Meet Matthew Martinez

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I have been a photographer for a little over seven years and have been loving every moment of it. I was introduced to photography through my father, who lived through the film age of photography. I was fascinated by photography from a very early age but was never able to afford a camera of my own, so I saved and saved and eventually ended up with my first camera a little canon T3I and off I went photographing anything and everything. I did many years of Youtube university and finally decided to go to an actual college to learn more. This year, 2019, I graduated with AA in Photography. My goal is to get my BFA and then master so that I can teach. I am currently working as a freelance photographer in Orange County, and I am loving every second of it. I work for Downtown Inc of Santa Ana doing photo work for there art walk every first Saturday of the month. I’ve done a little of everything when it comes to photography anywhere from event photography to studio work. I love it all. As long as I am able to click the shutter button, I will always be creating.

Please tell us about your art.
I do all kinds of artwork from fine art to portraits. Lately, it’s been a lot of portrait work because it pays the bills, but I always try to double-dip with my photoshoots. You know one for the meal one for the reel. My main tool is a camera, but I have been known to use other devices to make my art. When I make art I try to make it based on the emotion, I usually try to make things beautiful but have been known to make moody photos from time to time to satisfy the emotion artist that lives inside me. If people were to take anything away from my photos, I would hope it to be an inspiration so that they can make artwork of their own. My artwork is for everyone. My artwork does not discriminate. My artwork is my life.

Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
There’s financial challenges with everything. I did fast food, and I was broke. I did valet, and I was broke. And now I do photography, and I’m still broke, but at least now I can say I am happy doing what I love. The money will come it might not come as fast as you want it, but you keep trying hard and pushing yourself and never give up and I guarantee you’ll make a name for yourself.

If you’re struggling to make artwork because you have a job or kids you’re going to have to figure out a way to work around it, when I did valet I would use my 30-minute break to practice with my camera or look up videos on how to shoot better, As long as your doing something photo related you’re good. There’s nothing stopping you but yourself. Skip a night of Netflix and learn and practice a new program, no excuses. You want to be great you have to put in the work.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can see my artwork through my Instagram @matty_slice_.

I never ask people to support me with money a simple like, and comment will do. Maybe a recommendation. You know if you really like my work.

Website is on the way… I swear.