Small Details, Big Dreams: The “Free Entry” Hustle that Started It All

If you need to reach me for pinstriping or custom art you can call me at +1 (602) 397-7134 email me at info@astripe.com. I am located in the Phoenix Metro Area and I do mobile service too.

Welcome

I want to tell you a story about how I got started with all this pinstriping and custom art stuff. People always ask me how I got such a steady hand and how I can do such small details on a big car or a motorcycle and the truth is it all started with tiny plastic cars. When I was just a kid my uncle Caco introduced me to model car building and that really changed my life forever. He showed me how to take these little kits and put them together, but I didn't just want to build them like the instructions said I wanted them to look like the real hot rods I saw on the street. I started painting them and then I started trying to pinstripe them with a tiny brush. It gave me a lot of skill and taught me all about small detail which is a huge part of what I do today at Tony's Pinstriping.

Back then in the Phoenix area we had this big show every January called the World of Wheels. It was the highlight of the year for any car guy or kid who loved cool rides. But getting in cost money and as a kid I didn't always have a lot of cash in my pocket. Well the World of Wheels had this deal where if you brought a model car to enter into their contest you could get into the show for free. That was the "free entry" hustle that started it all for me and my family.

I wasn't just building one model car I was building several of them every year. Since I had more than one, I would have my grandmother carry a model car in and she would get in for free. Then I’d have my younger nephews carry in another model car and they would get in for free too. It was a whole family affair, and we all got to see the big show without paying for tickets just because I was busy pinstriping and painting these tiny cars in my room. It was a great part of my life, and it taught me how to work hard and how to get things done.

One of the cars I loved to try and replicate was Don "The Snake" Prudhomme’s funny car. I remember seeing that car and thinking it was the coolest thing on four wheels. The colors and the lines on those funny cars were so sharp and I would spend hours trying to get my model car to look exactly like the real thing. Trying to copy the work on a car like Don The Snake Prudhomme's really pushed my skills to the limit because you had to be perfect with the small details or it just didn't look right. That's where I learned that if you want your ride to stand out you have to pay attention to the little things.

Today I take that same passion for small detail, and I apply it to full-sized cars, motorcycles, and even golf carts all over the Phoenix Metro Area. Whether it is hand-painted pinstriping, gold leaf, or airbrushing I put the same care into your vehicle that I put into those model cars years ago. I call it Professional Results in Daily Efforts, or PRIDE. You can see some of my current work on my pinstriping portfolio page where I show off the real-deal lines I'm laying down today.

If you are looking for pinstriping in Phoenix or maybe you want some cool apparel to wear at the next car show you should check out my shop. I have a whole automotive art clothing line that you can find at astripe.com. I design the shirts with the same style that I use when I'm painting. It's all about that custom look and that Southwest-inspired artwork that people in our community love so much. I even have a t-shirt portfolio so you can see what the designs look like before you buy.

I still think about those days at the World of Wheels every time I pick up my brush. It wasn't just about getting in for free it was about being part of the car culture and learning a craft that has stayed with me for over 35 years. I've spent my whole life perfecting these lines and I use only the highest quality paints and materials to make sure the work lasts. If you have a car, a motorcycle, or a hot rod that needs that extra touch of personality you know who to call.

My services are fully personalized, and I always consult with you on the design and the color and the placement. I want to make sure it matches your vision perfectly. I offer mobile service in some cases which means I can come to you in the Phoenix Metro Area to get the job done. I also pinstripe daily drivers and even golf carts if you want to be the coolest person on the course.

It is funny how things come full circle.
I started out carrying model cars into a show to get in for free and now I'm the one painting the cars that are actually in the shows. I've worked on some incredible vehicles and met some great people in the custom car community. If you see me at a show come say hi! You can check my car show schedule to see where I'll be next. I love talking about cars and pinstriping and I'm always happy to answer questions.

I am really thankful for my uncle Caco for showing me those models and for my grandmother and nephews for helping me with the free entry hustle. Without those early years of practice, I wouldn't be where I am today. If you want to get to know more about me and my history, you can read more at get to know the artist.

I hope this story gives you a little insight into why I do what I do. It is more than just paint on a car; it is a piece of history and a lot of hard work. If you have any questions about pinstriping or if you want to get a quote for your ride, please reach out. I am always here to help you make your vehicle stand out from the crowd.

Get In Touch

If you want to book a session or just ask a question you can call me at +1 (602) 397-7134 or send me an email at info@astripe.com. I am based in the Phoenix Metro Area, and I can provide mobile service to your location for your convenience. Don't forget to check out the apparel and more custom art at astripe.com. we ship nation wide

Thanks for reading my story and I look forward to working on your next project soon.

Best,
Tony Pinstriper