We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lisa Quine a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lisa, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on was my first public mural, which truly kickstarted my momentum in Cleveland. I painted it in the Gordon Square Arts District, an area known for its vibrant many small businesses. The mural features bright colors set against a black background, making them pop. Along the edge of the wall closest to the sidewalk, the words ‘Dream Big’ serve as a call to action—for myself, for the small businesses in the area, and for anyone who sees it. Surrounding the message, flowers and swirling patterns create a sense of movement and vibrancy. That mural became more than just a piece of art—it embodied my own journey. Since then, I have ‘dreamed big’ and gone on to paint or design over 100 murals.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

About Me and My Work:

I’m a mural artist and designer based in Cleveland, and my passion is transforming spaces with bold, vibrant art. My journey into this field began in childhood when I wanted to become a Disney animator. I eventually studied graphic design instead, but that led me to a love of typography and vintage illustration. A love of lettering gradually shifted into mural projects. Murals ignited my love for large-scale storytelling through art and set me on a path to creating meaningful, eye-catching murals across various communities. Since then, I’ve painted or designed over 130 murals, each with its own story and purpose.

In addition to murals, I’m currently designing a deck of cards, a project that allows me to merge my love for illustration with functional, collectible art. My work is all about creating pieces that inspire, energize, and connect with people on a personal level, all which a dream-like flair.

What I Offer & Problems I Solve

I specialize in custom murals for businesses, public spaces, and private clients who want to make a statement through art. My murals don’t just add color to walls—they tell stories, enhance branding, create welcoming environments, and bring people together. Whether it’s a small business wanting to stand out, a community space in need of revitalization, or a homeowner looking for a unique, artistic touch, I provide artwork that transforms ordinary spaces into something extraordinary. I love tapping into my graphic design background in order to transform unique brands into illustrative murals.

Beyond murals, my I also get to work on a number of design and illustration projects. I truly can’t sit still and love what I do!

What Sets Me Apart

I believe what makes my work unique is my ability to balance bold, high-energy visuals with deeper meaning. My murals often incorporate vibrant colors, movement, and positive messaging—whether it’s a call to action like “Dream Big” or a design that evokes a sense of joy and creativity. My work is heavily influenced by community and storytelling, but also my own personal interests such early 1900s artwork.

I also pride myself on being adaptable. Whether I’m working with a local coffee shop, a corporate client, or a neighborhood revitalization project, I bring a collaborative spirit to every project. My goal is to create something that resonates—not just visually, but emotionally and culturally.

What I’m Most Proud Of

One of my proudest achievements is seeing how my art impacts people. I’ve had individuals tell me that my murals brighten their daily commute, inspire them to chase their dreams, or make them feel connected to their neighborhood in a new way. That kind of feedback is what fuels my passion.

Another milestone is reaching over 100 murals—a number I never imagined when I started. Every project has been a stepping stone, pushing me to grow as an artist and storyteller.

What I Want People to Know

If you’re looking for bold, meaningful artwork that transforms spaces and sparks emotion, that’s what I love to create. My goal is to bring energy and inspiration to every piece I work on, whether it’s a towering mural in a city district or an intricately designed playing card.

For potential clients: I love collaborating and bringing visions to life, so if you have a wall that needs a story, let’s make it happen! And for fans and followers: thank you for supporting my journey—I can’t wait to keep creating and sharing with you.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

One of the biggest resources I wish I had prioritized earlier in my creative journey is mental health support. As a freelance artist, especially in the mural world, the physical and mental demands can be intense. Early on, I didn’t realize just how much stress and pressure I was putting on myself—balancing client expectations, tight deadlines, physically exhausting installations, and the unpredictability of freelance work.

During mural installations, I would experience panic attacks and mental breakdowns, something I wasn’t prepared for when I first started. The combination of high stakes, long hours, and perfectionism made it overwhelming at times. Looking back, I wish I had started therapy much sooner. Having professional guidance to navigate stress, anxiety, and self-imposed pressure would have helped me develop better coping mechanisms and a healthier work-life balance much earlier in my career.

For any artists or freelancers out there, I can’t stress enough how important it is to take care of your mental health. Whether it’s therapy, meditation, exercise, or simply setting boundaries with your work, prioritizing your well-being is just as crucial as refining your craft. Creativity thrives when you’re in a good mental space, and making your health a priority will only make your work stronger in the long run.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my career came when I became a mom of two young kids. Motherhood completely shifted how I approach my work-life balance, and while it was an adjustment, it turned out to be a win-win. I go from doing what I love—creating murals and artwork—to being with who I love, my family.

Before kids, I used to take on a high volume of projects, always pushing myself to do more. But after becoming a mom, I had to be intentional about how I spent my time. I simply couldn’t work at the same pace, and at first, that was a tough realization. However, slowing down has given me something I didn’t expect—the ability to be more selective about the projects I take on. Now, I focus on work that truly excites me, aligns with my values, and is worth the time away from my family.

This shift has helped me find a better balance between being an artist and being a mom. It’s no longer about taking every opportunity that comes my way—it’s about choosing the ones that are the best fit for my creative passion and my lifestyle. And in the end, that has made my work even more fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lisaquine.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa_quine/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaquine/