Today we’d like to introduce you to Autumn Martino.

Hi Autumn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

I discovered my love for art as a child, drawing on the hallway walls of my home. Instead of getting upset when she saw my creations, my mom praised them, calling them beautiful. From that moment on, art became my safe space.

In sixth grade, I won my first art contest, which led to scholarships, awards, and even being published in a book during high school. Still, I never imagined art could be a career—I didn’t think that was even possible. My plan was to become a teacher, so I enrolled in college, taking art classes along the way for fun.

Looking back, I realize how much God cleared a path for me in art, even when I struggled financially. When I couldn’t afford photography paper, someone would offer it to me. When I needed art textbooks, someone would lend them without me even asking. Canvases, paints—somehow, they always found their way to me. Art always seemed to be provided for.

Along the way, I became a server at a pizza restaurant, though I still painted on the side in my spare time. One day, I brought a painting of mine to work, and that moment led to my very first mural. Little did I know that this was the start of something much bigger.

When I turned 21, I started bartending, still keeping art as a side passion. Through connections at work, I began getting commission requests. People started recognizing how deeply I loved creating art. Then COVID happened, and with so much extra time, I poured myself into painting like never before.

When I eventually returned to work, something had shifted—more people noticed my art, and commissions picked up even more. That momentum led to one of my biggest opportunities yet: painting a large-scale mural for a large local casino.

A well-known mural company noticed my work through that mural and took a chance on me, giving me the opportunity to create my first permanent outdoor public piece.

Each mural I’ve completed has taught me valuable lessons, helping me grow as an artist and expand my skills for future projects.

Throughout my artistic journey, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors who believed in me—even when I doubted myself. I’m deeply grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way; I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Looking back, my artistic journey feels like a smooth ride—at least in hindsight. In the moment, though, there were always obstacles. I’ve come to realize that it’s not the challenges themselves that matter, but how you handle them. Each one is a lesson, even when they’re difficult or frustrating. The key is to stay calm and remember that every challenge will pass.

I used to overreact, struggling with panic attacks and moments of doubt. I even imagined walking away from art entirely, picturing a “normal” life—one with a clean, decluttered home, free of endless art supplies. But no matter how many times I wanted to give up, I always found a way through. Eventually, I recognized the pattern: every challenge had a solution, and each time I solved one, the next seemed less daunting. That’s where creativity truly lies—not just in making art, but in navigating the obstacles along the way.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I am a 2D painter specializing in figurative works and vibrant landscapes. My mediums include acrylic, oil, watercolor, spray paint, airbrush, charcoal, graphic arts, caricatures, and face painting—and I’m always exploring new techniques. I’m particularly known for painting Marilyn Monroe, the Rat Pack, striking portraits, and desert landscapes.

One of my proudest achievements is my Rat Pack mural, which allowed me to combine my passion for portraiture with large-scale aerosol painting. It remains my only large-scale public piece featuring larger than life portraits, but I hope it’s just the beginning of many more.

What sets me apart is my dedication. While I admire and aspire to reach the level of many talented artists, my ultimate goal is to bring joy to the viewer. I believe the key to that is creating from a place of passion—painting what you love and staying true to your vision.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?

Growing up, I was full of energy—cheerful, funny, and always ready to make someone smile. I had a natural ability to lift others up, especially those who felt left out. Dressing up and performing fueled my dream of becoming an actress, and my friends often described me as creative and one of a kind. Creativity was at the heart of everything I did, whether it was through drawing, painting, or bringing my imaginative ideas to life.

Pricing:

• Murals
• Paintings
• Caricatures
• Face Painting

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artworkbyautumnmartino
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artworkbyautumn
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AutumnMartino

Image Credits

David Field
@davidfieldproducer