was proud to be old school, and he could tell you what that meant.
"It's the shading, it's not the color," he said. You can use a minimum of color, but with real good shading it stands out. The old tattoos done with heavy shading, he said, still looked better on people 50 years later.
His walls were a record of American flash:
- Classic street designs: eagles, hearts, roses, daggers, bears, and names. Cover-ups of old girlfriends' names were steady work. "The only safe name to put on you is 'mom'," he said.
- Old designs passed down: some sheets, he said, came from an older tattooer named Grimshaw, and some, like the World War I Red Cross nurse called the "Rose of No Man's Land," went back generations.
- Cartoon characters: Barney Google, Happy Hooligan, the Katzenjammer Kids, and his own cartoon rats.
- Skulls: his skull sheets were shown alongside Bert Grimm's in a New York exhibition drawn from Lyle Tuttle's collection.
Vintage American tattoo flash from the same era, artist unknown. Not Stoney’s work. Smithsonian American Art Museum, public domain (CC0). Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum
One of his best-known sheets is a little devil with the line "This Little Devil Should Be Transfered to Heaven, He Has Served His Time in Hell."
Stoney's "This Little Devil" sheet, one of his best-known designs. Via Instagram, @stoneystclair_tribute (Stoney St. Clair tribute account).
Stoney's work was folk art in the truest sense. Rich Thomas, curator of the Ohio Tattoo Museum, has worked for years to keep Stoney's memory alive. He puts it this way: the same designs were done over and over in shop after shop, and each tattooer's own take is what made it folk art.
Vintage American tattoo flash from the same era, artist unknown. Not Stoney’s work. Smithsonian American Art Museum, public domain (CC0). Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum
Vintage American tattoo flash from the same era, artist unknown. Not Stoney’s work. Smithsonian American Art Museum, public domain (CC0). Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum
The museum holds real Stoney sheets, too. Tattooer Durb Morrison donated his 12 sheets of original Stoney flash for its grand opening.
Durb Morrison with the 12 framed sheets of original Stoney St. Clair flash he donated to the Ohio Tattoo Museum. Via Instagram, @durbmorrison.
He worked the old way. He showed the film crew how he dusted powdered charcoal into a scratched stencil, greased the skin and pressed the stencil down to leave a guide line. He also had a code. The sign in his shop said he worked "with intelligence and skill, wishing not to offend anyone, but instead with my love of mankind to do what good I can before I die."
When Stoney tattooed Ed Hardy
The best footage of Stoney is the scene where he tattoos Ed Hardy.
By then Hardy was already a big name. He had trained with Phil Sparrow, studied in Japan through Sailor Jerry's connections and was bringing Japanese style into American tattooing. He came to Columbus while Govenar was filming Stoney Knows How, and he asked Stoney for a souvenir tattoo.
He picked a cartoon rat off Stoney's wall, a "Columbus rat." Hardy said he'd always liked cartoon rats, and that "rat" had been his nickname as a kid at the beach. He wanted something with "a happy feeling to it."
Stoney grumbled that he didn't have a machine working right. Hardy disagreed: "You got a light touch, Stoney." He praised how Stoney blended color in the old-school way and said he'd hardly seen anyone else still doing it. Stoney called it "a souvenir of Stoney's."
The same designs traveled from shop to shop. Earlier in the film, Hardy and Stoney look over his old mermaid flash, and Hardy recognizes it: he'd seen Sailor Jerry's painted version from the early 1940s. Two tattooers from opposite sides of the trade, the carnival road and the art school, talking about the same flash. That's traditional tattooing.
Stoney St. Clair tattoos Ed Hardy, from the documentary Stoney Knows How (Alan Govenar and Bruce "Pacho" Lane, filmed by Les Blank). Via YouTube, docfilm (@ethnoscope).
Stoney Knows How: the book and the film
Stoney's story survives because a college student wandered past his shop one night. Alan Govenar, then studying folklore at Ohio State, saw the signs: "As Ancient as Time, as Modern as Tomorrow" and "Tattooing by the Teacher of the Art since 1928." Stoney chased him off for taking photos without asking, then invited him in when he came back.
Govenar recorded Stoney's life in his own words. The result was the book Stoney Knows How: Life as a Tattoo Artist (University Press of Kentucky, 1981), later expanded as Life as a Sideshow Tattoo Artist by Schiffer with photos and flash. Govenar and Bruce "Pacho" Lane also made a short documentary of the same name, shot by filmmaker Les Blank. It premiered at New York's Film Forum in 1981, and Vincent Canby of The New York Times called Stoney "an ebullient little man with the gift of gab of a circus tout."
Stoney didn't live to see either one. He died in 1980. Govenar says Stoney had one request: that his obituary call him "an actor on the outdoor stage. Not only a tattoo artist."
Why Stoney matters to traditional tattooing
Stoney connects a lot of the people traditional tattooers still talk about: Cap Coleman in Norfolk, Charlie Wagner on the Bowery, the sideshow tattooers of the circus lots, and, through that afternoon in Columbus, Ed Hardy and the Sailor Jerry line.
Vintage American tattoo flash from the same era, artist unknown. Not Stoney’s work. Smithsonian American Art Museum, public domain (CC0). Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum
He also shows what traditional tattooing is at heart: a trade handed down hand to hand, flash copied and redrawn, and tattoos built to last. Near the end of the film he says he hopes someone will look at the daisies over his grave and say he didn't butcher it up. "He carried it on, and handed down anyway."
Someone did. Columbus tattooer Joey Knuckles owns most of Stoney's surviving flash, and he still tattoos the designs.
Joey Knuckles tattooing one of Stoney's designs. Joey owns most of Stoney's surviving flash. Via Instagram, @joeyknucklestattoo.
Joey tells how he ended up with Stoney's flash, and a lot more, in this interview.
Joey Knuckles on Stoney St. Clair, a 44-minute interview. Via YouTube, Tattoos In Review.
Old school tattoos in Fort Lauderdale
Electric Street Tattoo is a traditional American tattoo shop at 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, serving Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Broward County. Like every traditional shop, we work in the same tradition Stoney carried on, and our walls are full of flash from it. Meet our artists.
Walk-ins are welcome. Pick something off the wall, or request a tattoo.
Stoney St. Clair FAQ
Who was Stoney St. Clair?
Leonard "Stoney" St. Clair (1912–1980) was a West Virginia-born circus sword swallower who started tattooing in 1928 and worked the circus and carnival circuit, then shops including Tampa and Columbus, Ohio.
How did Stoney St. Clair learn to tattoo?
In Norfolk, Virginia, Cap Coleman gave him two old machines and some designs after seeing him draw an eagle. He practiced on grapefruits, then on showmen behind the elephant barn.
Did Stoney St. Clair tattoo Ed Hardy?
Yes. The documentary Stoney Knows How shows Stoney tattooing a cartoon "Columbus rat" on Ed Hardy as a souvenir.
Where can I watch Stoney Knows How?
The film streams on Folkstreams, the Criterion Channel and Vimeo On Demand. The Ed Hardy scene is on YouTube.
Where can I get an old school tattoo near Fort Lauderdale?
Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd. Walk in or request a tattoo.
All Hallows' Eve Halloween Tattoo Flash Event (Oct 2023)
Recap of our 2023 All Hallows' Eve Halloween flash event in Oakland Park, with the flash sheets. See this year's Halloween tattoo ideas.
This event took place on Saturday, Oct 28, 2023. For this year's Halloween flash, see Halloween tattoo ideas.
The most hauntingly exciting day of the year is just around the corner, and Electric Street Tattoo is conjuring up something spooktacular for you! We're thrilled to present our "All Hallows' Eve" Tattoo Flash Event this Saturday, a hair-raising celebration of ink and the supernatural. Get ready for a day of macabre magic and inked enchantment that you won't want to miss!
Date: Saturday, October 28th, 2023
Location: Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park, FL 33334
What was on the wall
1. Spine-Chilling Tattoo Designs: Our unearthly team of tattoo artists has curated a spellbinding collection of "All Hallows' Eve" flash designs. From creepy creatures to elegant gothic motifs, we've got it all. These designs are perfect for celebrating the season, whether you're into classic Halloween icons or something a bit more eerie and unique.
2. One-Day Flash: A wall of Halloween flash drawn just for the event.
3. Safety is Our Priority: At Electric Street Tattoo, we take your safety seriously. Our studio adheres to the strictest hygiene and sanitation standards, ensuring a safe and comfortable tattoo experience.
4. Eerie Ambiance: Our shop will be transformed into a den of dark delights with creepy decorations and a bone-chilling atmosphere that sets the stage for your Halloween tattoo adventure. You can expect haunting music, chilling refreshments, and a ghoulishly good time.
How to prep for a flash tattoo
Ensure you're well-rested and have a hearty meal before your tattoo session.
Dress in comfy clothing that allows easy access to the tattooed area.
Bring a valid ID, especially if you're considering an impulsive ink adventure.
Check out our flash designs in advance to have an idea of what you want.
Are you prepared to make this Halloween extraordinary? Whether it's your first tattoo or a spooky addition to your collection, Electric Street Tattoo's "All Hallows' Eve" Tattoo Flash Event is your opportunity to be part of a spooktacular experience. No matter what your Halloween spirit looks like, you'll find a tattoo that suits your vibe!
Thanks to everyone who came out!
(below is a taste, we will have many more fiendishly spooky designs day of)
Halloween flash sheets from the Boo! set by Mr. FlashMachine, production flash made the old-school way.
Traditional Tattoo Parlors vs. Private Studios: Which Is Right for You?
Classic walk-in tattoo parlor or appointment-only private studio? How they differ on flash, walk-ins, vibe and specialties, from a traditional shop.
The front door at Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd
In recent years, the world of tattooing has witnessed a remarkable evolution. While traditional tattoo parlors have been the backbone of the industry for generations, trendy private studios have started to pop up everywhere, offering a fresh take on the art of ink. But what sets a traditional tattoo parlor apart from these contemporary counterparts? Let's dive into the world of ink and explore what makes a traditional tattoo parlor unique.
What makes a traditional tattoo parlor different
A Rich Heritage: Traditional tattoo parlors are steeped in history. They carry the legacy of classic American tattooing, which dates back to the early 20th century. These parlors pay homage to legendary artists like Sailor Jerry, who pioneered the iconic style.
Aesthetic Nostalgia: Stepping into a traditional tattoo parlor is like stepping back in time. The décor often features vintage-inspired elements, classic flash art on the walls, and a timeless ambiance that honors the art's heritage.
Iconic Designs: Traditional tattoo parlors are known for their portfolio of iconic designs. From anchors and swallows to roses and nautical symbols, these classic images resonate with clients who appreciate the artistry of simplicity.
Bold and Time-Tested Techniques: Traditional tattoo artists are masters of bold lines and solid black outlines. Many traditional tattooers still love coil machines, though good rotary machines are used in every kind of shop today. What makes it traditional is the bold line and solid color, not the machine. These techniques ensure that your tattoo maintains its clarity and readability for years to come.
Sense of Community: Traditional tattoo parlors often foster a sense of community. Clients and artists share a passion for the history and craftsmanship of traditional tattooing. It's a place where you can connect with fellow enthusiasts.
What private studios offer
Modern Minimalism: Trendy private studios embrace modern minimalism. These spaces often have a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that appeals to clients looking for a contemporary atmosphere.
Artistic Versatility: Private studios are known for their versatility. They may offer a wide range of tattoo styles, from realism to abstract art, catering to clients seeking unique and personalized designs.
Customization: In private studios, customization is key. Artists work closely with clients to create tattoos that reflect their individuality. This level of personalization can lead to one-of-a-kind pieces of art.
Privacy and Comfort: Private studios offer a more intimate experience. Clients can enjoy privacy and one-on-one attention, which can be especially appealing for those who prefer a quieter, more relaxed setting.
How to choose
The choice between a traditional tattoo parlor and a trendy private studio ultimately comes down to personal preferences. Traditional parlors celebrate a rich heritage, iconic designs, and a sense of community, making them an ideal choice for those who appreciate classic tattooing. On the other hand, private studios offer artistic versatility, customization, and a modern aesthetic, appealing to clients seeking unique and personalized ink.
Whichever path you choose, the world of tattooing is vast and diverse, with something for everyone. Whether you're drawn to the timeless traditions of a traditional tattoo parlor or the artistic possibilities of a private studio, the ink you wear should be a reflection of your individuality and style.
What you get at a classic shop
Walk-ins and flash. Pick a design off the wall and get it today, or work out a custom idea with whoever is free.
A crew, not one artist. Several tattooers with different specialties under one roof, so you can match the artist to the tattoo.
No frills. You walk in, get tattooed and walk out with something that lasts.
Community. The buzz of machines, flash on every wall, and people swapping stories while they wait.
Private studios are usually appointment-only. They trade that energy for privacy, a quieter room, and one artist’s full attention. Both can make great tattoos, so pick the experience you want.
Visit a traditional parlor in Fort Lauderdale
Electric Street Tattoo is an artist-owned American Traditional shop at 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, serving Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Broward County since 2015. Walk-ins welcome, or request a tattoo. (954) 666-1138. See how walk-ins work and meet our artists.
Friday the 13th Tattoos: Where the Tradition Comes From
Why tattoo shops do Friday the 13th flash, where the superstition comes from, and why we tattoo that kind of classic flash all year round.
Friday the 13th has long been regarded as a day veiled in superstition and uncertainty. For centuries, it has been the subject of myths, legends, and folklore, often associated with bad luck and misfortune. However, in recent years, this fateful day has become synonymous with a unique and cherished tradition in the tattoo world—Friday the 13th tattoos. Let's embark on a journey to uncover the intriguing origins of this inked phenomenon.
Why is Friday the 13th unlucky?
The fear of Friday the 13th, known as paraskevidekatriaphobia, has deep historical roots. While the exact origins of this fear are challenging to pinpoint, it has been perpetuated by various superstitions and cultural beliefs. Some trace it back to the Last Supper, where 13 individuals were present, with the 13th guest being Judas Iscariot, the one who would later betray Jesus.
How tattooers took over the date
The tradition of offering discounted tattoos on Friday the 13th began with tattoo parlors seeking a creative way to counteract the superstition associated with the day. Rather than avoiding the date, they embraced it, turning a perceived curse into an opportunity for ink enthusiasts to celebrate their passion.
The $13 tattoo tradition
At the heart of the tradition is the $13 tattoo: small, simple flash designs that some shops sell for a cheap flat price on the day. These tattoos are often modest in size and simplicity, selected from a flash sheet created by the artists. These flash sheets typically feature classic, timeless images such as black cats, bats, skulls, and, of course, the number 13 itself.
A day for the tattoo community
What initially started as a marketing tactic evolved into a beloved tradition. Tattoo enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Friday the 13th specials, not only for the unbeatable prices but for the sense of community and camaraderie they offer. These events bring people together to get inked, share stories, and embrace the superstition in a lighthearted way.
How it’s done today
In recent years, Friday the 13th tattoo events have expanded beyond simple flash sheets. Many tattoo parlors now offer their unique twists, like themed flash sheets, special promotions, and even costume contests. It's an opportunity for both artists and clients to showcase creativity and celebrate the art of tattooing in new and exciting ways.
Friday the 13th at Electric Street Tattoo
We don’t make a big deal out of Friday the 13th. Skulls, black cats, snakes, daggers and 13s are classic flash, and we tattoo that kind of flash all year round. It’s on our walls every day.
On Friday the 13th we run special holiday flash deals, but we’re not a $13 or $20 tattoo shop. Pricing is in person only, so walk in or call (954) 666-1138.
Find us at 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park, FL 33334. Walk-ins welcome: see how walk-ins work. Halloween fan? See Halloween tattoo ideas.
Friday the 13th flash
Friday the 13th flash
Friday the 13th flash by Alex Joelle
A Friday the 13th flash board
Flash sheet and flash board by Mr. FlashMachine.
Embrace the tradition
Regardless of whether you're superstitious or simply a lover of ink, Friday the 13th tattoos offer a unique and thrilling way to commemorate this legendary date. It's a chance to embrace the art of tattooing, connect with your local tattoo community, and proudly wear your superstitions on your skin, all while getting an amazing deal on a new piece of body art.
So, the next time Friday the 13th graces the calendar, don't let superstition deter you. Join the tradition, select your lucky design, and celebrate the art of tattooing in a way that has been wholeheartedly embraced by ink enthusiasts worldwide.
What Is a Walk-In Tattoo? How Walk-Ins Work at Electric Street Tattoo
Walk-ins welcome every day from 1pm at Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd. Pick flash, first come first served. Tips and FAQ.
The door is open. Walk-ins welcome.
Open the door and the flash wall hits you first: swallows, roses, daggers, panthers, eagles, skulls, hearts. Pick one, pick the size, pick the spot. If an artist is free, you can wear it today. That is a walk-in tattoo at Electric Street Tattoo — see it, pick it, wear it the same day.
No appointment. Show up during open hours, choose a design, and get tattooed when a chair opens. American Traditional shops have worked that way for over a hundred years, and so do we at 320 E Oakland Park Blvd. Walk-ins welcome every day we are open.
Walk-in hours and address
Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park, FL 33334, serving Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Broward County.
Tuesday–Saturday: 1pm–9pm
Sunday–Monday: 12pm–6pm
Walk-ins start at 1pm every day.
Phone: (954) 666-1138. Map: contact page. Also see walk-in tattoos.
How walk-ins work at our shop
Come in during open hours. No appointment needed.
Pick your design. Choose from the flash on our walls and in our books, or bring a simple idea or reference photo.
Get matched with an artist. Whoever is free and right for the style takes you. Walk-ins are first come, first served, in order of arrival. Ask at the counter — Josh, Nick, Lexi, CJ Ugarte, Lyandra, and Edson are on the crew.
Get a price and size. Your artist sets the placement and gives you a price in person before anything starts.
ID and paperwork. Bring a valid government photo ID. You fill out a consent form.
Stencil, then tattoo. You approve the stencil on your skin, then you get tattooed.
Aftercare. You leave with instructions. Also see our aftercare guide.
Calling ahead doesn't hold a spot
People often call and ask "do you take walk-ins?" Yes. But a phone call is not an appointment. If three people walk in between your call and when you arrive, they are ahead of you. The best way to get tattooed today is to come in. We'll always do our best to fit you in.
What flash is (and why walk-ins love it)
Flash is a sheet of ready-to-tattoo designs, drawn so you can pick one and get it that day. Our walls are covered in classic American Traditional work — bold outlines, solid color, designs that read from across the room and hold up for years. Browse, pick the size and placement, and ask if you want a small change. More on our traditional flash page and in American Traditional tattoos.
Flash on the wall is fair game for walk-ins.
What you can get as a walk-in
Flash. Swallows, roses, daggers, panthers, eagles, skulls, hearts, anchors, and more — the designs traditional shops were built for.
Small to medium custom. Lettering, a simple custom design, or a small idea your artist can draw on the spot.
Friday the 13th and holiday flash. On special flash days, walk-ins are the whole point. See Friday the 13th tattoos.
For more on classic swallows, anchors, and pinups, see Sailor Jerry tattoos.
Holiday and Friday the 13th flash days are built for walk-ins.
Best times to walk in
Come early. Walk-ins start at 1pm, and earlier in the day leaves the most chair time.
Small and mid-size pieces fit easiest. Sleeves, back pieces, and cover-ups usually need planning — request an appointment for those.
Not sure about today? Call (954) 666-1138 and ask how busy it is. A call still does not hold a spot.
What makes a good walk-in tattoo
A design already on the wall, or a simple idea an artist can draw fast
A clear size and placement
Flexibility on which artist takes you — match the style, not only a name
Time in your day for a possible wait
A government photo ID
Want one specific artist, a guest date, or a multi-session piece? Book ahead. Walk-ins shine when you want bold traditional work today.
When to book an appointment instead
Walk-ins are great for most tattoos. Request an appointment if:
It is a big piece, like a chest piece, back piece, sleeve or multi-session work. Some bigger pieces need a deposit to lock in the time.
You want a specific artist, especially if they are often booked. For example, CJ Ugarte recommends booking ahead for embroidery patch tattoos.
You want a guest artist. Guests like Alex Joelle and Marco Cardenas work on select dates, by appointment only.
It is detailed custom work that needs drawing time.
You can only come at one exact time and cannot risk a wait.
Tips for a smooth walk-in
Eat first and drink water. Do not drink alcohol before your tattoo.
Wear clothes that show the spot (short sleeves, shorts).
Bring your ID and know roughly what size and where you want it.
Be ready to wait if the shop is busy. We'll give you a wait estimate whenever we can.
More answers: tattoo FAQ.
Nick at work. Walk-ins get matched with whoever is free and right for the piece.
Traditional parlor vs. private studio
Private studios usually work by appointment only, one client at a time, and many do every style. A traditional parlor like ours keeps flash on the walls, takes walk-ins, and focuses on bold American Traditional tattoos that hold up for years. Longer read: traditional tattoo parlors vs. private studios. Need a set time for a big custom piece? Request an appointment. Want a tattoo today? Walk in.
Why we're a walk-in shop
Electric Street Tattoo is an artist-owned American Traditional shop at 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, serving Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Broward County since 2015. Owner Josh Cabrera started his apprenticeship in Miami and has more than 25 years in the chair. The shop has 1,100+ Google reviews. Flash on the wall and an open door is how traditional shops have always worked. Meet our artists, or see the short version on our tattoo shop in Oakland Park page.
320 E Oakland Park Blvd. Come in.
Walk-in tattoo FAQ
Does Electric Street Tattoo take walk-ins? Yes, every day we're open. Walk-ins start at 1pm and are first come, first served, in order of arrival.
Do I need an appointment for a tattoo? No, not for flash or most small to medium tattoos. Book ahead for big pieces, guest artists or detailed custom work.
Can I call ahead to save a spot? Calling doesn't hold a spot. Walk-ins are first come, first served, in order of arrival. If you need a set time, request an appointment.
What should I bring to a walk-in tattoo? A valid government photo ID, a design idea or reference, and clothes that show the spot.
What is tattoo flash? Ready-to-tattoo designs on the wall or in books. Pick one, pick the size, and get it the same day when an artist is free. See traditional flash.
What's the best time to walk in? Walk-ins start at 1pm, and earlier in the day leaves the most chair time. Call (954) 666-1138 to ask how the shop looks before you head over — a call still does not hold a spot.
Is there a walk-in tattoo shop near me in Fort Lauderdale? Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd in Oakland Park, serves Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Broward County. Walk-ins are welcome. Call (954) 666-1138.
Bert Grimm: The Grandfather of Old School Tattooing
Who was Bert Grimm? The carnival tattooer from St. Louis and the Long Beach Pike who shaped American Traditional, and his famous tiger.
Grimm Tiger by our own Nick Lazcano
Here at Electric Street Tattoo we like to pay respect where it’s due, and it’s always an honor for us to tattoo these designs handed down by those who came before us.
Who was Bert Grimm?
Bert Grimm is one of those pioneers in the art of tattooing that we look up to.
I’m sure lots of you have heard of Sailor Jerry or Ed Hardy
An even greater portion of you can probably sound off on every ‘Inkmaster’ going all the way back to season one
And while all that is fine and great, there are sooooo many other great tattoo artists that not too many bother acknowledging
Bert Grimm is certainly one of those
From the carnival to the Pike
Like other tattooers of his time he worked as a sideshow tattoo artist traveling the carnival circuit before going on to operate several tattoo studios of his own. Bert Grimm (1900–1985) learned from Sailor George Fosdick and Sailor Charlie Barrs, then tattooed in St. Louis from 1928. In 1954 he bought the Nu-Pike shop in Long Beach, California. He mentored tattooers like Lyle Tuttle and Bob Shaw, and is often called the grandfather of old school. With his stripped down American Traditional style he tattooed the arms, chests and backs of hundreds of military men and covered the bodies of many sideshow attractions.
His contributions are great and his influence on modern day tattooing, unquestionable.
The Grimm tiger
Grimm Tiger by our own Alex Joelle
Read the full history of American Traditional, or about Sailor Jerry. Another carnival-circuit tattooer from the same era: Stoney St. Clair. Want a Grimm tiger? Request a tattoo.
Sailor Jerry Tattoos: Who He Was and What the Classic Designs Mean
Classic Sailor Jerry flash designs
Sailor Jerry was Norman Keith Collins (1911–1973), a Navy veteran who tattooed in and around Honolulu's Hotel Street from the 1930s until his death. His bold black lines, tight color palette and clean designs (swallows, anchors, pinups, eagles, ships) helped define the American Traditional tattoo. Decades later his flash is still tattooed every day, including at our shop in Fort Lauderdale.
Want a swallow, an anchor, or another classic off the wall? Walk in daily from 1pm, first come, first served, or request a tattoo.
Who was Sailor Jerry?
Collins was born January 14, 1911, in Reno, Nevada. As a teen he rode freight trains and hand-poked tattoos, then learned the electric machine from Gib "Tatts" Thomas in Chicago. He joined the Navy at 19, and his travels in Asia started a lifelong study of Japanese tattooing.
He settled in Honolulu in the 1930s. In World War II, Hotel Street's bars and tattoo parlors were where thousands of servicemen spent their shore leave. Collins tattooed there, then at 1033 Smith Street in Chinatown, his last shop. He also skippered a tour boat, played saxophone and hosted a radio show as "Old Ironsides." He died in Honolulu on June 12, 1973.
Norman Collins, aka Sailor Jerry, outside his Honolulu shop
The Sailor Jerry style
Sailor Jerry redrew the sailor tattoos of the 1920s and '30s cleaner and bolder. As historian Matt Lodder puts it, his designs are "simple and stripped-down enough that they look great in the skin, are readable from a distance, and age superbly."
Bold black outlines that hold for decades.
A limited palette. Mostly black, red, yellow and green. He mixed his own pigments, including one of the first purples that held up and was safe.
Flash. A huge catalog of ready-to-pick designs: anchors, swallows, eagles, roses, mermaids, pinups.
Japanese influence. He traded letters with Japanese masters, especially Kazuo Oguri (Horihide). He sent American inks and got back ideas on composition and backgrounds.
Craft. He built his own needle setups and machines, and he was an early adopter of single-use needles and autoclave sterilization.
Sailor Jerry style mallard duck tattoo by Josh
Classic Sailor Jerry designs and what they mean
Most of these old sailor tattoos come from navy superstition. Sailor Jerry didn't invent them, but his versions became the standard.
Swallow: safe return home. Tradition says one for every 5,000 nautical miles.
Anchor: stability, often with "Mom" or a sweetheart's name.
Nautical star: finding your way home.
Ship: adventure, and making it back "Homeward Bound."
Pinup: the girl back home.
Hula girl: a souvenir of Hawaii and Hotel Street.
Eagle: patriotism and freedom.
Panther: toughness, usually mid-attack.
Dagger: courage and sacrifice ("Death Before Dishonor").
Pig and rooster: protection from drowning.
Traditional Sailor Jerry style swallow tattoo
Sailor Jerry's legacy
Collins wanted his shop to go to one of his protégés, Ed Hardy, Mike Malone or Zeke Owen, or else be burned. Malone took it over as China Sea Tattoo. Through Collins's contacts, Hardy went to Japan in the early 1970s to work with Horihide. In 1999 Hardy and Malone co-founded Sailor Jerry Ltd., which put his designs on clothing and launched the Sailor Jerry rum. His flash has hung in museums, and the 2008 documentary Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry tells his story.
Why his tattoos are still everywhere:
Timeless: classic Americana that works for every generation.
The traditional revival: his flash is at the center of it.
Craftsmanship: bold will hold, and they still read clearly decades later.
Personal meaning: a loved one, a milestone, military service, the sea.
They tie us to an era when tattoos stood for defiance, camaraderie and individuality.
Electric Street pays respect to Sailor Jerry all around our shop
Getting a Sailor Jerry style tattoo in Fort Lauderdale
Electric Street Tattoo is an artist-owned American Traditional shop at 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, serving Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Broward County since 2015. Owner Josh Cabrera started his apprenticeship in Miami and has more than 25 years in the chair. Our walls are covered in flash, and our artists care about the tradition: Sailor Jerry, Bert Grimm, and the rest of that lineage.
Pick a classic off the wall or bring a custom idea. Walk-ins are welcome, or request a tattoo. Then follow our aftercare guide.
Next in tattoo history: Stoney St. Clair, the circus sword swallower who became a sideshow tattooer.
Sailor Jerry flash I painted several years ago (Josh)
From our reception room
Sailor Jerry tattoo FAQ
What is a Sailor Jerry tattoo?
A tattoo in the style of Norman Collins: bold outlines, a few strong colors, and classic designs like swallows, anchors, pinups and ships, often straight from his flash.
What do swallow tattoos mean?
A safe return home. Sailors traditionally got one for every 5,000 nautical miles.
Is Sailor Jerry the same as American Traditional?
Not exactly. American Traditional is the whole style, built by many tattooers. Sailor Jerry is its best-known name.
What are sailor tattoos?
Designs sailors wore as travel marks and good-luck charms: swallows, anchors, nautical stars, ships, "Hold Fast" knuckles.
Where can I get a Sailor Jerry style tattoo near Fort Lauderdale?
Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, (954) 666-1138. Walk in or request a tattoo.
If a swallow, an anchor, or a pinup has been sitting in the back of your mind, we can tattoo it. Walk in daily from 1pm, first come, first served, or request a time with one of our eight artists. A gift card works too, if you’re giving one.
Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park. Serving Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. 1,100+ Google reviews. (954) 666-1138.
Butterfly Tattoos: Meaning and Traditional Designs
What butterfly tattoos mean (rebirth, transformation, hope) and the classic, traditional and floral butterfly designs from a traditional shop.
Does it seem like everyone is getting butterfly tattoos this year? If your social media feed is swamped with beautiful butterflies tattoos and you’re asking yourself ‘What gives?’
There are a few reasons that may explain the recent trend and resurgence in the ever popular Butterfly Tattoo.
What butterfly tattoos mean
Butterflies have been a popular tattoo motif for many many years. Butterfly tattoos are symbolic of spiritual rebirth, transformation, hope and change. And that is only scratching the surface.
They are beautiful and versatile. They can also be very feminine making them a classic choice with females in particular. Why the sudden boost though?
Simple: people want to wear hope, and nothing says it like a butterfly.
Butterflies across cultures
Different cultures associate butterflies with different things. The Christian religion views the butterfly as a symbol of resurrection.
Why butterflies are trending
And so this Fall, in particular, we saw the butterfly tattoo explode! And I’m not surprised in the least. It’s human nature, we are expressive beings. We express what we feel, think and live in a variety of ways. Tattoos have always been a vehicle for this kind of expression. It is also in our nature to document. We log and keep account of events, good and bad. Tattoos have always served well in this respect as well.
Needless to say that whatever the reasons for the sudden spike in butterfly tattoos we’re certainly not complaining. The butterfly is a classic in any tattoo shop and, in my opinion, will always continue to be.
Butterflies are classic flash. See more American Traditional designs or spring tattoo ideas. Walk in and pick one off the wall.
Classic butterfly
Traditional butterfly
Floral butterfly