We recently connected with Nadya Martinez and have shared our conversation below.

Nadya , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

I am always looking for what’s new in comics, gaming and entertainment. Before studying writing and journalism I initially got my BFA in illustration and interned for NYFW and Marvel Comics in 2010 with dreams of becoming a fashion designer or a comic book artist. Before covering New York Comic Con professionally as press, I attended NYCC as an exhibitor or fan since 2007!

Over the years I lost my passion for drawing and was stuck working jobs in fashion and real estate that weren’t fulfilling. About 9 years ago after dealing with a break up and fed up working a job in an industry that I didn’t care about, I realized I really needed a change. I wanted to do something that would incorporate all of my passions, as I really grew passionate about writing and talking to others about their experiences in the world of art and film. I was at my cousins house in NJ and we were talking about my feelings aside from the break up, of feeling lost, uninspired and unmotivated.

At a time before social media was really prevalent I wanted a way to share my experience at conventions so I decided to start my own website. I already had industry knowledge and connections from my time in comics so I thought that would be a great start, I also finally joined Instagram. We tossed around ideas like comic book girl or gurl which were already taken. We tried to think of other names that weren’t so ordinary and a domain that wasn’t already taken. Eventually we got to my love of Batman, since childhood playing with action figures and watching BTAS. I’m also born and raised in NYC so Gotham just naturally clicked. It was like ‘Eureka’ Gotham Geek Girl !!

I attended my first indie convention WinC, founded by Regine Sawyer and interviewed some of its talented creators. The Women in Comics Collective is an international artistic and informative initiative educating communities about the role and merit of women working in comics. Since 2012 WinC has been aiming to diversify the comic book world, and I’ve been covering their events ever since.

I also started to interview some of my industry friends that I met over the years. As an art student I regularly attended Khary Randolph’s ‘Drink & Draw’ event at Mary O’s. This was a great place to not only work on your craft but to interact and geek out with other artists and writers. The Drink & Draw family really helped me feel confident in starting GothamGeekGirl.

Nadya , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

HI! My name is Nadya Martinez AKA GothamGeekGirl: Covering everything from movie reviews to premieres, and new comic book releases.

I am a freelance journalist, approved movie critic, content creator and creative writer with a focus on entertainment and pop-culture. Founder of Gotham Geek Girl, and contributing reporter for The Cherry Picks, Otakus & Geeks, G33K-HQ, Big Gold Belt and All Ages of Geek. Former Staff Writer for the Latin Times, and a freelance editorial writer for Comics Kingdom.

After many years in the fashion industry I went back to school for writing. I was a Marvel digital production intern wayyyy back when PSP was a thing! and a BFA graduate from F.I.T. (2011). I am certified to teach English and have worked for an online newspaper and multiple media outlets. I am also currently taking NYU journalism courses. I am in my mid 30’s and still figuring it out. It’s never too late to go for your dreams.

For nearly a decade I have been producing interviews, articles and media coverage at conventions, film festivals and events with professional experience in digital media with news writing, list articles, features, op-eds and editorials, film + TV reviews, press interviews, screeners and event coverage.

Aside from my comic book, and film reviews, you can also find me promoting brands, and unboxings, including toys and collectibles. I also have a huge focus on independent creators, exploring diversity and inclusion in gaming and the arts, helping to promote brands, events and creators across the Geek community and beyond.

I am a big comic book enthusiast and I love to explore all kinds of genres, and art styles. Aside from covering the big two (Marvel and D.C.), and Image, Boom, DarkHorse and Aspen, I also like to spotlight independent publishers, writers and artists. You can find a bunch of my written interviews on my website or my video interviews on my You-Tube channel. I also like to partner with independent artists to promote their kickstarters through social media reels, IG lives or conduct interviews.

I regularly partner with Midtown Comics to promote releases, comic book signings, fundraisers and geeky merch! I also highlight different local comic book shops, indie conventions and signings.

I also have experience working on brand materials, blog writing, building social media campaigns, and curating events and pop-culture panel discussions. I have built a vast network of friends in the media space from writers, creators, to publishers, to podcasters, influencers and professional gamers. I try to curate exciting inclusive and diverse panel discussions on different topics in the entertainment space.

I am honored to have built so many amazing connections and friendships along the way. I feel truly blessed for all that I have accomplished on my journey so far.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think non-creatives struggle to understand that they too have passions or interests that they strived for or worked towards building something of a future in. It may be more traditional in the sense – get a degree, go for Masters, get training – get a full-time job with benefits and 401K or a traditional job with a safety net.

However, working a standard 9-5 can be soul-sucking especially for creatives. I am so much happier now working freelance and doing the things that I love rather than being stuck in an office.

I still do have an education, professional training and experience and still continue to further my education as I build my career in entertainment and editorial. However, my journey has not been a straight path nor easy. After getting my BFA I went a completely different route. I moved back home, studied Japanese for a year, went to Japan to study for a summer abroad course. I had no idea where my life was going.

I combined my industry knowledge, experience and education into my career while still working gig-jobs. I went back to school for writing, got certified to teach English, worked for an online newspaper, and multiple media outlets. I am also currently taking NYU journalism courses. I am in my mid 30’s and still figuring it out.

It was extremely difficult to leave a cushion, benefits and steady pay-checks to fund my own business especially after moving back out on my own. I have put thousands into paying my website costs, taking courses, updating my camera equipment, and covering travel expenses.  I also highly recommend looking for scholarship opportunities. I still don’t necessarily make much money, but I am happier than ever.

On the social media creator front I can monetize from collabs within the comic book medium with comic shops, publishers and independent creators. I don’t monetize from any movie content, ethically speaking it’s a conflict of interest personally. I do get paid for moderating, staff writing, pitched written articles and editorial or blog writing content.

It took courage, failure, being broke, being told no, being told it’s irresponsible, and endless sleepless nights to do what I love.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I say do it for the right reasons, don’t be in it to make money, meet famous people or “get famous.” Or at least be completely honest with yourself and your audience about your intentions, the followers will come.

I use social media as a tool to promote my work, reviews and interviews, to highlight the film and comic-book industry, and to share pop-culture, gaming or movie related events. It can be very beneficial to show off your brand, experiences and serve as a some-what online portfolio.

 I built my audience by being authentic, honest, and responsive. I take film criticism very seriously and have worked very hard to reach this point in my career, and also have journalistic integrity. I have learned to be objective, to respect other opinions and start conversations, and also how to back up my own opinions.

I am still learning how to navigate as SM is always changing and evolving.

The best advice I can give is to figure out what platform or app works best for you and don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to keep up with everything.

I say always be yourself, don’t try to emulate what you see others do. You can be inspired but never compare, everyone’s journey is unique. Be creative, genuine and friendly. Just have fun and be honest about your motives, content and goals.

Build a network, make genuine connections, interact with your followers, attend events and seminars. Genuinely support other creatives and find brands that appeal to you that you may want to work with. Have attainable goals but also don’t be scared to push yourself higher and to keep expanding or try new things.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gothamgeekgirl.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gothamgeekgirl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gothamgeekgirl
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GothamGeekGirl/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaxG3CXWj-9t8CasqITmqJw
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lxpX8j4PbCQhpoPsp4oLF?si=68bf6fb68c6e490d Podcast

Image Credits
Main image headshot from Soona Studios