Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacie Martinez.
Hi Stacie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Since I was young I have been creative, but when it came to making a decision about college I took the practical route and studied marketing and then graphic design. Together they seemed like the most creative but reliable (read: financially viable) option. After college, I began my career as a graphic designer in the marketing department of a financial institution. When I worked my way up to becoming the marketing manager, I realized it wasn’t the job for me! I had already been painting and drawing in my spare time, and after considering what I truly wanted – to lead a more creative life – I started taking drawing classes on weekends and French classes at night with the intention of earning a Master’s Degree in Art History so that I could work in museums and be closer to the art I loved and admired.
In late 2018, after eight years working in museums and then, as the director of a prominent gallery, I had the opportunity to live in Paris for three months. During that time I went inward, listening again to what I really wanted, and learning how to trust my gut, which was basically screaming: “You are an artist! Open your own design studio and create the life you want to live!”
I have always loved prints and patterns but never once considered that there’s a person behind each of those patterns – and why couldn’t that person be me? So it was in Paris that I learned the term “surface pattern designer,” and that’s when I knew I was on to something. I returned from that trip with a twelve-month exit strategy out of the gallery world, but instead, I took the leap after six months and started my design studio, The Lucky Bandana. Life is too short – when you know what you want, go for it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I launched my business I was able to land about five new clients almost immediately, as a freelance graphic designer. And while I am quite active with graphic design, the surface pattern arm of my business has a much longer runway: I needed to first immerse myself in Adobe Illustrator in order to create the patterns, then gather the inspiration, design the collections and pitch them to dream companies for licensing opportunities. I wouldn’t say any of this has been a struggle, as it’s been a joy to learn, but I have had to reconcile my expectations of how long something should take and how long things actually take. I’ve begun working again as director of an art gallery here in L.A. (Luis De Jesus Los Angeles), which has really helped keep me connected to other artists while providing a stable platform to allow me to slowly grow my own business.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a graphic designer, surface pattern designer and illustrator. I would love for my work to appear on stationery, wallpaper and fabric. From my childhood, I distinctly remember the wallpaper in our kitchen and my bedroom, the floral pattern of my sheets, and the incredible pattern on my mother’s clothing. I never understood that something as simple as remembering a pattern could bring back happy memories. I would like my designs to do that for other people. When I design, I have one goal – for my work to bring joy to people’s lives! I know, small company, big dreams! Rather than make “Art” (with a capital A), I like to think I’m making “art” that can be shared with many (on fabric, wallpaper, stationery) rather than reserved for a just few collectors.
In addition to my background in marketing, graphic design and art history, I have learned that what sets me apart from others is my commitment, tenacity, loyalty and compassion. In all of this, I am most proud that I had the courage to leave a stable career to open my own studio. It was certainly exciting (a.k.a. “scary”) and many times, it felt (feels!) a lot like free falling. But, I’m really proud of the fact that I trusted myself enough to know that whatever happens, I will figure it out. So far, it’s worked out better than ok!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Apps: Headspace
Books: The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo, for changing your life; The One Thing by Gary Keller for goal setting
Podcasts: The Brendan Show for business mindset; the Learn to Paint podcast for art; and Bitch Sesh for a good laugh
Other Resources: hot yoga – I’d be utterly lost without it! And, Skillshare – an incredible value.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.theluckybandana.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluckybandana/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theluckybandana
Image Credits:
All images: © The Lucky Bandana
