When Armando Flores was studying engineering in college, becoming a tattoo artist wasn't exactly part of the plan.
In fact, the person who first suggested it wasn't an artist, a tattoo shop owner, or even one of his classmates.
It was his mom.
She had noticed him constantly doodling between study sessions and casually suggested he look into tattooing. Armando laughed it off at first, but the idea stuck with him.
Eventually, his curiosity about tattooing turned into something much bigger. He left engineering behind, pursued art without a formal artistic background, and built a career creating colorful tattoos inspired by the anime he'd loved since childhood.
Today, Armando is an award-winning tattoo artist based in Las Vegas, and he's still approaching his career with the same excitement that got him started.
We caught up with Armando to learn more about his journey, his love for anime, and what keeps him excited about creating tattoos for fellow fans.
Did your mom really suggest tattooing?
Believe it or not, yes!
I was studying engineering in college, and my mom would see me doodling while I was supposed to be studying.
One day, she suggested that I become a tattoo artist.
I actually laughed because I was going to school for engineering. Tattooing wasn't something I was seriously considering as a career.
But after she mentioned it, I couldn't get the idea out of my head.
It's funny looking back because something that started as a random suggestion from my mom ended up changing my entire life.
What made tattooing click?
I remember seeing a portrait tattoo and then seeing these incredible Japanese traditional full-body tattoos.
That was what really caught my attention.
The idea that someone could take a piece of art and put it directly onto another person's skin was just awesome to me.
I'd been interested in art since I was a kid, but I hadn't really taken formal art classes growing up.
Once I started exploring tattooing, I wanted to learn more about how it all worked.
Eventually, I started taking art classes in college, moved away from engineering, and decided this was what I wanted to pursue.
Was leaving engineering scary?
Dude, honestly, I was mostly thinking about how much fun it was going to be!
Looking back, there were a lot of big decisions involved.
Changing my classes to focus on art, quitting my job, buying the equipment I needed, and eventually leaving college to pursue tattooing.
But at the time, I didn't really stop to overthink every decision.
I was excited about the opportunity to do something I loved.
And even now, if I could go back and make that decision again, I absolutely would.
It's still one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Where did your love for anime begin?
Anime has always been part of my life.
I grew up watching it, and even as a kid, I loved drawing characters like Goku and the characters from Saint Seiya.
I was always interested in anime conventions and other conventions where people shared those same interests.
Some of my favorite series are Gurren Lagann, Soul Eater, and Dragon Ball.
Being an anime fan isn't something that started when I became a tattoo artist. It's something I've always been into.
So getting to create colorful anime tattoos for other fans is pretty awesome.
What matters most in your tattoos?
My philosophy is pretty simple.
If I wouldn't wear it myself, I won't tattoo it.
I'm always thankful when someone trusts me enough to let me create something permanent for them. I don't take that lightly.
That's why I try to give every tattoo the best I can.
I enjoy working with color, especially when it comes to anime characters, but I also think the relationship with the collector is important.
Sometimes someone comes in with an idea, and once we meet in person and start talking, the design becomes even better.
I'll ask a few questions, get to know them a little, and understand what they're looking for.
Those conversations can make a big difference in the final piece.
How do you handle setbacks?
I've definitely had difficult moments throughout my career, especially financially.
But I was taught that when you come across a wall, you figure out how to go around it, over it, or under it.
I never really looked at those situations as something that could permanently stop me.
They're just another part of the process.
Once I have a goal in mind, that's what I'm focused on.
Every decision becomes another stepping stone toward getting there.
I don't think I've ever seriously considered quitting tattooing. Honestly, the only time that thought comes into my head is when someone asks me about it!
What makes a tattoo memorable?
For me, there isn't just one collector or one conversation that stands above everything else.
I've had so many amazing experiences with the people I've tattooed.
Everyone has their own story, and I always appreciate getting the opportunity to be part of it.
Sometimes the most interesting part of a tattoo isn't even the original design.
It's getting to know the person, asking questions, and figuring out how to make their idea work even better.
That's something I really enjoy about what I do.
What accomplishment stands out?
There have been a lot of moments I'm proud of, but one that definitely stands out is creating a tattoo that won both Best of Day and Best of Show.
That's a pretty awesome feeling.
As an artist, you're always working on your skills, trying new things, and looking for ways to improve.
Having your work recognized like that is exciting.
But I also appreciate all the collectors who've trusted me along the way.
Every tattoo is another opportunity to create something I'm proud of.
What keeps you inspired?
I'm still loving tattooing.
Even after everything I've experienced, I'm constantly challenging myself to learn more.
There's always another technique to improve, another idea to explore, or something different I can try.
I've never really approached tattooing like there's some final point where I'll know everything.
I just want to keep getting better and enjoying what I do.
That's really what it's always been about for me.
Meet Armando in the Chair
Armando's path into tattooing started with a suggestion from his mom and a curiosity about what was possible when art became something people could wear.
Today, that same excitement shows up in his colorful anime tattoos, his appreciation for the collectors who trust him, and his determination to keep improving with every piece.\
Want to Get Tattooed by Armando?
If you haven't booked with Armando yet and his work feels like the right fit for your next tattoo, we'd love to hear your idea.
