Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariah Wooster.
Hi Ariah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m an artist and tattooist based in Washington, just south of Seattle. My artistic journey began in my childhood as I explored various forms of art, and it has taken me through many vibrant places, including Las Vegas, NV, and Fairbanks, AK. Born in Washington, I returned in 2010, where I’ve found my artistic home.
As a kid, I grew up drawing on all of my friends (including myself) and knew I wanted to be a tattoo artist. I’d flip through old issues of various tattoo magazines and envisioned having the ability to bring an idea to life on skin. It wasn’t long before I decided to take the path of an artist.
Music has always been a significant part of my life. I also grew up singing and playing guitar, with singing being one of my true passions. A few years ago, I expanded my musical horizons by playing bass for Josh Kain. This intertwining of music and art fuels my creativity and inspires my work.
Over the past decade, I’ve experimented with a wide array of mediums, including acrylics, oils, colored pencils, graphite, charcoal, and digital art. Each medium offers me a new way to express my vision, and I love the versatility they provide.
In June of 2024 I underwent a major (completely life changing) surgery known as hybrid spinal rod fusion to help correct my severe scoliosis. I still struggle with pain and discomfort daily but it is better than it was before. Taking off many months to recover had me missing my work as a tattoo artist.
As a tattoo artist, I specialize in styles such as ornamental, floral, dot work, geometric and some black and grey realism. My goal is to constantly challenge myself and grow in my craft. I would love to expand into color realism someday… hopefully soon! I believe that when creating art, there’s a unique connection to something greater…it’s about tapping into that divine flow state where creativity flows freely. There is no better feeling than bringing someone’s tattoo ideas to life!
My family and friends continue to support all of my endeavors – they keep me going 😉 Through everything, this is what I am most grateful for!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My main struggles have been mostly health related- with the spinal rod fusion surgery being the most challenging. In June of 2024 I underwent hybrid scoliosis surgery. I have aways struggled with pain and discomfort (having an S-shaped spine causes a rib deformity- where the ribs crush certain organs) and going through the surgery was no easy task. There were complications after my procedure and the estimated 4 days in the hospital became two weeks. The surgery and recovery was nothing short of traumatic. But, after three months, I was healed enough to return to work on a light schedule.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work across many mediums, including acrylics, oils, graphite, charcoal, colored pencil, and digital art. That versatility is a huge part of who I am as an artist… it allows me to approach each piece with fresh perspective and adaptability. As a tattoo artist, I specialize in ornamental, floral, dotwork, geometric designs, and black and grey realism, and I’m always pushing myself to grow. Expanding into color realism is a goal I’m actively working toward.
One of the things I’m most proud of is continuing my creative path through adversity. In June of 2024, I underwent a major, life-changing surgery (a hybrid spinal rod fusion to correct severe scoliosis). Recovery required stepping away from tattooing for months, which was incredibly difficult, but it also deepened my appreciation for my craft. I still experience daily pain and discomfort, but being able to return to creating art (especially tattooing) has been profoundly grounding and reaffirming.
What sets me apart is my belief that art exists in a shared, almost sacred space between the artist and something greater. When I’m creating, whether on canvas or skin, I’m always chasing that flow state… where intuition takes over and the work feels guided rather than forced. There’s nothing more fulfilling to me than translating someone’s ideas, stories, and emotions into something lasting and meaningful. That connection is at the heart of everything I do.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Consistency is the rarest of human characteristics.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ariahdesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariahdesign.tattoo/
- Facebook: Ariah Design (art only)
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AriahChristine
- Other: https://ivyinktattoo.com/tattoos-by-ariah-1
