More, Please

Flash designs by Catherine Labelle, courtesy of F.I.N.A.O. Ink.

Nowadays, it’s almost rare to find someone with a sole piece of ink — for whatever reason, be it the thrill of the drill or the love of the aesthetics, many catch the ‘tattoo bug’ after their first time. But sometimes you don’t always have a particular plan for what to get next, and then there’s also the fact that tatts ain’t cheap. Enter: flash tattoos. Much like when your favorite clothing store has a flash sale, this is when a tattoo studio will offer discounted tattoos for a short period of time, but with the catch that you get the image as is without any tweaks, according to Mirna Medrano, manager at FINAO (aka Failure is Not an Option) Ink in North Providence. While many shops throughout the state often run one-day flash sessions around various holidays, FINAO INK recently began offering monthly themed flash sales (think: ‘Anime August’) where some or all of their seventeen artists each come up with a sheet of pre-designed tattoos for clients to claim for the duration of the month. “The style, size and prices will depend on the artist,” says Medrano. “One might do 20 percent off a full sleeve while another might do a ‘buy one, get one at half price’ type of deal. And then we have such a big team where our artists specialize in all different styles so if you’re looking for a specific style, you’ll find it here.” October will, of course, honor spooky season. “You can definitely expect something horror or Halloween-themed,” she teases. “People love those — we always offer $31 flash tattoos when Friday the 13^th comes around and we get really busy here.”  The shop, which has been in around since 2010, is also known to partner with local events and businesses to provide pop-up sessions. If you’ve seen anyone with a fresh “Hi-Neighbor” marking lately, chances are they got it done at the brewery itself. “We’ve collaborated with Narragansett for the past few years where we’ll set up there during an anniversary event and offer a flash of their logo,” Medrano explains, “Then, say, the first twenty-five people or to sign up will get it for free and then after that others can get it at a discount.” Likewise, FINAO’s artists have been commissioned for weddings, where they’ll work directly with the bride and groom to create and offer a customized sheet that guests can choose to get inked during the reception should they so desire. But if you’re looking for a cheaper option where you have a little more control over your design, you can always take advantage of FINAO’ Tiny Tattoo Tuesdays. Every Tuesday, from noon to 6 p.m., walk-ins are welcome at all three locations to get up to three one-inch tattoos or one three-inch tattoo for just $60. “You can bring your own design and it just has to meet the criteria of it being a very minimal design outline style, so no color or shading, and placed on your arms or legs only,” Medrano says. “It’s a really good way to get something tiny, because the minimum [on other days] can start at $100.” Sign us up! 1998 Mineral Spring Ave Unit #2 and #5, North Providence, 401-830-4740, finaoink.com