Conversations with Wildy Martinez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wildy Martinez. 

Hi Wildy, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My name is Wildy Martinez, I am a Fashion Designer/Illustrator and the Founder of Wildflower Fields LLC, A Creative Movement Brand, that uses art and NFTs to celebrate diversity and empower women to feel free in their own skin. I’ve always loved fashion art and worked in the Fashion Industry for over 16 years as a designer. 

When I was 6 years old, my mother took me to a grand opening of a boutique in New York City. I remember the cutting of the ribbon and the window display of mannequins, twirling with beautiful dresses. That was the moment that marked me forever and led me study at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) and pursue a career in Fashion Design. 

In 2020, in midst of the pandemic, I used art to cope with all the hardships that that year brought to so many of us. My art resonated with so many women, especially Latinas, and it led me to explore the world of Web3 and I eventually gained the courage to start Wildflower Fields. I use my art to being awareness to vitiligo, colorism and to represent my Latinidad all with a fashion flare. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Overcoming fear was my initial obstacle. I was so scared of putting myself “out there”, especially when it came my illustrations, art, and my own brand. So much so that I had to coin the term, “do it scared anyway.” I had to believe in myself firstly, and fight urge to blend in. I had to really embrace my own voice as a creator. I had to give value to those things that perhaps society did not consider important enough, but that in my heart I knew was valuable. The highest form of artistry in my book is making others feel seen; the art of representation. 

In my career in the Fashion Industry, though successful, it also came with many challenges. Mainly because of the work ethics my immigrant parents instilled in me, their hope and dreams of having successful children in America, created a certain pressure to excel. And going the extra mile in my career did lead to a lot of stress and eventually a lot of burnout. I had to learn to have balance and self-worth. Yes, do everything with excellence, but I also had to fight for adequate pay, as a woman, and as a minority especially. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve recently started my own small business Wildflower Fields LLC. I am super proud of it, because it’s anchored in the mission and the message of self-embrace. As a Latina Artist in Web3, I am able to reach more people with wider audiences that have helped me spread my message of representation through my art, also knowns as NFTs (digital Collectibles). 

It all started when I decided to add my Vitiligo Spots into my illustrations as a way to not only document my journey of overcoming freedom from shame but to reach out women who have vitiligo (an autoimmune diseases that caused the skin to turn white), feel less alone in their own journey. The moment I decided to be vulnerable was the day that everything changed for me. My art was being shared and collected, which led my message of self-embrace also be shared and reach so many women like me. 

In August 2022, I was selected to showcase my art in Hola Metaverso Bogota, one of the biggest, if not the biggest NFT event in Latin America. The piece I showed case is called “Libertad” which means freedom. In honor of all women. Women who are going against the beauty standards placed over them, who are taking a stance and loving their own skin, voice by embracing the things that set them apart. 

Currently, I am exhibiting my work at The Seattle NFT Museum under the “Pixel and Thread” Exhibition of Fashion and Brand in the World of NFTs. I am showcasing amongst a few pioneers that are leading the way into digital fashion such as The Fabricant and World of Women. I am extremely honored and moved by this achievement because it’s a full circle for me. I was inspired to be in Fashion by a display and now, to see my work being displayed and inspiring others is mind-blowing. And the fact that what is being showcase is one my illustrations that I bring awareness to vitiligo, that’s an achievement. 

Collaborating is also very important to me, and I am excited to be a creative consultant for a few brands that share the message of self-embrace. Facilitating them with my design services through these thoughtful partnerships is another beautiful way to further advocate for women. 

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I believe that more and more Fashion Brands will be onboarding into Web3, using the blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, and wearables for the Metaverse. We saw a preview of this with a few luxury brands during Paris Fashion Week. Balmain, for example, not only provided the physical clothing at the show but had NFTs available for purchase that provided special access to its customers. Rebecca Minkoff, providing her digital handbags to be purchase as wearables for the Metaverse. 

I am a Web3 Advisor for a Fashion Brand, helping them create an event in the Metaverse. Dutch fashion brand Scotch & Soda has announced the launch of a Web3-powered loyalty program alongside Salesforce and LA-based software development agency, AE Studio. I am very excited for the future of fashion, and digital fashion at that. 

“Web3 has the potential to fundamentally change the way that brands and consumers interact with one another. Many brands are already experimenting with NFTs and virtual worlds (aka the metaverse) to drive brand awareness and increase customer loyalty in a way that just isn’t possible through traditional social media or e-commerce channels.” -Kristin Cronin Head of Marketing US 

Pricing:

• $100
• $400
• $238
• $516

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/WildflowerFields?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=ceb475dd-da41-4871-a04f-8de21f251edc
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thewildflowerfields
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/wildy_martinez

Image Credits
Pixel and Thread Exhibition
Galeria Latino Society