Meet Armando Munoz | Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Armando Munoz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Armando, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
Undoubtedly, the most challenging decision I’ve ever made has been to start from scratch, leaving my home country in pursuit of what might be a better, new life. This decision is fraught with uncertainty, not knowing what the future holds. It involves leaving behind all the achievements and efforts amassed over many years, at a time when I felt I had reached a stable situation. It’s a step out of my comfort zone, with the hope that everything will improve. It’s akin to playing Russian roulette: one never knows what to expect, whether the gamble will bring rewards or result in a total loss. This choice has been extraordinarily difficult, and sometimes I still wonder if it was the right one.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I understand that to many, my story might seem like just another tale of privilege. However, the full background of my journey is often unknown. I’ve been a tattoo artist for 10 years, but like many Mexicans, I started working as a child. At 13, I had a part-time job working in construction with my grandfather. By 18, the legal age for work, I began my first job at an amusement park. Becoming a father at 21, I recall times when I didn’t even have enough to eat, which led me to wash car windshields at traffic lights.

Despite these challenges, my constant effort towards my passion is what I’m most proud of. I’ve always put my family first, even if it meant sacrificing my own needs. It’s amusing to think, at this point in life, that the challenges never end. It’s like advancing through levels of Super Mario Bros – just when you think you’ve saved the Princess, Bowser takes her to another castle, and a new adventure begins.

Of course, I know there are many more talented people out there. My pride comes from achieving what I have through my own efforts, without any formal art education, being self-taught and researching everything on my own. I’m fulfilling a dream I had since I was eight years old: to live in New York.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I believe if I were to take my friend back to a specific moment in history, I would start at my grandfather’s taco stand. He ran a small taqueria on the corner, opening at six in the evening and closing well past midnight. I remember helping him set up the stand before heading home. That day stands out because he gave me some tacos to take with me. Upon reaching home, my neighbor came over, knocking on my door with a tattoo machine inside a shoebox. It was my first time seeing one, and his first time handling it. He brought it to me, thinking I could fix his tattoo since I was known for my drawing skills. That day was pivotal, as it marked my first physical encounter with what has now become my life.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Throughout my journey, I have many people to thank. First, to those who offered negative feedback; rather than disheartening me, their words became a catalyst, pushing me to prove to myself and them that I could excel in precisely what they said I couldn’t. I’m also grateful to many genuine-hearted tattoo artists who, expecting nothing in return, freely shared their advice, hoping to see me genuinely improve. However, the most significant acknowledgment is reserved for my wife, Mónica Martínez. She has been my pillar of emotional support, the listener to my complaints about the industry and daily life, and the inspiration behind many achievements, largely based on her wise counsel.

Website: www.armandean.com

Instagram: @armandean

Twitter: @armandean

Facebook: /armandeantattoo

Youtube: @armandeantattoo