Hi! My name is Martina, I’m a professional European illustrator specializing in fashion and lifestyle. I create feminine, modern custom images to help both small and big brands to get noticed, stand out of the crowd and promote themselves in a new, fresh way. I also do personal commissions, statement wall art, book covers, editorial illustrations and other kind of art to enhance the world around and make it more stylish.
How did you become an illustrator/Artist?
Totally unexpected. I used to work as a fashion editor for several lifestyle magazines. Once we just couldn’t find any photos to fit an article I wrote so I simply drew the picture myself. From there my new passion slowly became my new career.
How long have you been an illustrator/Artist?
For about 10 years as an occasionally paid hobby, full time about 3 years.
Do you think an illustrator/Artist needs a style? Why? Do you have tips on developing a style?
Yes and no. It depends what is your aim. You can have just one specific style but you can also have several, each one for different purpose or usage. But it’s good to have one primary that defines your work and makes you memorable.
To develop your own style, just practice, practice, practice, try new things, different media, and different platforms, experiment with what you like. Eventually you will find your own flair that suits your personality and niche.
Could you describe your creative process?
It depends what I am working on. With custom illustrations I like to start with sketches as soon as I get the brief no matter the timeframe. I like to take advantage of my initial inspiration and drive, and do as many things as possible. Then I edit when necessary and like to take some time “off” before I finalize the illustration and give it more details or tweak if I feel like it needs some.
It is very similar with my personal work or wall art designs. When the inspiration strikes I just dive into it and work as long as necessary to make my ideas real.
What part of your life is reflected in your illustrations?
Definitely my love for fashion and colors. I am a girly girl who loves fun, stylish things and I believe that shows in my art a lot.
What would you say is your strongest skill?
Besides being creative in many ways, I am very practical, organized, and time-efficient. I don’t have problems working under pressure and am very patient with my clients.
Who are the people who have influenced your aesthetics and your approach to design?
Probably my mum. She has had a great sense of style.
Which is your favorite piece of art from your own designs? Why?
I love my peony collection. Its very feminine, stylish and creatively versatile.
What are you passionate about besides your work?
Traveling. All money I earn from drawing I spent on travels. It’s a perfect symbiosis.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
In general, living a life of my dreams, where I want to and how I want to regardless what people think. And that I don’t have to call my work “work”. Being creative is my passion.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming illustrators?
Draw ever day, experiment with different styles and media, be creative. Find out what you are the most passionate about and focus all your energy there. Dream big and don’t be afraid to be different so that so that your work is special and memorable. And get some marketing education if possible, because no art school will ever teach you the things you really need in real life.
Could you describe a typical day?
No two days are alike, depends on what I’ve got going on, on projects I am working on. Also, not every day is a creative one. In fact, there is a lot of administrative work I have to do (emailing, social media, communicating with clients, doing research etc.) and maybe only about a quarter of the time is about drawing.
Would you give us a tour from your art studio?
Of course! As soon as I have one J At the moment I actually don’t have any art studio. I would looove to have one where I could keep my creative mess but as I travel quite often I wouldn’t use it very much anyway. I still prefer to be a little uncomfortable while collecting memories than spend all my life in one place.
