Convention Connection: Anthony Montemayor Opened a Tattoo Shop in a Drive-Through, and It’s Still Going 30 Years Later
Anthony Montemayor was tattooing before he finished high school. Clients would page him at school, and he’d go downstairs to call them back. About 32 years later, he owns Archangel Tattoo in San Antonio, a tattoo shop that has stayed at the same address for 30 years. The building used to be a drive-through burger joint. Now his son tattoos there too.
We sat down with Anthony at the Texas Tattoo Show for Convention Connection, alongside co-host Chico Cortez. Anthony co-founded the show and ran the Alamo City Tattoo Show for more than a decade before that.
Key Takeaways
An early start: Anthony began tattooing in high school at a flea market tattoo shop that no longer exists.
30 years, one address: Archangel Tattoo has been at 2970 Pat Booker Road in San Antonio for 30 years.
Word of mouth: Anthony still hands out flyers and says the best advertising is a great tattoo someone else sees.
Conventions built by tattooers: He co-founded the Texas Tattoo Show with three fellow tattooers he trusts.
A family legacy: His son now tattoos at Archangel and is carrying the craft forward.
Who is Anthony Montemayor?
Anthony Montemayor is a San Antonio Tattoo Artist, the owner of Archangel Tattoo, and a co-founder of the Texas Tattoo Show.
He started tattooing about 32 years ago at a flea market. The man who ran the tattoo shop there went to prison but needed it to stay open. Anthony and others kept it running so he could earn commissary money. Anthony was still in high school at the time.
He later met the people who became his partners at Archangel Tattoo, and they opened the shop together.
He still calls himself a tattooer at heart, a craftsman first. Looking back, he says he’s been blessed since day one, and that tattooing saved his life.
Why did he open a Tattoo Shop in a drive-through?
Archangel Tattoo sits in a building that used to be a drive-through burger joint.
People made fun of it at first. They called it “the drive-through tattoo shop.” But the jokes worked in Anthony’s favor. The teasing made people curious, and they wanted to see what it was about.
As he puts it, that’s when they say hate is great. At least people were talking about it.
The lesson for aspiring Tattoo Artists is that an unusual setting isn’t a dealbreaker. What keeps people coming back is the work and the experience.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait for the perfect setup. Anthony’s tattoo shop became memorable because it was different.
How has the shop lasted 30 years?
Archangel Tattoo has lasted through consistency, word of mouth, and a team that works well together.
Same place, same commitment: The tattoo shop has stayed at 2970 Pat Booker Road for 30 years.
Word of mouth: Anthony says the best advertising is when someone sees a tattoo they love and wants to visit the person who did it.
Old-school marketing: He still hands out flyers, and some clients still reach him that way.
Long-term thinking: Anthony says newer Tattoo Artists sometimes tell him he’s wrong about trends. His response is that they haven’t seen their tattoos heal over 30 years yet.
A strong team: Everyone at the shop gets along with his son, who’s bringing fresh ideas.
Safety matters too. Every professional tattoo shop follows OSHA bloodborne pathogens standards to protect clients and Tattoo Artists.
What can you learn from Anthony's story?
Anthony’s story shows that lasting careers are built over decades, not overnight.
He started young and kept showing up. He stayed in one place long enough for his reputation to grow. And he’s now passing the craft to the next generation.
Working with his son is a highlight. Anthony says he has the best job in the world because he gets to watch him grow. His son recently did his first portrait at the show, a Joker piece.
Anthony believes his son will surpass him and carry on the legacy he started 30 years ago. His son is also trying new approaches, like social media advertising. Anthony admits he’s a little old-fashioned, but he sees the value in it.
Why do tattoo conventions matter to your career?
Tattoo conventions bring Tattoo Artists together, and many friendships in this industry start on the convention floor.
In 2005, Anthony started the Alamo City Tattoo Show, which ran for 13 or 14 years. After those partners went their separate ways, he teamed up with Alex, Aubrey, and Don to create the Texas Tattoo Show. He describes it as four tattooers coming together with trust.
They did it because they care about where the industry is heading. The goal is simple: have a good time, see friends, and enjoy each other’s company for a weekend.
Chico Cortez shared a similar view. He says some of the best connections of his life started by talking to someone at a convention. You get tattooed by them, spend time with them, and they become family.
Chico and Anthony first crossed paths about 16 years ago in Miami. Chico recognized him at the show by a tattoo he’d watched Anthony get years earlier. As Chico says, it’s a very small community in a very big industry.
He also believes conventions should be run by people who care about tattooing. Given the choice, he says he’ll pick San Antonio conventions for the warm Texas hospitality.
How do you start your own tattoo journey?
You start by committing to real training, learning the fundamentals, and building your reputation one tattoo at a time.
Step 1: Make the decision. Anthony started young and never looked back. Treat tattooing as a career, not a hobby.
Step 2: Learn from experienced Tattoo Artists. A structured tattoo apprenticeship gives you guidance from Mentors who know the craft.
Step 3: Master the fundamentals. Drawing, line work, machine handling, and safety come first.
Step 4: Practice under supervision. Build real experience with feedback at every stage.
Step 5: Build your reputation. Like Anthony, let your work speak for itself. Word of mouth grows from tattoos that heal well.
Many people now see a tattoo apprenticeship as a college alternative. It’s a hands-on skill and an AI-proof career.
What is the Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship?
The Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is an 18 to 24 month, four-phase tattoo apprenticeship that takes beginners to job-ready Tattoo Artists with licensing support.
Ink Different has trained Tattoo Artists for 15 years. Here’s what you can expect:
Hands-on training: You learn in person from experienced Mentors inside a working tattoo studio.
Beginner-friendly: No prior experience required. You’ll start with the fundamentals and the tools every beginner Tattoo Artist should know.
Licensing support: Guidance through your state’s requirements.
A guaranteed job offer: You’ll receive a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s tattoo studios.
This is a career that comes with confidence. You’ll finish with job-ready skills, licensing support, and a guaranteed job offer at one of Ink Different’s tattoo studios.
Remember: Seats are limited, with only two apprentices per tattoo studio per Mentor.
What is the Master Mentorship program?
Once you’ve built your foundation, you can keep growing with Ink Different’s Master Mentors. They include Al Fliction, Liz Cook, Kyle Dunbar, Boneface, and Jordi Pla.
Learning from Tattoo Artists at that level sharpens your technique, your style, and your business sense.
Ink Different also offers Spanish-speaking locations in Denver, Orange County, New York City, Miami, San Antonio, and San Diego. You’ll join a “Good Humans” culture, a supportive community where you’re never building alone.
Ready to become a Tattoo Artist?
Anthony Montemayor started tattooing in high school and built a tattoo shop that has lasted 30 years in a former drive-through. Now he’s watching his son carry that legacy forward.
Ready to become a Tattoo Artist? Apply now to Ink Different's Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship and start building an AI-proof career with licensing support and a guaranteed job offer. Prefer to explore first? Fill out our quick questionnaire for personalized support and to find out if our Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Anthony Montemayor been tattooing?
About 32 years. He started in high school and has owned Archangel Tattoo at the same San Antonio address for 30 years.
How can I follow Anthony Montemayor and Chico Cortez?
Follow Anthony on Instagram at @montemayor_anthony75 and Chico at @m4l_chico. You can also follow the Texas Tattoo Show.
How long does it take to become a Tattoo Artist?
Ink Different’s Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship takes 18 to 24 months across four phases.
Do I need prior art experience to start a tattoo apprenticeship?
No. The Traditional Tattoo Apprenticeship is built for beginners and teaches drawing, line work, machine handling, and safety.
What makes Ink Different different from a tattoo school?
Ink Different offers in-person mentorship, access to Master Mentors, a guaranteed job offer, 15 years of experience, and a “Good Humans” culture.
Do you offer training for Spanish speakers?
Yes. Ink Different has Spanish-speaking locations in Denver, Orange County, New York City, Miami, San Antonio, and San Diego.
