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 $250, 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 accomodate 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 $300 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
Great time at the Bad Bitch’s Barbecue in Hawaii!They say I’m a wolf in the henhouse out here, but seriously, there are many ladies—and a few men—I have come to consider my family over the years. Thanks to @offdapaige, we’ve gathered here in beautiful Honolulu to celebrate our dear friend, and highly respected colleague, Vyvyn Lazonga. She’s been tattooing for 50 years!!! Grateful to be here, and to spend time with the vibrant heart of the tattoo community. Vyvyn’s an important part of our history. She’s done so much to pave the way for the diverse tattoo community that we see today. Grateful to have her as a friend!Thanks @vyvyn @tattoodo #badbitchbbqhawaii #seattle #seattletattoo #slavetotheneedle #seattlehistory #tattoohistory #tattoodo
Digging this pic of me and Melissa in Hawaii… didn’t even get wet! Came to celebrate Vyvyn’s 50 years of tattooing. Will post more pics soon
Trying to take a vacation the last few years has felt like a bad Twilight Zone episode. We’d planed a pre-Covid cruise, cancelled. Was scheduled again to go out a few weeks ago, was cancelled due to maintenance issues. So we decided to go to Hawaii after that, then our flight backup system went down. We and had to dump our fuel and return to Seattle! I feel like I’m hopelessly stuck here
A couple older shots of Janel’s Sleeve #sleevetattoo #slavetotheneedle #seattletattoo #eternalink #tattoodo @tattoodo #bishoprotary #envyneedles #irezumi
Started some background today on Michael’s snake sleeve
Koi Maple half sleeve from a ways back (10 years?) #slavetotheneedle #seattletattoo #tattoodo @tattoodo #envyneedles #bishoprotary #eternalink #koitattoo
Couple close up shots of a dragon peony leg sleeve from years back #slavetotheneedle #seattletattoo #dragontattoo #japanesetattoo #irezumi @tattoodo #tattoodo #eternalink #envyneedles #bishoprotary #sullenclothing
Just set up a new Instagram page for my new band project @redreactiontheband We’re making old school melodic punk rock! My Cali friends on here will remember waaay back, the old Blind Hatred days. Well, Red Reaction is along the same vein, minus the shenanigans that used to get us kicked out of the clubs… hopefully anyways. We’ll be posting our events, and whatever we’re up to on there. If it sounds like your jam, give us a follow🙏 #redreactiotheband
Mapping out some background today on this Hannya sleeve
Wrapped up Charly‘s upper torso recently, and started on the leg today #slavetotheneedle #seattletattoo #japanesetattoo #irezumi @tattoodo #tattoodo #envyneedles #bishoprotary #eternalink
Fujiin and Raijiin tattoos healed and settled from 8 years ago. Always nice to see em age a little #slavetotheneedle #tattoodo #envyneedles #eternalink #bishoprotary #seattletattoo #japanesetattoo #irezumi
Painting with some of the important ladies in my life the past few weeks @vyvyn @leahxbell
Saying goodbye to this piece of original art that I used for the cover of my first sketchbook. I’ll be posting other new pieces for sale in the Slave to the Needle online store soon #slavetotheneedle
Got a few healed and settled shots of William’s sleeve the other day. Finished this one a couple years back #slavetotheneedle #tattoodo @tattoodo #eternal in #envyneedles #bishoprotary #seattletattoo #japanesetattoo #irezumi #koitattoo
Started a fun new dragon chest panel half sleeve today #slavetotheneedle #seattletattoo
Hector’s dragon healed and settled from several years back #dragontattoo #slavetotheneedle #seattletattoo @tattoodo #tattoodo #eternalink #envyneedles #bishoprotqry #irezumi #japanesetattoo
Tattooed an STTN on Mariah today. If you have been tattooed by me, or are on the books to get tattooed, she is likely the nice gal that arranged it. She has worked for the shop for 81/2 years and I am so grateful for her! 🙏❤️ #slavetotheneedle #sttn
Octopus healed and settled. Did this one about 4 years ago #slavetotheneedle #tattoodo #envyneedles #eternalink #bishoprotary #seattletattoo #japanesetattoo
More pics of Derek’s sleeve #slavetotheneedle #seattletattoo #dragontattoo #sleevetattoo @tattoodo #tattoodo #eternalink #bishoprotary #envyneedles #irezumi #japanesetattoo
Finally finished Greg‘s Backpiece today! #slavetotheneedle #seattletattoo #japanesetattoo #irezumi #koitattoo @tattoodo #tattoodo #eternalink #envyneedles #bishoprotary #jetblack
Finished Derek’s sleeve yesterday #slavetotheneedle #seattletattoo @tattoodo #tattoodo #eternalink #envyneedles #bishoprotary #jetblack #sullenfamily #japanesetattoo #irezumi #sleevetattoo #dragontattoo
