Herb Martinez
Pinstriping and Signs
Internationally recognized automotive pinstriping artist, author, educator, and custom-car legend of Livermore, California.
For more than six decades, Herb Martinez has been an influential figure in the world of automotive custom painting, hand-painted lettering, and traditional American pinstriping.
Known professionally as “The Line Doctor,” Martinez belongs to a generation of craftsmen who helped preserve and advance the distinctive visual language of American hot rods, custom cars, motorcycles, and automotive culture.
His career encompasses far more than decorating automobiles. He has worked on Hollywood film productions, created internationally exhibited automotive artwork, authored influential books, taught aspiring artists across multiple countries, and received recognition from some of the custom automotive industry’s most respected institutions.
Based in Livermore, California, since 1988, Martinez has built a career connecting the golden age of California custom-car culture with generations of artists who continue practicing the craft today.
Artistic approach
One of the most revealing aspects of Martinez’s career is his approach to artistic discipline.
His artwork reflects the distinctive aesthetic of California custom-car culture, including flowing ornamental designs, precision linework, flames, and hand-lettered graphics.
Martinez has described the importance of learning directly from Tommy the Greek, whose speed, confidence, and mastery of straight lines left a lasting impression on him.