Connect
To Top

Meet Lisa-Marie Winter of Cardiff Giant Tattoo in Downtown Phoenix

Avatar photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa-Marie Winter.

Lisa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Tattooing has always been something of a curiosity for me. I knew from a young age that I wanted to participate in it somehow, whether it be collecting, tattooing, or just being a receptionist at a shop! I grew up in a time where tattooing was already starting to be pretty accepted in pop culture but was still widely looked down on in most professional settings, so this dichotomy intrigued me. I was encouraged for a long time to not pursue my art as a career, as most know, the term “starving artist” doesn’t come from nothing. Having had experience in the medical field as well as having worked my way through a few corporate positions, it may have been a more practical idea to stick with what I was doing, collect my checks and my 401K, and stick to the plan; but something about that idea never sat well with me. I knew I had to make a change, but I also knew good things never came easy, and so I set off on what would become my two year long roller coaster ride of finding an apprenticeship. Three years if you want to include the roller coaster that was the apprenticeship itself. In the end, I was able to graduate and found myself working at one of the most wonderful creative environments in the heart of Phoenix. These last few years have been truly humbling– while I look back and see a clear progression from the start of this journey to now, I know it hasn’t come without its struggles and hard work, and I know that this is only the beginning. No time to sit back now!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think there are a lot of struggles that come inherently with being a full time artist that many people don’t realize. I see so many people struggle to be able to make art as a full time source of income, and I have a feeling that often happens when they have no prior experience working independently. When most people hear terms like “working for yourself” and “being your boss”, it conjures images of freedom and power, but what most people don’t consider is that you don’t get to be the cool boss with yourself because the cool boss gets nothing done. That person at work that always bugs you to get the task done… Well, now that has to be you. Not so fun now, huh? Haha!

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’d like to take this time to shout out of my shop! I work hard independently to build my skills as an artist and to grow a loyal clientele, but if I didn’t have such a creative and open environment to work in, I know it just wouldn’t be the same! Cardiff Giant Tattoo has a wonderful team of artist that is friendly, knowledgeable, and talented! Between all of us at the shop, there is no style of tattooing we cannot handle! I learn from the people that I work with each and every day because we’re always pushing each other to do better. My favorite thing about Cardiff is that it’s not just a tattoo shop, its a collective! Not only do we offer quality tattoos and piercings, but we are also home to an open art gallery, a music and poetry venue, and many fundraising events partnered with local non-profits! Whether its a small gathering of people wanting to practice painting, or a huge party to spread awareness for your cause, our space is as much for the community as it is for us!

What were you like growing up?
My family will tell you that I was a wildly creative child, and as I started to grow up, teenage angst took over and seemingly never let go. This is probably the story for many artists, especially tattooers, Haha! I like to believe that a lot of great art is fueled by pain, and I’m grateful to have always had it as an outlet in my life. If you had told the younger version of myself about the kinds of things I get to do for work today, I would have never believed you!

Pricing:

  • Standard Approximate Hourly Rate for Tattooing- $100/hr

Contact Info:

Suggest a story: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Related Items

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in