Aiden Appleford

Aiden Appleford (she/they) is an illustrative tattoo artist based in Chicago, IL, with a diverse background in arts and education. Originally from the coast of Maine, Aiden graduated from the College of the Atlantic in 2017 with a B.A. in Human Ecology. Their journey to tattooing includes sailing tall ships in Penobscot Bay and teaching middle school science, all while nurturing a deep-seated passion for art. From early experiences designing tattoos as a teenager to exploring diverse artistic mediums—from pottery to painting—Aiden finds joy in the transformative power of creativity.

Aiden’s tattoo style is illustrative, rooted in storytelling and characterized by a versatile approach encompassing linework, black and grey, and vibrant color designs. Their eclectic interests and broad skill set allow for a wide range of artistic expression, making them well-suited for whimsical, natural, and magical themes. Aiden draws inspiration from various art movements, including impressionism, medieval art, art nouveau, and neo-traditional tattoo styles. They particularly enjoy projects celebrating biome spirals, queer self-love, botanical illustrations, women, and both earthly and fantastical creatures.