Rising Stars: Meet John Martin

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Martin.  

Hi John, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I was a kid, I always loved to draw. My Saturday mornings were spent watching cartoons and drawing monsters and superheroes, often making my own mini-comics. I went on to study art & design at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan, where I received a BFA in Graphic Communications-Illustration. In the beginning of my career, I was employed at an art studio for several years before venturing out as a freelance illustrator. 

Later in life, I met Scott Seegert through our daughters who were playing softball together. We could not believe how much we had in common with all our childhood pop culture influences. So, we decided to try storytelling. We introduced the “Vordak the Incomprehensible” book series which was authored by Scott Seegert and illustrated by me. The book garnered a Publishers Weekly starred review and Cybils nomination. Then, Scott and I teamed up on another book series called Sci-Fi Junior High. It was published by James Patterson’s imprint of Little Brown-Hachette. Sci-Fi Junior High proudly has received a Silver Medal Parents Choice Award. 

Currently, I have been creating corporate comics for commercial clients. My Pop’s Art Mart shop has had success selling pop culture art prints, stickers, and paintings at popular fairs, comic cons, tiki, and car shows. I am an adjunct professor of Illustration at the College for Creative Studies, where I teach, mentor, and inspire future students, as well as run cartoon and comic workshops for youngsters in the Detroit area. I have been honored to have received several art awards. This includes being accepted in juried and curated fine art shows by Syd Mead (Blade Runner fame) and Detroit rock poster artist Mark Arminski. I have also received Popai, Caddy, and Addy Awards and was named the 2018 Artist in Residence in the city of Farmington Hills, Michigan. I continue to explore new opportunities and challenges and look forward to the new possibilities ahead. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been easy. Early in my career, I had to navigate through a perception that I was not as talented or good enough to be an illustrator. Of course, confidence in your abilities does take time. This is true for most people as they begin their career path. There were also some challenges when it was time to establish my own freelance business. I had to combine my artistic skills with the aspects of marketing and learn how to promote myself. A work-life balance is always difficult when you are developing an independent business. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an Illustrator and Graphic Designer. I am best known for mascot and cartoon illustration, corporate comics, and hybrid kid-lit books. I have also illustrated automotive projects and am locally known for logo and sports team mascot designs. I have worked on brewery and distillery branding and have recently completed a large historic mural in downtown Farmington Michigan. What sets me apart from other illustrators is my diverse range, abilities, and willingness to accept most projects. This would include a wide range of concept renderings, storyboard frames, and editorial and realistic paintings. 

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
Keeping up with technology is always a priority. I am currently exploring Procreate and often visit websites like Muddy Colors. I also have a plethora of books on hand. I find Dover books for character design are helpful as well as classic comic and pulp fiction books like Doc Savage. I love to watch old cartoons and retro monster movies now more than ever. I have also been exploring historical documentaries on streaming platforms. I find it essential to participate in art shows, comic cons, and galleries and continue to search out new avenues of creative outlets. 

Pricing:

• • Most art prints range from $10.00-$35.00
• •Average logo work can range from $450.00 to $800.00(Can exceed on some projects)
• •All four Vordak books -$30.00(Signed) vordak.com
• •Average commission for a digital cartoon: $150.00
• • Hourly rate varies from ($35-$65 per hour). Typically work with flat rates.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.johnamartin.tv
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popsartmart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnMartin.illustrator
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtMartprints?ref=profile_header

Image Credits
Lesa Ferencz