We recently connected with Spencer Martin and have shared our conversation below.

Spencer , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s go back in time a bit – can you share a story of a time when you learned an important lesson during your education?

Studying in Pasadena for college, I had a professor give an assignment that required me to venture out and be inspired by what I experienced. At the time, I was a bit of a homebody and 100% of all my projects were done completely in my apartment. The first artwork I handed in was by habit and I did not follow his instructions. He recognized immediately that it was my usual routine and asked me to honor his request. I contemplated where and what to do. I decided to spend an afternoon at a nursery of plants and study their appearances closely. Even though I’d been there for a few years, this was the first real moment I actually appreciated the California vegetation. From there I created a series of artworks inspired by the plants’ textures, colors, and forms. The professor was happy that I had completed the project’s parameters and so was I. If you are able to, I think it is in your best interest to go out and experience as much as you can. It will make you stronger in your pursuits and passions.

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?

As an Artist and Illustration Designer, I enjoy creating, experimenting, iterating, and collaborating. Using a variety of analog materials and digital software, I create works of bold personal expression. I am creatively satisfied when my artwork is made to serve a specific purpose or contribute to another’s unrealized vision. You can view my illustration portfolio on my website, where you can contact me for commissions or inquiries.

For the last two years, I’ve also had the incredible joy of teaching my passion to the amazing students at A4L and Hope for Miami. My time working with the next generation of creatives granted me a new perspective. The experience ignited a newfound enthusiasm for my own designs.

Currently, I am working as a Production Assistant at CNB Innovations, a fabrication company in Miami, Florida. I assist in the crafting of furniture pieces and props that are used to create immersive event experiences. Recently we’ve prepared installations for Tortuga Music Festival, III Points, and F1 Miami, just to name a few. The work is difficult but rewarding and has me back in a wood-shop environment, similar to the one I developed my skills in during my youth.

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

Retaining the lessons of your mentors and the wisdom of the people around you is important, but your individuality should always be at the forefront when making life decisions.

As both a teacher and student, I have witnessed potential extinguished under the guise of good advice. As I got older, I realized which my personal and professional convictions were built on biased information. There are still periods of my career where I follow the advice of a voice that is not my own. I usually end up regretting not going with my gut.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

My strategy for acquiring new clients is through direct contact and consistent pursuit. I believe you should be actively chasing your dream projects through any means available. My personal preference is attempts at face-to-face communication. For example, if there is a business that I want to paint a mural on, I will go inside, introduce myself to the owner, and give a 30-second elevator pitch on what I’m looking to accomplish. How you explain your practice or intent can vary by case, but I try to have a bit of a monologue prepared. I am not implementing social media in my pursuit of clients because I prefer a more personalized experience as of late. I’ve created business cards and unique packages for specific individuals or introductions for ease of access to my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://spencermartinart.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-martin-76116420b/