About the shop

Black rhino tattoos

My name is Igor Montano, Owner/Artist at Black Rhino Tattoos in Las Vegas. I'd like to share a bit about how we came to be a recognized name in tattooing and where it all began. 

For many years, and early into my career as an artist, I had a small dream to open a Tattoo Shop. I wanted it to be a place where the most experienced of clients, and the least experienced of clients could both feel welcome and make their tattoo experience amazing. Then in the middle of 2019, I decided to take the first steps towards making it a reality. Nobody could have anticipated the challenges this would present as the world had not foreseen the pandemic coming to affect small businesses everywhere. 

In February of 2020, I secured a lease for a small 640 sq foot location near Nellis Blvd and Sahara Ave. Within a week of signing a lease, the global pandemic took hold, and non-essential businesses everywhere were shut down so the dream appeared to be crushed. Nevertheless, the process had to continue as I found myself, and my wife at the time locked into a legally binding lease. Needless to say, this was concerning as city building permits and county licensing stopped providing new businesses with licensing due to the shutdown. 

The only thing I could do was press on. It was a stressful time in life, but nothing could have prepared me for the journey it would be. Several months after the shutdown, rumors began to circulate that licensing would once again be available. I had already filled out insane amounts of paperwork in anticipation of this happening, so when it did I would be ready to submit everything required.

The moment licensing departments reopened, everything was submitted and construction of the shop began after many filing corrections and delays due to my own inexperience. I was on a seriously stressful time crunch! Days were excruciatingly long and difficult. But somehow with the help of friends and family, the shop was completed in time to be opened in the summer of 2020. 

The starting team was just me and my former wife, but we soon began the hiring process for additional artists. Nothing could have prepared me for the growth that would take place so quickly! Within the first year, the team at Black Rhino outgrew the location and needed more space! So the process I was now familiar with, began again. This time, it was done without filing errors and was a very smooth sail to the finish line. The next chapter of Black Rhino Tattoos had commenced.

In the latter part of 2022, the flagship location of Black Rhino opened up and now featured additional artists that brought to it more versatility, and the ability to service more clients. The bond that was to be formed between the team was and has been truly astounding. The shop is our home away from home, and the sanctuary where we all come together to improve the craft we love so much – Making Art and Making Tattoos.

On behalf of myself, Alex Araiza, Dawn Sabados, Joshua Barrera, Mickey Hancock, Janessa Urbano, Elizabeth Sosa, and Nina Gately we want to say thank you for the continued trust and privilege of tattooing you. We love that every day we get the ability to create and cannot express the gratitude we have towards our amazing clients for giving us the opportunity to service you for your tattoo needs. We look forward to continuing to work with the community of Las Vegas and clients throughout the country and the world. Come by and see us, and experience getting a tattoo from one of our many talented and dedicated Artists.