We recently connected with Angely Martinez and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Angely, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?
Personally, I never think about this. My life as a jewelry designer and metalsmith has been a journey and will continue to be. I started by experimenting with different materials and learning a variety of techniques. I did ceramics, digital fabrication, glass, alternative materials, and now fine metals. Everything I have learned, whether from school or from all my jobs on the bench, has led me to this moment where I am. As a professional designer, I feel like my journey has just started.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a jewelry designer and metalsmith based in New York City. My work is influenced by the beauties of nature and the world of fantasy with a touch of Romanticism and the Baroque. These are themes that I have been obsessed with since childhood.
After graduating from FIT’s jewelry design program, I launched my debut collection titled VERMILLION, as part of Bijules Incubator in partnership with New York City Jewelry Week.
I started the business primarily working in sterling silver with semi-precious gemstones, but recently received the opportunity to release my first gold and diamond collection titled FERTILE ASCENSION, using DeBeers Code of Origin diamonds. The collection just launched on my website, followed by a series of retail partnerships happening this Fall.
I am incredibly excited for my new fine jewelry journey and can’t wait to continue expanding this new body of work in the near future.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I suggest to those who are still figuring out their path to read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and Be So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Carl Newport. I read these books many moons ago, but everything I read on them makes a lot more sense now that I am older.
For those who love jewelry and history, I suggest Aja Raden’s STONED book. It’s filled with juicy stories including Marie Antoinette’s Affair of the Diamond Necklace, explained in detail.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Unlike what many people think, the life of a designer is, for the most part, not a glamorous one. It’s hard work that requires lots of patience and focus, if you want to succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://angelymartinezjewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelymartinezjewelry/?hl=en
Image Credits
Personal Photo: Portrait by Circe Hamilton