Walk-ins welcome?

It’s an iconic part of modern tattoo history. The blazing neon sign in the window beckoning the impulsive and adventurous alike towards a brand spanking new piece of permanent art.

The invention of the electric tattoo machine in 1891 made getting tattooed easier than ever and this innovation would come together with the advent of the tattoo “flash sheet” to create the walk-in tattoo. Widely recognized as the father of the flash sheet, Lew “The Jew” Alberts combined the newest technology with an idea that would go on the change the industry altogether, from Sailor Jerry to your local shop’s flash sale, none of it would exist without this key contribution.

Previously tattoos were all custom and almost all were drawn on the spot but the flash sheet meant anyone could come in off the street, point to an eagle, dragon, boat or whatever and walk out with a new tattoo only a few hours later. Tattoo artists like “Brooklyn” Joe Lieber, Don Ed Hardy, Mike Malone and C.J “Pop” Eddy would begin the share these designs, spreading the popularity of what would become the iconic American Traditional style.

But here we are in 2025, the world has become utterly unrecognizable to 100 hears ago. The coil machine is almost a relic of the past, still used by the most dedicated of the “bold will hold” trad artists, has been replaced by the modern pen/wand/cartridge machine. Tattoos are no longer worn strictly by criminals and sailors but can be seen on everyone from school teachers to your mom. But what about the walk in shop? do they still exist?

Short answer is yes, walk in shops can be found in every major city where tattooing is legal but the game has changed and they are no longer the standard they once were. The noble street shop now exists alongside the elusive private studio, the words "By Appointment Only” greeting a potential client as they approach the front door. The walk-in has now become more of a personal choice for the artist to make and while some welcome the spontaneity of someone popping in unannounced others refuse to do a tattoo without time to prepare.

While the ability to choose is great for the artist, the private studio is quickly becoming a thing of the past, a relic of a time when the economy was in better shape and tattooers could afford to turn away business. Hell if you’re busy enough that you can tell a walk in to kick rocks then congratulations to you but more and more you see artists incorporating walk-in hours to their existing clients and appointments.

Looking for a walk in tattoo in Calgary? You’ve got plenty of options. Here at Electric Avenue Tattoo you can call us on our tattoo hotline and if any of our artists are available you can get set up with an artist ASAP. You can also book in with any of our artists who can usually accommodate you within the week. Shops like Atticus Tattoo, Highwire Tattoo, and Strange World all also offer walk in hours. Find yourself in Banff? Drop by Strike First Tattoo or Banff Ave Tattoo to get sorted out.

Here at Electric Ave we love a walk in. It can be a new challenge, a new client and a breath of fresh air for a tattooer, especially one that’s used to tattooing in their own style. So if you’ve got the itch call the hotline, shoot us an email or contact one of our artists, we’re here for you.