\u201cThe keys to the game for the Broncos is first downs, no penalties and score, score, score,\u201d he said, donning a Peyton Manning jersey.<\/p>\n
To show his team spirit, forever, Sanchez was tattooed on his left forearm with the Denver Broncos logo on Tuesday. He received the permanent five-color memorial from artist and nephew Robert Smith, who has owned and operated the Slangin\u2019 Ink Tattoo Parlor on Main Street in downtown Cortez since 2005.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll still be a Bronco fan,\u201d said Sanchez, whether Denver wins or losses.<\/p>\n
Minutes after sitting in the chair, Sanchez said he loves that tattoos allow him to express his individuality.<\/p>\n
The worst part of modifying his body with indelible ink was the sheer anticipation.<\/p>\n
Even with five previous tattoos, knowing that needles were about to puncture his skin was dreadful, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh boy,\u201d he sighed as the coil electric tattoo machine started buzzing. \u201cI said I wasn\u2019t going to get another one.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you ready?\u201d Smith asked, grasping Sanchez\u2019 arm to stabilize the living canvas.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs ready as I\u2019ll ever be,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n
With black plastic gloves, Smith started by applying blue ink to a stenciled outline of the logo.<\/p>\n
A few minutes into the 45-minute process, Sanchez grimaced, then exhaled.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou OK?\u201d Smith inquired.<\/p>\n
Sanchez nodded.<\/p>\n
On a lunch break, his father, Andy Sanchez, Sr., stuck his head into the tattoo parlor.<\/p>\n
\u201cI came over to see if he was going to cry,\u201d Dad said with a chuckle.<\/p>\n
The family has been longtime Denver fans, the elder Sanchez said. Like his son, Sanchez Sr., too, predicted a Broncos Super Bowl victory.<\/p>\n
\u201cDang,\u201d interrupted Sanchez, Jr., in obvious pain. \u201cThat\u2019s the spot.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hunched over, diligently focused, Smith leaned up to briefly pause from his creative endeavor. Sanchez again sighed deeply.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will all be worth it when it\u2019s done,\u201d he added, taking a smart phone photo of the work in progress.<\/p>\n
After receiving his first tattoo equipment from a relative, Smith said he taught himself how to insert ink into the dermis layer of the skin.<\/p>\n
It was a struggle, he admitted.<\/p>\n
\u201cGrowing up here in Cortez, there weren\u2019t any tattoo artist in town to apprentice under,\u201d he explained. \u201cI even tattooed my legs a couple of times just to practice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Covered with tattooed arm sleeves today, Smith said he picked up techniques over the years from those artists who tattooed him.<\/p>\n
Since opening his own parlor, Smith said he\u2019s been able to build a loyal customer base, a base that developed, because he cares, Smith said.<\/p>\n
When advising his customers, Smith first reminds people that tattoos last forever, and second; he attempts to ensure the design is something the customer really wants. Smith also warns strongly about placement, especially when customers request neck or face tattoos.<\/p>\n
\u201cI try to steer customers away from making regrettable choices,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
A half-hour into the tattoo process, Smith was incorporating the colors of the Colorado state into the Broncos logo. For Sanchez, endorphins had taken over helping to alleviate his earlier pain and stress.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not as bad as I thought it would be,\u201d he said. \u201cThe numbness is going away.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m going to take a nap,\u201d he added, readjusting in the chair.<\/p>\n
About 10 minutes later, Smith had completed the tattoo.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s it,\u201d he said, wiping away excess ink. \u201cYour fix is over.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDamn,\u201d exclaimed Sanchez, examining the fresh tattoo. \u201cI like it a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s cool.\u201d<\/p>\n
To ensure the tattoo heals properly, Smith advised Sanchez to keep the tattoo clean with soap and water.<\/p>\n
He also instructed his uncle to keep the tattoo, like any other minor abrasion, bandaged to protect it against infection.<\/p>\n
Sanchez beamed and applauded his nephew\u2019s tattoo skills.<\/p>\n
And come Sunday, the tattoo should be nearly healed, just in time to celebrate with the Broncos.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to come back and get the Super Bowl trophy tattooed next,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n