[2] Born in Somerville, Massachusetts, he graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1969.
After a year of study abroad he moved to Philadelphia and worked as a mural artist for local businesses.
His work for Bergdorf Goodman was hailed as significantly influential and expanded the notions of what fashion illustration could be, incorporating highly elaborate scenery with narrative qualities and cinematic reference.
Stavrinos's works for gay publications and companies were equally revered with commissions for Fire Island Pines Society, Colt Studios, Christopher Street, Gay Source, Lighthouse Court Key West and After Dark.
His social circle involved influential gay figures of the 1970s and 1980s such as Paul Popham, Robert Nathan Fain, Stephen Sondheim, Edmund White and Felice Picano.