We were lucky to catch up with Marisa Lee recently and have shared our conversation below.
Marisa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?
The first tattoo I was able to do and earn money from was an illustration of a dripping strawberry. It was from my first flash sheet I shared on social media (@marisamlee). Once I did the proper outreach, I was able to have one of my friends let me tattoo her. She trusted me enough to let me tattoo a part of her arm and I am so grateful for that. We worked previously together at my first job in LA. I was a line cook at a coffee shop and I used to draw everyday after work in the cafe. So my coworkers were very supportive of this dream I was building, the journey I was on.
I drew the strawberry while I was traveling on the subway in New York. I’m always looking at signs and ads. I noticed the photography of one of the subway ads, so I decided to draw what I saw around me. I tend to do this drawing exercise for 2 reasons: when I don’t know what else to draw and when I just need to be present, calm down if I am feeling anxious. Simply noticing my surroundings is something I tie into my work for that reason. This illustration in my sketchbook lead to a whole flash sheet that I felt very proud of for the first time.
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.
I am an illustrative tattoo artist based in Los Angeles, CA. Originally I am from the bay area born and raised. I have a degree in fashion design and certification in UX Design as well. What excites me the most is how drawing everyday helps me express emotions that others can relate to or make up their own story to process something in your own life. No matter the storm of things that are happening with the business that I am running, I remember to draw everyday. That’s something I cherish so much about tattooing. It is grounding.
Every week I drop new flash sheets which you can see at marisalee.com and a new color I will be offering is red outside of my blackwork. My tattoo designs are whimsical and clean. If you have a tattoo you need to cover up, I can create a custom tattoo for you to help you cover up your tattoo.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Here are some recommendations:
Podcasts
Make Art Not Content
Reset with Liz Tran
Creative Pep Talk
Books
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Youtube Videos:
Jim Carrey’s Eye Opening Speech – Best MOTIVATION EVER 2021
Fashion Designer to UX Designer | Be with Marisa Lee Podcast | EP.4 w subtitles
Hardships of Starting a Clothing Brand | Podcast Episode 2 | Be with Marisa Lee | Subtitles
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Recently I have been tattooing at markets, and I enjoy the interaction with people flipping through one of my zines, looking at my flash board, or getting a sticker. I enjoy seeing people’s reaction when I hand out my clown stickers specifically. There always seems to be delight and nostalgia in the person’s eyes.
Being an artist means I get to be cooped up in my studio working on art. Which is a blessing since I am an introverted extrovert. But I do enjoy being around people in a space where there’s art. Then everybody is feeling an emotion from looking at the art and sometimes there doesn’t even need to be words spoken. That’s why I love going out to galleries and hopping around. Usually I’ll try to visit 1-2 galleries when I can.
Personally I feel really proud the most reward when my illustrations are capable of being used in different forms. Say I do a tattoo and then I am also able to turn that illustration into a sticker or on to a t-shirt. Then I’m able to bring it to life in several ways and also share my art with the world in more ways than one.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marisamlee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marisamlee/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@marisamlee/featured
Image Credits
Marisa Lee Photo