Armandean Tattoo

Over the course of this entire year, Armandean has been spending entire days stabbing me tens of millions of times, transforming me into a monstrous masterpiece. "Finalmente soy una obra maestra monstruosa."

I had been following Armandean's Art on Instagram for quite a while, but when I was finally ready for a new tattoo, I saw that he was coming to Seattle. It seemed like Fate. Not that I believe in such things. Or Anything, for that matter. His hyperrealism style is exactly what I wanted. And what piece did I want? A chest that had been ripped open to expose broken ribs and a beating heart. Not something most Tattoo artists could ever hope to pull off.

Even halfway complete from the first session, I absolutely loved it. I was hooked. The Renaissance style is my absolute favorite. My Mother's as well, she is an excellent artist too. These pieces would be seamless on the walls of the Sistine Chapel. Which we were fortunate enough to finally see. I haven't been brave enough to call Armandean "Mexican Michelangelo" yet. I'm 1/8 Mexican, that means I can say 1/8 of the questionable things I think out loud, right? I'm pretty sure that's how the math works. I try to catch as much as I can of what the tattoo artists at WWBA are saying in Spanish and I enjoy when Armandean schools me on some Mexican culture. It feels like a homage to my Dad and the Grandpa I never had the opportunity to meet. My family lost most of the culture, so my Dad and I embrace it when we can.

Then began the process of bringing my entire vision to life. I always have an insane, over the top idea, and Armandean has to argue with me and explain what's actually going to work and look good. We eventually compromise and it always turns out incredible. He is extremely humble and always willing to work with me, and for that I'm grateful. 🙏

I'm not entirely sure what inspired all of it, but the treasure gold on an arm of bones was certainly from the cursed skeleton crew of The Black Pearl pirate ship and the exposed heart was from Davey Jones's still beating heart locked away in a chest. Both from movies that instilled a sense of awe and adventure in my Stepdad and I at a formative time in my life. I think I just wanted the shredded skin and visceral muscle to accentuate the 25+ lbs of muscle I have relentlessly fought to gain every single day for the last 3 years. Believe it or not, I was much more of a toothpick than I am now.

As of writing this, I'm 48.5hrs of Actual Tattoo time from Armandean. TWO STRAIGHT DAYS!! of actually getting stabbed. And I am so incredibly pleased with the results. Half of me is covered in one-off Art Pieces from one of the World's best Artists. I am grateful to be a good canvas. The abs were interesting. I had to hold my breath every time he hit me with the needle so my stomach wouldn't move. That means you have to pay attention the entire time. It also means if you time your breathing wrong, you almost pass out from holding a partial breath for entirely too long. So far, the middle of my upper abs has been the worst spot. During the first Ab session, I actually tapped out at the very end of the day, in that spot. And Armandean kept going. The piece wasn't done and he's takes pride in his work. He wasn't going to let me leave like that. I think he enjoys hurting me sometimes, but I'm sure I deserve it.

He wasn't kidding about feeling like you're famous wearing one of his pieces. Every time I go out in public, I get compliments. It's wild. People notice. And people love them. When I die, I want them cut off and framed. Then auctioned off for my family or charity or something. That would be rad AF. 🤘🤘

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