We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Martina Allen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Martina below.

Martina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I initially developed my passion for the arts through childhood art classes and creative lessons in school. As high school approached, I pursued my interest by applying to and attending Dillard Center for the Arts, a magnet art school. This experience exposed me to a diverse range of artistic skills and set the foundation for my artistic journey. Continuing my education, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Arts in college, further refining my craft.

While I deeply enjoy my work, the challenge lies in achieving a consistent income in the creative field. Reflecting on my journey, if I could go back, I would have recognized the increasing demand for versatile skill sets in the industry. Specifically, I would have focused more on honing my skills in graphic design and technology. Many creative roles now require a “jack of all trades” who can seamlessly navigate both the creative aspects and the technical facets of the job, such as web design, coding and video editing.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hiya, I’m Martina! Thank you for taking a moment to get to know a bit about me and what I’m all about.

I hail from the sunny state of Florida, born into a vibrant Jamaican family. My love for all things creative sparked at a young age. I vividly remember crafting our own pages on the old website, Expage.com with my sisters when I was just 6 or 7, delving into basic design and coding. That also carried on into creating and designing our own personal blogs.

The artistic bug bit me in second grade when I discovered my knack for drawing. I did a drawing of horses that made it into the state fair. From that point on, art became an integral part of my life and paved the way for my current endeavors.

Over the years, I’ve dabbled in commissioned works, creating drawings, logos, and business cards for family and friends.

After moving across the country, a friend told me about a popular pet company that was hiring artists remotely to paint pet portraits. I applied and was hired, then for 2 years, I was painting about 100 pet portraits per month. Some of those people that received the portraits searched for and found me on Facebook and my website. They reached out to thank me for the work I had done and some wanted to commission more work as well.

Though I no longer work with the company, I have continued to advertise my work and take on commissions outside of it. The joy I’ve been able to bring to people’s lives through my art is incredibly fulfilling, and I am so thankful to be able to do so. Some of the most poignant moments have been creating pet portraits as tributes to beloved animals who have crossed the rainbow bridge.

Currently, a significant chunk of my work revolves around these pet portraits, but I’m no stranger to diverse projects. With my husband serving in the military, I even ventured into customizing work hats, a niche that unexpectedly expanded as his colleagues reached out for personalized pieces of their own.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

While money is important, being an artist means more to me than just getting paid. If I could, I’d share my art with others for free all the time because the best part, for me, is making people happy with what I create. When someone looks at my work and finds resonance, whether it brings them joy, nostalgia, or even comfort during difficult times, it’s a profoundly fulfilling experience.

Knowing that my creations become a part of someone’s memories and hold sentimental value adds an extra layer of significance to the work I do. The ability to bring happiness and meaning to others through my artistic expression is what makes the journey as an artist truly gratifying.

Additionally, the feeling of accomplishment when my vision comes through is so rewarding as well. Sometimes I have no idea which direction I’m going with a challenging piece or how it will end up. As I’m applying layer after layer of paint, it can be nerve-wracking fearing I might mess up, But then as I continue to apply my paint, the shapes begin to take form the way I intended.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Reflecting on my journey, a significant pivot occurred when I transitioned from a full-time focus on painting pet portraits to delving deeper into the world of blogging. It all started with my sisters, who recognized the real possibilities in the blogging world as a viable career path.

Initially, I was juggling my painting endeavors with blogging on the side, but the pivotal moment came when I parted ways with the pet portrait company. I couldn’t think of what I could bring to table that could make a difference and help people. Then I realized that I was really good at saving money and that is one thing that people really struggle with.

This revelation led to the birth of StackYourDollars.com, a personal finance website aimed at helping individuals better manage their finances. It encompasses a wealth of information and tips on budgeting, saving, debt management and more. I also tailored content to address the specific financial challenges associated with the military lifestyle.

While it might seem like a huge leap from the art world to finance, the transition is a testament to the versatility of creativity. In managing StackYourDollars.com, I’ve found ample opportunities to infuse creativity into the financial advice realm. From designing graphics to accompany posts to creating resources and tools for readers, the process has been a continuous exercise in creativity.

Moreover, I expanded my skill set to include photography, video production, coding, and SEO—skills that have proven invaluable in navigating the dynamic landscape of digital content creation. This pivot not only allowed me to share my financial insights but also challenged me to evolve creatively and acquire a diverse set of skills to better serve my audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stackyourdollars.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinaswork/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martinaallen.art
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stackyourdollars
• Other: https://martinaallen.com/