JoAnn Bortles

The goal of my books is if I can do it, then you can do it! I can teach almost anyone to custom paint. I starting painting custom cars and motorcycles in 1979. I had no previous experience and learned everything by trial and error. After so many years of learning very hard lessons in the custom industry, it's very gratifiying to be able to pass those lessons onto others. In 2003 I had the opportunity to do so and accomplish one of my dreams. I was given the chance to work with Motorbooks Publishing and write my first book, "How to Custom Paint Your Motorcycle." I had always dreamed of being a writer. Since then I have had 7 books published, and three of my books have been translated into Japanese. My eight book will be released in late 2021.

I've appeared on a number of TV shows including The Today Show, MusclecarTV, Motor City Masters, and NBC News.

Another lifelong goal was accomplished in 2004 when my own personal custom motorcycle was featured on the cover of Easyriders magazine, making me the first woman whose own motorcycle was on the cover in the history of this 38 yr old magazine.

I was the paint and fabrication expert for Car Craft magazine and still write for a few publications including Chevy Hardcore and The Shop magazines.