Mexican guy Armando Munoz is one of the big names creating art at ‘Inknation Studio’ in New York City. Just a simple advice: don’t ask him to tattoo lions or pocket watches…
Tell me the truth: do you prefer that I call you Armando or Armandean?
I think right now I am more Armandean than Armando (laughs), but both names are ok!
By the way, how did your stage name come about? I suppose is a mash-up between “Armando” and “Dean”, right?
It’s a long story. My friends and family in Mexico always called me “Armandin” and since I was a kid I was obsessed with paranormal stories and horror movies. I recall reading the story of Hollywood actor James Dean, his Porsche Spider car called “Little Bastard” and the legend around his death.
That story about fans that went over the highway where he had the accident that led him to his death to collect part of the car, as tokens. The legend says that everyone that had a token had a fatal death.
I thought it was a cool story so I decided to change the “din” for “dean” and that is how Armandean came up.
I know that your very first approach to tattoo art was a “cover up” you made at age 21 for a friend of yours. Do you remember what the original subject of that tattoo was and what you turned it into?
Yes, it was the logo of the Volcom clothing brand! My friend got the tattoo that same day and he was not happy with the result. It was just hours after he got it when he came to me asking for help. I remember I fixed the lines of the logo, added some blue shading inside the logo and finally added a flame on top of it. That is how it all began.
Was your father one of your greatest teachers who led you to the world of tattooing?
I think my dad was a big influence that encouraged me to start drawing and painting. He would make these murals on our bedrooms, me and my sister’s. For me it was a great motivation to keep our creativity rolling and, as long as we grew up, he would paint over the Disney Mural to add something from Saint Seiya, then Dragon Ball and so on. But the world of tattooing I think it was more a self-motivation thing.
I was self-taught at the beginning and eventually learning from other artists with the pass of time.
So did you meet other important people you would like to thank here?
Yeah, the tattoo, like any other type of art, is a path where you are always finding new things, because I’m continuously learning from my colleagues. I would like to mention Leonardo Rojas (IG: @leorojastattoos), Javhier Estrada (IG: @jestradah), Eddie Jimenez (IG: @eddie__jimenez), Zhimpa Moreno (IG: @zhimpamoreno), Darwin Enriquez (IG: @darwinenriquez) and Roberto Carlos Sanchez Mesa (IG: @robertocarlosart_tattoo), because they have shown a genuine interest in helping me improve my art, share their knowledge, and help me take a better path in my art.
Your style is – they say – “a combination of Realism and contemporary art, inspired by the city of New York and its dark and vibrant colors”. I would also add that expressiveness and character compel the viewer to look at tattoos that really seem to be able to stare at you. What do you think?
Something that I am always trying to express in my tattoos is a “duality”, using dark and vibrant colors. I like to use opposite and complementary elements, like “good” and “evil” and create a composition that at first sight can create a good impact. A whole piece that can be easily “read”.
How important is the Mexican nation in the imagery of your art?
While my primary artistic style may not directly reflect Mexican themes, I am very proud of my Mexican heritage. Mexico, the place of my birth and upbringing, is the foundation of my identity. Although my artistic style does not show it, I cherish the opportunity to create tattoos that honor my homeland, such as the flag motif that you can look on my Instagram (@armandean). These pieces serve as a reminder, both to my fellow countrymen and to myself, of the extraordinary beauty and richness that encapsulate Mexico.
Do you think you have a sort of “comfort zone”, a situation where you can be completely focused, while you’re tattooing?
I think that my comfort zone is when I have full creative freedom. Comfort is when the client is confident in my art and lets me create the interpretation of their idea in my words. They trust in me and that confidence transfers to me, I can work more relaxed and happier to create a unique piece for them.
If you had the famous three wishes to express in relation solely to your tattooing profession, what would they be?
First wish would be to have more time to achieve my artistic goals. Second wish would be to tattoo only my original pieces. And final wish would be that people stop getting lion tattoos! (laughs)
Honestly, what does it mean to you to work on a daily basis and deal with all the amazing art that circulates in such a special place like ‘Inknation Studio NYC’ in the Big Apple?
I think the meaning of “work” has been lost with the pass of time and for me it’s a blessing to do what I love for a living, which is tattooing. I could possibly consider “work” when I am asked to do lions and pocket watches! (laughs again) Being at ‘Inknation Studio NYC’ (IG: @inknationstudio) for me it’s more than just a tattoo studio/parlor.
It’s like going to college, a place where I feel like I am student learning from the best.
I cherish every moment to see what my colleagues are doing, using (in terms of materials or software), or designing. We share our ideas, techniques, healed pieces, and discoveries together.
We are all in an environment focused on sharing information, to be better every day and help each other. Being part of this team in one of the most important cities in the world – New York City – seems surreal sometimes but I really appreciate being part of it!
Can you reveal the tattoo conventions and prestigious guest spots you will be attending next fall?
I will be visiting some conventions in United States this year, the conventions of Cincinnati and New Jersey, organized by Villain Arts (IG: @villainarts) and the ‘The New York Tattoo Convention’ (IG: @thenewyorktattooconvention) organized by Donal Cranny. I also have a couple of invitations to go to Europe next year, like the ‘Milano Tattoo Convention’ (IG: @milanotattooconvention), which is one of my favorites. I am also looking forward to attending the ‘Gods Of Ink/Frankfurt Tattoo Convention’ (IG: @godsofinktattooconvention) organized by Miki Vialetto and the ‘Tattoo Planetarium’ (IG: @tattooplanetarium) by Tin Tin.‘Gods of Ink’ and ‘Tattoo Planetarium’ are two of the greatest conventions in the world and it would be amazing to participate.
And your last famous words are… ?
The most epic tattoos are the ones where the tattoo artists channel their true creative essence, and the clients become canvases willing to carry that unique art forever.
And about lions and pocket watches tattoo subjects…?
Well, the lions are the risk of extinction and the pocket watches are sold out. Let’s be more creative! (laughs)
