Aaron Dryden

What inspired your most recent tattoo?

I have a medieval-style etching of a cheetah cutting off the head of a snake on my sternum. The cheetah represents instinct and focus, while the snake symbolizes spiraling thoughts. It’s a reminder to bring awareness to my thinking before it runs away on me. Placed where I see it each morning, it helps me ground myself and set the tone for the day—cutting through mental clutter and staying centered before stepping into the world.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

I would say it’s a reflection of my thoughtful and introspective nature. Each piece of ink marks a moment in time—a feeling, a shift, or a lesson that shaped who I am. As my life has evolved, so have my perspectives, my priorities, and the way I see the world. My tattoos aren’t just images; they’re visual chapters of an ongoing story. Some remind me of growth, others of resilience or loss, but all of them are rooted in meaning. They’re more than art—they&rsquo

What would you do with the $25,000?

This year has been particularly hard on me. After going through a toxic mold exposure, I've lost a lot and have been on a journey to regain my health. This money would allow me to gain a financial footing and I would go on a long-deserved vacation. Plus a few new tatts, of course.