Meet Lexi Martinez | Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lexi Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lexi, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
The single most important decision that I have made thus far in my career is surrounding myself with support. Without the help of those closest to me, I wouldn’t have been pushed to take this leap. So much hard work and dedication went into my decision of pursuing tattooing full-time, considering I am very young. As an artist, you are always putting yourself down, thinking you could’ve done better. But with the encouragement of family and friends, I find myself getting back up and reaching further.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being so young in the tattoo industry has its challenges. It’s daunting to put your work out there for all to see. There’s always the fear of being put down about your creation, whether it’s from a random on the internet or a fellow artist. There’s also the issue of money, and what you do if you aren’t receiving any business. Especially with trade work, you sometimes are not guaranteed a steady job flow.

Many people don’t realize how much work goes into becoming a tattoo artist. With my mentor and I being in a private studio, we are in charge of supplies, cleanliness, and gaining our clientele. It is especially difficult for women to get a start in this field. Apprenticeship offers are few and far if you do not have a solid skill in art, and you are pushed to your limits during this time. But, if you have the drive and motivation to succeed, you will absolutely find your place in the industry.

With that being said, I absolutely love my job, even the gritty parts of it. My goal is to provide my clients a comfortable space to express themselves. I want them to sit in my chair and know that someone will listen. In my short time, I have created so many special pieces for those who have put their trust in me. I’m excited to keep building my career, as well as my talent.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I definitely spend a lot of time in Downtown Colorado Springs. With so many shopping and food choices, it’s hard not to take a trip. My favorite local shops include Cronk Art and Curiosities, Poor Richard’s Bookstore, and Rocky Mountain Soap Market.

If you’re looking for something new to try, I can recommend Coati, Dos Santos, and East Coast Deli for a tasty bite with a cool atmosphere. If you need a sweet treat, Frozen Gold and Cacao Chemistry are great places to visit.

Art wise, there are so many murals littered around Downtown. My personal favorite is the pink banana cat painted by Cymon Padilla. Another great place to stop from some art is the True North Art Gallery. There are so many fun pieces to explore, and who knows, you might find your new favorite artist there.

It would be wrong not to mention any body mod or tattoo shops. I have gotten most of my piercings from Heart of Gold. The piercer there is amazing and takes so much care into creating a piercing based on your anatomy. I haven’t been tattooed Downtown as of yet, but I have heard so many great things about the shops down there. You can walk into any of these places and leave with amazing work!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am dedicating this Shoutout to my amazing mentor, Maddie Pflugh. Without her, I wouldn’t have been a tattoo artist in the first place. She took a chance on a fresh-out-of-high-school student and gave me the tools to succeed. Years ago, she was in the same place as I am currently. Now, she has her own studio and is booked for months on end! Maddie is a beautiful person inside and out, and I have an extensive amount of gratitude towards her.

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