Flash Design by Frank Howard

Many tattoo artists painted their own designs. Frank Howard was selling his own hand-painted “flash” to aspiring tattoo artists as early as 1888, and the sale of the designs remained a lucrative part of his business. A well-traveled and astute entrepreneur, Frank offered his clients a broad range of traditional western and fashionable Japanese tattoo designs.

Roses Tattoo Design
Frank Howard (1857–1925)
Boston, 1905–15
Ink and watercolor on paper
Collection of Jared Hook

Eagle and Crane Tattoo Design
Frank Howard (1857–1925)

Boston, 1905–15
Ink and watercolor on paper
Collection of Jared Hook

Snake and Frog Tattoo Design
Frank Howard (1857–1925)
Boston, 1905–15
Ink and watercolor on paper
Collection of Jared Hook

Demon Head Tattoo Design
Frank Howard (1857–1925)
Boston, 1905–15
Ink and watercolor on paper
Collection of Jared Hook