Iman Ali Tirmizi

Iman Ali Tirmizi is a Chicago-based tattoo artist and oil painter whose work is deeply influenced by his upbringing near Anchorage, Alaska. Growing up surrounded by mountains, forests, and long winters, he developed a strong connection to nature and an appreciation for observation, patience, and creativity from an early age.

As a child, he spent countless hours sketching wildlife, landscapes, and scenes inspired by the wilderness around him. Those early experiences laid the foundation for the artistic style he would later become known for. During his teenage years, he discovered tattooing and quickly became fascinated by its permanence and ability to tell personal stories through art.

At nineteen, Tirmizi moved from Alaska to Chicago in search of new creative opportunities and challenges. Starting from the ground up, he worked in tattoo shops across the city while developing a distinctive style centered around minimalist mountain landscapes, forests, wildlife, and nature-inspired imagery.

Alongside tattooing, he continues to pursue oil painting, creating works that blend memories of Alaska’s vast wilderness with the energy and architecture of urban Chicago. His art reflects themes of identity, place, memory, and personal growth.

Today, Tirmizi has built a reputation for creating thoughtful, authentic artwork that remains rooted in his experiences while continuing to evolve through new influences and perspectives.

Professional Journey Timeline

• Childhood: Developed a passion for drawing and painting while growing up near Anchorage, Alaska.
• Age 16: Began learning tattooing with a borrowed tattoo machine and started creating custom designs.
• 2018–2019: Expanded artistic skills through independent tattoo practice and oil painting.
• Age 19: Relocated from Alaska to Chicago to pursue greater creative and professional opportunities.
• 2020–Present: Built a growing career as a tattoo artist in Chicago, developing a loyal client base and distinctive artistic style.
• Present Day: Continues creating tattoos and oil paintings that combine Alaskan influences with urban creative culture.

By The Numbers

• 2 Artistic Disciplines: Tattooing and Oil Painting
• 10+ Years Creating Art: Drawing and painting since childhood
• 1 Major Relocation: Alaska to Chicago to pursue creative growth
• Hundreds of Custom Designs: Created for clients throughout his tattoo career
• Countless Hours of Independent Practice: Developing artistic and technical skills

Additional Information

Iman Ali Tirmizi’s work is inspired by the belief that creativity grows from personal experience. Whether creating tattoos or paintings, he focuses on authenticity, observation, and meaningful storytelling. His artistic vision combines the quiet landscapes of his Alaskan upbringing with the energy and diversity of Chicago, resulting in work that feels both personal and universal.