Daily Inspiration: Meet Lexi Martinez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lexi Martinez.

Hi Lexi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my tattoo journey in October of 2023. I had an incredible opportunity to earn an apprenticeship with Mad Ink by Stripes, an established fine-line artist. I have wanted to pursue a career in tattooing ever since I was a kid, and always had a knack for art.

Over these last few years I have put lots of time and dedication into this craft. I first started out by joining my mentor during her sessions and surveying her work. During these first few months, I would set up each session and work on some mock tattoo designs while I watched. As I grew more confident in my art, I was able to use a practice machine and bring my art to life on fake skin! While the first couple tries were rough, I kept at it until I was finally able to take my work to a willing client.

My first client was my dad and I can remember how nervous I was. That feeling never goes away, but seeing my client’s reactions to their new ink always helps me to keep improving. I’m currently about to graduate my apprenticship, but that doesn’t mean the practice ever stops! I am so excited to be where I am today and to keep reaching others with my art.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Tattooing is a very demanding career, both physically and mentally. There’s a long to-do list when first starting out- that includes everything from stocking your supplies to applying for certificates and licenses. It was pretty costly when I began but everything that I needed was a necessity.

Beside the money aspect of tattooing, it’s always nervewracking knowing that you are about to permanently alter someone’s skin. There are days where I am extremely anxious for an appointment, but I am always constantly reminding myself that my skill matches where I am currently. I try my best to not take on jobs that are out of my skill level and always remind others that I am still learning and am grateful for the chance to tattoo them.

There’s also the difficulty of relying on social media to get your name out there. I find it challenging to keep a consistent posting schedule to keep my business relevent. I have some posts that will do well, and then others barely pass across anyone’s feed. I’ll even have a week during the month where my views are extremely high, only for them to drop quite a bit after a few days. It’s daunting to put yourself out there and you never know the response you’ll get.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am very lucky to say that I am a tattoo artist! I tend to specialize in fine-line and black and grey tattoos. My mentor specializes in fine-line work, so I have learned most of my techniques from her. I haven’t been tattooing for too long, but I am extremely proud of how far my work has come. That goes for my art as well. I love looking back and seeing how much my work has improved. I’ll even redraw some pieces just to show that my skill is constantly evolving.

Both my mentor and I strive for creating a comfortable tattoo space. We want our clients to be able to relax (well, as much as they can while being poked) and feel safe in our chairs. I always want my clients to be able to open up and enjoy their experience. I absolutely love my job and I always hope that my work is a pleasant memory for those who come in to see me.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
As a kid, I was reserved and artistic. I was always content with playing by myself or hiding away with a craft. There was never a time where I was not creating, either with art or music. I enjoyed everything from simple coloring books to pottery.

I’ve always had interest in more alternative things. Whether it be music or art, it always needs a gothy touch for me to like it. I think that defintely had a part in me wanting to tattoo, as that scene has continously interested me. I became fond of watching tattoo shows and videos. Both my parents are relatively pretty tattooed, so I recognized that tattoos were an amazing way to express yourself. I would draw on myself or friends at school whenever we were bored, and I have even tattooed a few of those people today!

I’m a pretty big nerd as well. I tend to gravitate towards the more horror/creepy adjacent media, which is funny, as I tend to tattoo more delicate designs. I can proudly say that it was never a phase!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://webteam.my.canva.site/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_delicate.ink
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Hrfww8qnj/