Custom Tattooing

                                               Since 1995

Aaron Burns originally came to Maine in 1991, and spent the course of the next few years drawing, painting, and learning the art of tattooing. He remained here until the end of 1999 when he left to go back to his home state of Colorado where he continued perfecting his craft in tattooing, and learning from many different artists he worked, and associated with who had a variety of different styles, techniques, and perspectives.

He returned to Maine, and has been back in the local tattoo community since 2014, bringing his artistic talent and expertise to every piece he creates. Aaron is currently an artist, and part owner at Sanctuary Tattoo in Portland. His work pulls from a variety of tattooing styles including traditional, fine line, biomechanical, and realism. His decades of experience and history in fine art bringing something truly unique to the community.

Aaron is originally from Colorado, was always fascinated by art, and painting. But the intersection of art, and the business that is the tattoo industry pulled him in that direction. At the end of 1996  Aaron opened, and was the proud owner of the first tattoo shop in the Old Port of Portland called 5th Dimension. It was here that his career gained momentum, and he gained a loyal following in the community.

Throughout his career, Aaron has built strong connections within the local tattoo industry. He is well-known among fellow artists for his ability to blend various tattooing styles, from traditional to new school, and always adding his own distinctive style. His reputation has made him a go-to artist for many in the area who seek larger, detailed work tailored to their anatomy.

Aaron's philosophy as an artist is: You’re either creating art for a client, or creating art and hoping people like it, and are willing to buy it. He chose the former, collaborating with his clients to turn their ideas into stunning pieces of art that they know they will love, and appreciate for a lifetime. This approach has earned him a reputation for his nuanced and elaborate work, with many people seeking him out for custom projects. He is currently seeking clients who trust, and

 appreciate his work, allowing his creative instincts giving him the freedom to explore, help plan, and expand their ideas with the goal of them receiving a tattoo that’s expertly done in a way they will always appreciate, and love. Today, his work continues to evolve and adapt while still staying true to his art.

Aaron's ideal clients are those who appreciate his work, seek him out, and trust him with creative freedom. He believes that the best tattoos come from a place of mutual respect and trust, where the client provides the vision, and the artist brings it to life. Aaron strives to create pieces that are not only beautiful but also meaningful. Whether you're seeking a smaller design or a large-scale project, he is ready to work with you and bring your vision to life.