We caught up with the brilliant and insightful John Martin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

John, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

When did you first know you wanted to pursue….. When I was a child I knew. I always loved to draw. My Saturday mornings were spent watching cartoons, drawing monsters and superheroes, and often making my own mini comics. I also recall being an imaginative child. I would bury dinosaur toys in my backyard and then proceed to unbury them like a Paleontologist. This would explain my excitement for Dinosaurs and Kaiju like Godzilla. I also enjoyed Dr. Suess and Maurice Sendak’s: Where the Wild Things Are. I must admit I was also influenced by science fiction and horror movies in my teens. I was also lucky to meet a famous Midwest late-night television horror host named Ron Sweed (The Ghoul) at an event. My visual and storytelling influences were very broad. Books that inspired me were mostly comic books and magazines such as Spiderman, Hulk, Thor, Ironman, Batman, Mad Magazine, Famous Monsters of Film Land, comic strips, pulp and novels like Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein and Doc Savage were a staple in my teen years. I was very much influenced by artist such as Jack Kirby, Frank Frazetta and Jack Davis as well.
Not much has changed in present day. I still enjoy a good story and creating projects, characters, and art posters.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

When I was a kid, I always loved to draw. My Saturday mornings were spent watching cartoons and drawing monsters and superheroes, often making my own mini-comics. I went on to study art & design at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan, where I received a BFA in Graphic Communications-Illustration. In the beginning of my career, I was employed at an art studio for several years before venturing out as a freelance illustrator. Later in life, I met Scott Seegert through our daughters who were playing softball together. We could not believe how much we had in common with all our childhood pop culture influences. So, we decided to try storytelling. We introduced the “Vordak the Incomprehensible” book series which was authored by Scott Seegert and illustrated by me. The book garnered a Publishers Weekly starred review and Cybils nomination. Then, Scott and I teamed up on another book series called Sci-Fi Junior High. It was published by James Patterson’s imprint of Little Brown-Hachette. Sci-Fi Junior High proudly has received a Silver Medal Parents Choice Award.
Currently, I have been creating corporate comics for commercial clients. My Pop’s Art Mart shop has had success selling pop culture art prints, stickers, and paintings at popular fairs, comic cons, tiki, and car shows. I am an adjunct professor of Illustration at the College for Creative Studies, where I teach, mentor, and inspire future students, as well as run cartoon and comic workshops for youngsters in the Detroit area. I have been honored to have received several art awards. This includes being accepted in juried and curated fine art shows by Syd Mead (Blade Runner fame) and Detroit rock poster artist Mark Arminski. I have also received Popai, Caddy, and Addy Awards and was named the 2018 Artist in Residence in the city of Farmington Hills, Michigan. I continue to explore new opportunities and challenges and look forward to the new possibilities ahead.

As far as challenges, it has not always been easy. Early in my career, I had to navigate through a perception that I was not as talented or good enough to be an illustrator. Of course, confidence in your abilities does take time. This is true for most people as they begin their career path. There were also some challenges when it was time to establish my own freelance business. I had to combine my artistic skills with the aspects of marketing and learn how to promote myself. A work-life balance is always difficult when you are developing an independent business.

I am an Illustrator and Graphic Designer. I am best known for mascot and cartoon illustration, corporate comics, and hybrid kid-lit books. I have also illustrated automotive projects and am locally known for logo and sports team mascot designs. I have worked on brewery and distillery branding and have recently completed a large historic mural in downtown Farmington Michigan. What sets me apart from other illustrators is my diverse range, abilities, and willingness to accept most projects. This would include a wide range of concept renderings, storyboard frames, and editorial and realistic paintings.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

My greatest reward is getting to do what I really love and making a living by illustrating and designing for others. It is always fulfilling to see a happy and satisfied client after a successful completion of a project. What I did not expect, is how much I enjoy the enthusiasm of people when they finally get to hang my art in their homes, offices or shops.

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

I am fairly new at social media platforms but I strive to post from shows that I am a part of that features my new artwork. As far as advice on building social media presence, I have had to try something new and authentic.. I started posting images with patrons that have purchased art and prints. People seem to like to be part of the art experience. I also recommend Linkedin for business purposes and I would suggest setting up a Linktree account to organize all of your social media needs with one QR code.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtMartprints?ref=profile_header
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popsartmart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001416875742
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-martin-0126235/
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
: John Martin inc. College For Creative Studies.