Arnoldo Leonardo Carrillo

passed away

Saturday, December 16, 2024, in Austin Texas.

Arnoldo L Carrillo was born in Japan on October 6, 1954. As part of a military family, he grew up with seven sisters and had the opportunity to travel the world! He graduated from Sunnyside High School in 1972. Both his parents were born and raised in Tucson, Arizona and the family always called Tucson home. Arnoldo, along with three siblings, eventually chose to live in Austin Texas.

Arnoldo had the heart of an artist. His creativity and passion for quality art started with ballpoint pen drawing on paper and transitioned to drawing (tattooing) on the skin.

Austin, Texas tattoo artist, Arnoldo Carrillo, opened his one-man shop, Shades of Gray Dermagraphics, at 1304 E. 6th Street, #2, in 1992. Using creativity and having the ability to innately visualize movement and stretch over the human body, he enjoyed working with people to convey what they wanted emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Arnoldo complemented and beautified the body with the goal of honoring the client’s meaningful evolving piece.

In 1995 an article in a magazine, which featured his art, attention to detail, the necessity of the sterile environment, and his responsibility to keeping his client safe, caught the eye of a plastic surgeon in Austin and later led to his work with a plastic surgeon in the Dallas/Ft Worth area.

These professional relationships led to almost 30 years of working with women who had survived breast cancer by providing 3D nipple and areola tattooing. Over the years he developed a strong sense of fulfillment and was inspired by the strength of these women and the integrity of the professionals he worked with.

As part of his ongoing quest to improve himself, Arnoldo practiced the Tai Chi form daily on the shores of Town Lake or any natural spot he could find when he travelled. He further developed his skills with the Push Hands group on Sunday mornings at Pease Park.

Arnoldo is preceded in death by his father Arnold R Carrillo. He is survived by his Mother, Dolores J. Carrillo (Huerta), sisters Dolores H Carrillo, Alexandra Carrillo (James Lutz), Christina Carrillo (David Shrum), Teresa Carrillo (Sam Barrocas), Claudia Carrillo, Monica Carrillo (Dave Pringle), and Natalie Carrillo (Gabe Alvarez); Arnoldo’s partner, Terri Gomez Rice.

Arnoldo will be tremendously missed by his extended family including granddaughters, nieces, nephews, Tias, Tios, primos, and many friends.

A memorial gathering for Arnoldo will take place Sunday, January 19th from 12:00-3:30 at Fiesta Gardens Bldg, 2101 Jesse Segovia St, Austin, TX. Please come join us for a celebration of his life.