After dabbling in tattooing throughout the 1980s, Aaron began his professional career in ’93 after relocating from California to Seattle. He opened Slave to the Needle (Ballard’s first tattoo shop) in 1995, expanding his operation to Wallingford in 2005. Aaron focuses on rendering beautiful large-scale custom tattoos with speed and efficiency. He enjoys building lasting relationships with clients who share his appreciation for traditional western and Japanese style tattoos.
Scheduling: Aaron’s hourly rate is $300, with a $500 minimum. In an effort to minimize wait times, Aaron may suggest another artist that he feels is best suited for your tattoo. Its Aaron’s highly talented group of artists that have helped earn the shop’s great reputation, and he completely backs their work. Although Aaron tries to accommodate as many people as possible, there is no guarantee that he will personally be able to take on your project (even if you are on his waiting list). Please contact our Wallingford shop at 206-545-3685 if you’re interested in being tattooed by Aaron.
Conventions: Aaron’s convention rate is $350 an hour. If you’re interested in getting tattooed by Aaron at a convention, shoot us an email with a general description of what you want, then please be patient. Although he usually responds promptly, there are times when he doesn’t coordinate his schedule until a few weeks prior to the show. Thanks for your interest. We’re looking forward to hearing from you…
Aaron's Portfolio
Aaron on Instagram
Some video footage of Casey’s recent crane sleeve #slavetotheneedle #seattletattoo #japanesetattoo #sleevetattoo #tattoodo #bishoprotary #envyneedles #eternalink #jetblack
Finished this Crane sleeve today. Thanks Casey! #slavetotheneedle #seattletattoo #japanesetattoo @tattoodo #tattoodo #eternalink #envyneedles #bishoprotary
Did Hector’s dragon about 6-7 years ago, then added the Kirin, and more recently the mum skull. Finally tied it all together with some background today… It’s a wrap! #slavetotheneedle #tattoodo #eternalink #envyneedles #bishoprotary
Going through some Ukiyo-e that has not made it into frames yet. Most of these have been found while traveling… it’s always a thrill to come across these gems!
National Tattoo Convention reunion: Melissa and I gave a short keynote speech for Don and Flo’s retirement. Thanks to their leadership (and the support of the members) the NTA has been the world’s longest running tattoo convention. This event marked 40 years of conventions, and it was pretty sad to see it officially put to rest. I talked about the first one I attended in SoCal in 1992. Brian Setzer and Glen Danzig were among other celebrities in the crowd, and I remember—vaguely— doing shots in the bar with little ‘Tattoo’ from Fantasy Island. After that experience I was determined to become a member. After being welcomed with open arms, I quickly learned that, more important than having a venue to promote, buy/sell artwork and tattoo, were the people that made up the event… the heart and soul of the tattoo community. I’ve been a member now for 25 years. During that time I’ve been fortunate to receive many awards, made contacts for projects, magazine features, etc. but looking back on it all, the most rewarding part has been the many enduring friendships I’ve made along the way. As an outsider, I never felt like I’d belonged to anything, but the NTA changed all that… and for that I am forever grateful. #nationaltattooassociation
Got into a little background on Jesse’s Koi sleeve today. Not a long session—about 3 hrs—but productive #slavetotheneedle #seattletattoo #tattoodo #eternalink #bishoprotary #envyneedles
Today at the office. Thanks @gusto73 Still my go to coil machines when I’m feeling nostalgic @tattoodo #tattoodo #eternalinks #envyneedles #slavetotheneedle
Did this fun shoulder dragon today! #slavetotheneedle #seattletattoo #tattoodo #eternalink #bishoprotary #envyneedles #sullen
Shishi to Botan #slavtotheneedle #seattletattoo #japanesetattoo #tattoodo #eternalink #bishoprotary #envyneedles #sullen #jetblack
New shop shirts coming. Made new stickers, banners, and other stuff too… amazing what gets accomplished when stuck at home with Covid! Can’t wait to get back to work Wednesday thoug
A few more degenerate tattooer pics from @godsofinktattooconvention
A few weekend highlights (some snatched from Instagram) @godsofinktattooconvention Such a fun weekend!!! Did a bit of tattooing, finally got tattooed by one my heroes @chrisgarver and also got to hang out with my tattoo family, however dysfunctional they may be. Thank you so much @mikivialetto for putting together another GREAT show!!!😘 #slavetotheneedle #godsofinktattooconvention #tattoodo #eternalink #bishoprotary #envyneedles #tatsoul
Made a fun little Hyotokko tattoo today! Thanks to @holyfoxtattoos @barber_dts @eternalink @tatsoul @bishoprotary @godsofinktattooconvention for makin it fun and easy! Great day!!! #tattoodo slavetotheneedle #seattletattooartist #envyneedles
Stoked to be sharing a booth with my good pal Alex Reinke. Come find us on the 1st floor. @holyfoxtattoos at Gods of Ink in Frankfurt. Day one was amazing! #slavetotheneedle #godsofinktattooconvention
A few shots from our last week in Cologne and Frankfurt. Having a great time here in Germany… lotsa museums, relaxation away from the shop, and oh yeah… beer! Looking forward to Gods of Ink Tattoo Convention next weekend!
My contribution to @salvage_arts. Bruce has put together a killer art show featuring repurposed skate decks. Be sure to catch this up in Edmonds April 20-22nd. #slavetotheneedle #seattletattoo
Only a couple weeks left before Gods of Ink Tattoo Convention in Frankfurt. Gonna be awesome! I still have tattoo time available for a one shot. Contact the shop @slaveeast@msn.com if interested. See you there!!! #slavetotheneedle #aaronbell #eternalink #envyneedles #tattoodo #bishoprotary #godsofink
Come celebrate tattoo history in Orlando this summer with those who made it! NTA reunion is gonna be hoot! Hope to see you there… #nta #tattoohistory
Recent koi sleeve #slavetotheneedle #seattletattoo #tattoodo #eternalink #bishoprotary #envyneedles #sleevetattoo #koitattoo
A koi sleeve I finished last year. Thanks for lookin. #slavetotheneedle #seattletattoo #japanesetattoo #sleevetattoo @tattoodo #tattoodo #eternalink #envyneedles #bishoprotary #jetblack
Did a follow up session yesterday on Kyle’s dragon sleeve #slavetotheneedle #seattletattoo #japanesetattoo #dragontattoo #sleevetattoo #tattoodo #bishoprotary #eternalink #jetblack #envyneedles #sullenfamily
