You’ve probably come across, Martina Martian or her work while flipping through Instagram. This talented woman is the brilliant woman behind many fun designs and popular GIF challenges. She creates a whole lot of female-powered and positive designs. Martina shared with us how she began her career as an illustrator and how she finds her creativity and inspiration while working and traveling the world.
Tell us about yourself…
“I’m a full-time, travelling freelance illustrator. I create bright and positive designs for various companies and brands around the world.
I had always dreamt of having a creative career but never imagined that illustration would be my calling. Let alone allow me to travel the world. When friends and strangers started commissioning me to illustrate for them, I became inspired to pursue illustration/design more seriously.
Eventually small businesses were hiring me. Within a year larger companies such as ASOS, Cotton ON, Reebok, Snapchat etc. were hiring me to design for them too!
Eventually small businesses were hiring me. Within a year larger companies such as ASOS, Cotton ON, Reebok, Snapchat etc. were hiring me to design for them too!
What’s inspires your work?
You’d recognise my work for it’s bright colours, bold messages and nostalgic twist. I find inspiration from 80’s/90’s television, records, toys and anything kitsch and colourful. The themes of empowerment and positivity are inspired by real moments, important discussions, and powerful women I meet whilst travelling.
Some of my favourite projects in the past have been designing GIFs and stickers for Snapchat, Instagram and iMessages! They’re incredibly fun to make and it’s so surreal seeing people using them on their stories around the globe.
My advice for women looking to become a freelance illustrator is; start building your network, offering your services and branding yourself early. Don’t be afraid to show your work to anyone you meet.
It’s also important to remember that being a digital nomad and freelancing is scary and exhilarating all at once. You must embrace spontaneity, be flexible and open minded. I wouldn’t live life any other way!”
– Martina Martian
Check out Martina on Instagram here.
Photo’s by Aaron Bull, @__aaronbull
