We were lucky to catch up with Martina Hanna recently and have shared our conversation below.

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

Art has been integral to my life for as long as I can remember. As a child, I always preferred art supplies over toys or dolls. My passion for art grew even stronger when my family immigrated to the US from Egypt. Finding myself in a new environment with practically no friends, I spent countless hours after school drawing.
Despite my love for art, growing up in an Arab immigrant family meant that pursuing a creative career wasn’t presented as a viable option. The emphasis was on traditional professions like medicine or law. This cultural expectation led me to feel somewhat lost during my college years, ultimately graduating with a degree in communications but still uncertain about my path.
After college, I traveled for about a year, which reignited my creative spark. It wasn’t until I was working a desk job at a local gym that my artistic journey truly began to take shape. My boss noticed me doodling and encouraged me to start an art page on Instagram. He even commissioned my first painting – a red Ferrari. That first paid commission was a pivotal moment, boosting my confidence and showing me that art could be more than just a hobby.
The turning point came when I visited Art Basel in Miami. Surrounded by vibrant murals and artwork, I had an epiphany. Seeing other artists living their dreams made me realize that I could do the same. I returned home with a newfound determination and immediately applied to art schools.
I went on to study at Mason Gross School of Art at Rutgers University, earning a degree in fine arts. Since 2019, I’ve been working as a full-time artist, turning that childhood passion into a professional reality. Looking back, I realize that my journey to becoming an artist was shaped by every experience – from my immigrant background to that first commissioned Ferrari painting. Each step led me to where I am today, living my dream as a full-time artist.

Martina, 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?

My name is Martina Hanna, but I go by MARTIAN. This nickname resonates with me on multiple levels – it reflects my feeling of being otherworldly, and interestingly, if you switch the ‘I’ and ‘A’ in my name, it spells ‘Martian’. This sense of being different, of seeing the world through a unique lens, is deeply rooted in my background as an Egyptian immigrant who moved to the US at the age of 7.
My entry into the art world was driven by an intense love and passion for the craft, coupled with a strong desire to communicate through images. My Egyptian heritage experience has given me a unique perspective on the world, which I channel into my art.
I’m primarily a painter, specializing in murals and canvas works that often carry feminist and political undertones in subtle ways. My goal is to provoke thought and inspire conversations without being overly obvious.
My services include:
Custom murals for various spaces
Original paintings
commissions
live painting
Prints of my popular works
Adult painting classes

What sets me apart is my ability to blend cultural influences and social commentary into visually striking pieces. I strive to create art that is both aesthetically pleasing and intellectually engaging, inviting viewers to see the world from a different perspective.
For my clients, I solve the problem of finding meaningful, thought-provoking art that enhances their spaces. My work goes beyond mere decoration – it’s a conversation starter, a window into different experiences and viewpoints.
I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my brand is about challenging perceptions, celebrating diversity, and using art as a tool for social change. When you engage with my work, you’re not just acquiring a piece of art; you’re participating in a broader dialogue about identity, culture, and social issues.
What I’m most proud of is the impact my art has had on people. Knowing that I’ve been able to touch lives, inspire new perspectives, and deepen appreciation for the craft of painting is incredibly rewarding. My goal is to create work that people love to look at every day, while also expanding their understanding of the world around them.
Through my art and teaching, I aim to inspire others to explore their own creativity and see the world through new eyes. Whether it’s a large-scale mural or an intimate canvas, each piece is an invitation to engage, reflect, and hopefully see things a little differently

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I’ve had to unlearn, and honestly, I’m still working on it, is this idea that art is just a hobby and that making a living as an artist is impossible. Growing up, I heard this narrative over and over again, and it really stuck with me. It’s taken a lot of time and energy to break free from that scarcity mindset.
Even now, I struggle with pricing my work. There’s this part of me that feels so honored and excited when someone wants to own my work that I almost feel guilty asking for higher prices. It’s like, ‘Wow, you actually want my work? That’s amazing!’ and then I have to remind myself that it’s not just about the joy of creation, but also about valuing my time, skills, and unique perspective.
I’m on this ongoing journey to really understand and embrace the monetary value of my work. It’s a process, you know? I’m training myself to see my art not just as a passion, but as a valuable contribution that deserves fair compensation. It’s not easy, especially when you’ve spent years hearing that art isn’t a ‘real job,’ but I’m committed to growing in this area.
So yeah, I’m still working on it. Every day, I’m trying to strike that balance between the sheer pleasure I get from creating and the reality that this is my profession, my livelihood. It’s a journey, but I’m getting there, one piece at a time.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

You know, I think society can do a lot to support artists and creatives, and honestly, it starts with changing how we think about art and creativity in general. First off, we need to stop treating art like it’s just a hobby or something ‘extra’. It’s not – it’s essential to our culture, our communities, and our well-being.
One big thing would be improving art education in schools. I mean, imagine if we valued art classes as much as we do math or science. That would be a game-changer, right? It would help kids see art as a viable career path from an early age.
Another crucial step is fair pay for artists. Like, seriously, we need to get rid of this ‘starving artist’ stereotype. Artists shouldn’t have to struggle to make ends meet just because they chose a creative career. Companies, organizations, and individuals need to budget properly for art and pay artists what they’re worth.
We also need more grants, residencies, and public art programs. These give artists the time, space, and resources to create without constantly worrying about money. And hey, it benefits everyone – more public art makes our cities and towns way more vibrant and interesting.
Oh, and let’s talk about healthcare and benefits for freelance artists. That’s a big one. A lot of us don’t have steady jobs with benefits, so some kind of system to support that would make a huge difference.
Lastly, I think we need to promote diversity in the art world. Like, actively seek out and support artists from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Art is about sharing perspectives, right? So we need to make sure all voices are being heard and valued.
Bottom line, supporting artists isn’t just about the artists themselves. It’s about creating a society that values creativity, expression, and diverse perspectives. When we support artists, we’re really investing in the culture and soul of our communities. And honestly, I think that’s something worth doing, don’t you?

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martian.art/