We were lucky to catch up with Olivia Martin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Olivia, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I was in high school, probably my sophomore or junior year. It was time to start thinking about my future and I racked my brain about the “regular” careers I might be interested in… and came up empty. It wasn’t until I learned that art school was an option for higher education, that I made my decision. After that, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I think back now after 6 or so years; what would I even study? Would I even be happy without art? I can say for a fact now that I would be miserable in any other career.

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?

I’m Olivia Martin, a children’s illustrator, and aspiring graphic novelist. As far how as how I became an illustrator, that all started from a passion to tell stories through the visual arts. I attended Savannah College of Art and Design and studied primarily illustration and pattern design. It was there that my passion grew and where I focused my energy on children’s book illustration and visual storytelling.

I currently work as a contract narrative illustrator for Amply Education, but I also have my own LLC for freelance projects. As far as my work, I think what sets me apart is my ability to create a sense of wonder within my illustrations as well as in the viewer. I’m incredibly proud of my growth as an artist, something I worried about post-graduation. I feel as though I can stand on my own two feet and on the same level as my peers. I worry still about aspects I need to work on, but that’s the life of a creative. When working with clients, the most important thing to me is communication. I want to make image in your head a reality through my iPad screen.

As far as my own stories and projects, I can’t wait to bring them to life.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Well for starters, not everyone is a starving artist. I’ve had more people assume that I was poor and struggled to make money than I can count. But, if there was anything I could tell a “creative-goy” it would be that there is a flourishing and diverse industry for any kind of illustrator. As a teenager, the only thing I thought illustrators could do was concept art! I soon found out that it was just a tiny section of what illustrators could explore.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Stop using AI! No, I’m serious. Humans are unique in being able to create art, music, and books, all from our brains. Not to mention there are millions of people who will be out of a job. If society wants to help its artists they should continue to commission us for our services, advocate for creative rights, and protect the people who create culture itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: oliviamartinart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviamartinart1/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-martin-a0bab91b8/