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Flash & Events - Artist Guide

Create and manage flash days, flash tattoo events, and special tattoo offerings

Flash & Events

Learn how to create flash events, manage flash tattoo items, run sheet-mode flash days, and organize special tattoo events to attract new clients and showcase your creativity.

Understanding Event Types

TattooReserve offers two main event types:

Flash Events

Events where specific flash designs are available for booking during a limited time window. Perfect for flash days, holiday specials, or themed collections.

Two modes available:

  1. Standard Flash Event - Clients browse individual flash items with full details
  2. Sheet Mode - Display a complete flash sheet image for a traditional flash day experience

Tattoo Events

General tattoo events for special booking windows (guest spots, conventions, charity events) where clients request custom work during the event timeframe.

Creating a Flash Event (Standard Mode)

Navigate to Flash & Events → Create New Event

Basic Information

Create Flash Event - Top

Event Type: Select Flash Event from dropdown (default)

Sheet Mode: Leave unchecked for standard flash event

Banner Customization: Choose how your event appears:

  • Default Gradient - Start color and end color for gradient background
  • Cover Photo - Use your profile cover photo
  • Custom Image - Upload a custom banner image

Event Details:

  • Title - Name your flash event (e.g., "Friday the 13th Flash Day")
  • URL Slug - Auto-generated from title or manually set
    • Format: tattooreserve.com/events/<username>/<your-slug>
  • Description - Describe your flash event, what's included, any special details
  • Make this event publicly visible - Enable to appear in search results (requires portfolio to be searchable)

Schedule & Rules

Create Flash Event - Bottom

Schedule:

  • Timezone - Select your event timezone
  • Start Date & Time - When the event begins and flash becomes available
  • End Date & Time - When the event ends and flash is no longer bookable

Client Rules:

  • Maximum Items per Client - Limit how many flash designs one client can claim (prevents hoarding)

Actions:

  • Save Draft - Save without publishing (visible only to you)
  • Publish Event - Make live and bookable

Creating a Flash Event (Sheet Mode)

Sheet mode is perfect for traditional flash days where you display a complete sheet of designs.

Sheet Mode Setup

Flash Sheet Mode - Top

Event Type: Select Flash Event from dropdown

Sheet Mode: ✓ Check this box to enable sheet mode

Flash Sheet Image: (Required)

  • Upload your complete flash sheet (JPG or PNG)
  • Include all designs you're offering
  • Clients view the full sheet to choose their design

Optional Information:

  • Pricing Information - General pricing for designs on the sheet
  • Walk-in Instructions - Details about walk-in availability, how to claim a design, etc.

Banner Customization: Same options as standard mode

Event Details & Schedule

Flash Sheet Mode - Bottom

Complete the same fields as standard flash events:

  • Title and URL slug
  • Description
  • Public visibility toggle
  • Schedule (timezone, start/end dates)
  • Client rules (max items per client)

Actions:

  • Save Draft - Save without publishing
  • Publish Event - Make live

Creating a Tattoo Event

Tattoo events are for special booking periods where clients request custom work (not pre-drawn flash).

Event Setup

Create Tattoo Event - Top

Event Type: Select Tattoo Event from dropdown

Banner Customization: Choose your banner style (same options as flash events)

Event Details:

  • Title - Name your event (e.g., "Chicago Guest Spot - November")
  • URL Slug - Auto-generated or custom
    • Format: tattooreserve.com/events/<username>/<your-slug>
  • Description - Event details, what to expect, special notes
  • Make this event publicly visible - Enable for search results

Schedule & Requirements

Create Tattoo Event - Bottom

Schedule:

  • Timezone - Event timezone
  • Start Date & Time - Event begins
  • End Date & Time - Event ends

Tattoo Requirements: (Optional - helps filter appropriate requests)

  • Allowed Styles - Select multiple styles you'll accept (e.g., Traditional, Black & Grey, Color)
  • Minimum Size - Smallest tattoo size in inches
  • Maximum Size - Largest tattoo size in inches
  • Allowed Placement - Body areas you'll work on (optional)

Client Rules:

  • Maximum Items per Client - Booking limit per client

Actions:

  • Save Draft - Save without publishing
  • Publish Event - Make live and bookable

Managing Flash Items

After creating flash events, track performance and manage your flash inventory from a centralized dashboard.

Flash Management Dashboard

Your flash management dashboard provides an at-a-glance overview:

Key Metrics:

  • Total Events - Number of flash/tattoo events created
  • Flash Items - Total flash designs across all events
  • Total Claims - How many flash items have been claimed by clients
  • Total Revenue - Revenue from flash bookings

Quick Actions:

  • Manage Events - View and edit all your events
  • Manage Flash Items - Edit individual flash designs

Recent Activity:

  • Recent Events - List of your latest events with status
  • Recent Claims - Latest flash item claims from clients

From this dashboard, you can:

  • Monitor which events are performing well
  • Track claim rates and revenue
  • Quickly access event or flash item details
  • See real-time booking activity

How Clients See Your Flash

Understanding the client experience helps you create better flash events.

Flash Search & Browse

Client Flash Listing

Clients can search for flash by:

  • Name, style, or keyword
  • City, state, or zip code
  • Price range filter
  • Style filter

Your flash items appear in search results with thumbnail, price, and artist info.

Flash Item Detail View

Flash Item Detail - Top

When clients click a flash design, they see:

  • Full-size image(s) of the design
  • Title and description
  • Your shop location and artist info

Flash Item Detail - Bottom

Pricing Details:

  • Deposit requirement
  • Booking type (immediate or needs approval)
  • Estimated session length

Action Buttons:

  • Reserve Flash - Start booking process
  • Share This Design - Social sharing

Flash Event Public View

Flash Event Public Page

Your flash event page shows:

  • Custom banner with title and description
  • Booking status (open or closed)

Event Details:

  • When - Event date/time
  • Artist - Your name and link to portfolio
  • Deposit - Required deposit amount

Sheet Mode Public View

Flash Sheet Mode - Client View

Sheet mode events display:

  • Banner with title, artist, and event dates
  • Event status (active, ended, or upcoming)
  • Full flash sheet image for browsing
  • Pricing information (if provided)
  • Walk-in instructions (if provided)

Clients can view the complete sheet to choose their design before booking.

Event Visibility & Sharing

Making Events Public

Events are only visible in search when:

  1. Event is published (not draft)
  2. "Make this event publicly visible" is checked
  3. Your portfolio is searchable (Settings → Portfolio)

Sharing Event Links

Share your event directly:

tattooreserve.com/events/<username>/<event-slug>

Perfect for:

  • Instagram stories
  • Facebook posts
  • Email newsletters
  • QR codes in studio

Event Workflow

1. Create Event

  • Choose event type (flash or tattoo event)
  • Set schedule and rules
  • Save as draft or publish immediately

2. Add Flash Items (for flash events)

  • Upload individual designs
  • Set pricing and details
  • Mark booking requirements

3. Promote Event

  • Share event link on social media
  • Add to your Instagram bio
  • Email your client list

4. Manage Bookings

  • Review incoming flash claims
  • Approve or decline requests
  • Confirm appointments

5. Complete Event

  • Mark flash as completed
  • Archive sold designs
  • Track analytics

Best Practices

Flash Events

  • Upload quality images - Clear, well-lit photos of designs
  • Price strategically - Balance flash pricing with your hourly rate
  • Set realistic schedules - Don't overbook flash days
  • Use sheet mode for traditional flash day feel
  • Limit claims - Prevent clients from booking entire sheets

Tattoo Events

  • Be specific about what you're looking for (styles, sizes)
  • Set clear dates - Traveling artists need concrete schedules
  • Update bio with event context
  • Communicate quickly - Event bookings have time constraints

Promotion

  • Announce early - Give clients time to see and plan
  • Countdown posts - Build excitement as event approaches
  • Share booking link - Make it easy to claim flash
  • Show progress - Post updates as flash gets claimed

Troubleshooting

Event not appearing in search?

  • Verify event is published (not draft)
  • Check "Make publicly visible" is enabled
  • Ensure your portfolio is searchable (Settings → Portfolio)

Can't add flash items to event?

  • Event must be created first
  • Event type must be "Flash Event" (not tattoo event)
  • Check event status is published or draft (not ended)

Clients can't book flash?

  • Verify event dates are current (not ended)
  • Check your availability settings
  • Confirm Square is connected for deposits

Next Steps

Need Help?

Questions about flash events or tattoo events? Contact support.

Flash and events are your most powerful tools for attracting new clients and showcasing creativity. Use them often!

Need help? Contact our support team

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