As Friday the 13th approaches, tattoo shops and enthusiasts prepare for one of the most vibrant days in the industry. Artists are finalizing flash sheets, and fans are contemplating the placement of their next ink.
While some view the day as ominous, others embrace it as the perfect occasion to add a new tattoo to their collection.
“Don’t let it become just another day of bad luck,” said Elijah Birtel, co-owner of Electric City Tattoo.
For decades, Friday the 13th has been celebrated as a unique holiday in the tattoo world.
“We’ve treated it as a kind of holiday in tattooing. Artists collaborate with their peers and design themed flash sheets. Sometimes there are new designs, but many classic ones make a return,” Birtel explained.
The event allows people to symbolically counter bad luck, often using tattoos to embrace and defy the concept.
“You wear a symbol of bad luck. We also create good luck symbols, but wearing that badge and embracing the idea that life includes tough days makes you stronger,” said Birtel.
Tattoo shops like Electric City Tattoo in Scranton offer special flash sheets at discounted prices for the occasion.
“I keep designs simple and cater to what people want, but there are always classics—rabbit’s feet, the number 13, black cats, skulls, traditional tattoo themes,” shared tattoo artist Balazs Markos.
Many shops keep an air of mystery, withholding flash designs until customers arrive.
“A lot of places won’t post the designs ahead of time, so you walk into a random selection curated by the artist. Many people enjoy the surprise and pick what resonates with them,” Markos noted.
On Friday the 13th, the buzzing sound of tattoo machines often fills shops from open to close.
“It’s a busy day, but not chaotic. You’re constantly meeting people, tattooing, and hearing stories about their unlucky days,” said Birtel.
With December’s Friday the 13th, artists have an extra chance to get creative by blending seasonal themes into their designs.
“It’s fun to mix spooky elements with Christmas, creating a playful mash-up,” added Markos.
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