Today we’d like to introduce you to Martin Sanchez.
Hi Martin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey began on the Big Island of Hawaii back in 2021 during the pandemic. After sitting around for a while I began doodling on my iPad . Taught myself how to use Adobe Illustrator, where I designed a few stickers and art prints. Still trying to find my artistic style I continued practicing, drawing….finally getting a bit comfortable with my style I decided to do my first art market in Hawaii. My style caught the eye of a few people and then finally an interior designer, who then saw the opportunity to use my art for her designs in multi-million dollar homes. This gave me the opportunity to earn quite a bit income where I was allowed to open my own art gallery/home decor store in Honokaa .on the Big Island. After about a year and half of running my business I decided to move forward and onward to new adventures and decided to close down shop and move to Utah in May of 2023.
Here I am now in SLC where I am excited to start my new venture of producing graphic artwork and original acrylic paintings. I am hoping to find a space here in SLC where I can open another gallery similar to the one I had in Hawaii.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think the most challenging thing that I struggled with was being comfortable putting my artwork out there. You always have the fear of rejection and criticisms by others, in the art community and of course people in general.
I realized that I was the only one standing in my way. Once I got past that I learned how to deal with the rest and it’s been nothing but an artistic, colorful, journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I do bold, colorful, graphic art work. Both in prints and original paintings. All my artwork comes from my love of bright colors and mid century modern/retro design .
I’m most proud of how far I’ve come from when I first started. The learning aspect of it all and being proud that I did it all on my own without any former art education or training, just the drive to learn and make beautiful art.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Salt Lake City is beautiful city with a town feel. I’ve never felt more included in a community than I do now. And I’m speaking about the LGBTQ+ community and the art community. I truly believe that things happen for a reason and believe that belief was what led me to SLC because something wonderful is coming my way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.smartsharkdesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartsharkdesigns
