Biomechanical and Botanical Tattoos
Coming from a background of designing flyers and record covers for local punk bands in Milwaukee, Gifford naturally transitioned into tattooing in late 2004. He's spent the last two decades developing his signature style of biomechanical tattooing; focusing on bold interconnecting shapes that flow and wind over the body's canvas. The goal is to create a sense of movement, depth and wonder. The subject matter comes second to form. Interesting shapes become the heart of the work. Much of his work pulls from the natural world as well as the futuristic constructs we exist within. Organic structures of mushroom cities in the undergrowth, crowding through the broken plates of a space age cyborg. His images take the imagination to the depths of dystopian techno-scapes, to the hidden worlds of micro flora. What is beautiful is often what is dangerous.
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In 2014 Gifford opened Logan Square Tattoo, a tattoo studio in Chicago, Il where he currently works and takes appointments. As of 2025 he also does a monthly guestspot in Milwaukee,WI at various tattoo studios. In both cities he is currently taking on new biomech tattoo projects as well as large blackwork tattoos, botanical tattoos, and any other project ideas from prospective clients that he thinks he would have an interesting take on. He is always open to hearing ideas, even if they seem outside of the normal work he's known for. That is often where the best inspiration comes from. For booking requests and a free consultation, please fill out the booking form here.
Biomechanical and Botanical Tattoo Work
aggressive femine biotech side panel
Artwork
While tattooing has been the main focus of Gifford's career, he has always made a point to pursue fine art not only as a passion but as a way to push and experiment with his overall artistic vision. Gifford primarily works in oils, ink, and graphite. He was classically trained in drawing and painting through the Vitruvian Altelier program in Chicago from 2014 to 2018. His work ranges from still life and portraits to the fantastic and abstract. Recently he has been working towards merging his more fine art approach and subject matter with some of his more science fiction themed tattoo work. In both places there is an exploration into dystopian themes and dreamlike imagery of our own systems collapse as well new alien systems emerging. The work in the following gallery is not arranged in any sort of thematic way, but rather as a showcase of Giffords diverse styles and subject matter which remain broad yet cohesive.
