Artist Interview: Wildy Martinez

Sep 2

Written By DAB

Wildy Martinez, founder of the creative movement “Wildflower Fields,” is a digital illustrator, fashion designer, mother, and hope dealer born and raised in NYC. She shines her positive heart through mixed media and digital art while bringing awareness to racial prejudices.

As a proud Afro-Latina and 1st Generation Dominican American artist, Wildy celebrates diversity in women via fashion, illustrations, and storytelling as well as collaborations. She creates NFTs to emphasize the beauty of Vitiligo and is an advocate for normalizing natural beauty and celebrating imperfections.

We asked Wildy about her art, creative process, and inspirations.

*Maxie, Wildflower Fields AI Fashion Summer 23' - Look 3 by Wildy Martinez*

Can you tell us about your background as a digital artist? How did you get started in this field?

After earning my bachelor's degree in Fashion Design from Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), I embarked on a fulfilling journey within the Fashion Industry. Over the course of nearly two decades, I lent my creative expertise to diverse brands, contributing significantly to their design narratives. Throughout this professional voyage, my heart remained tethered to Fashion Illustration, an enduring passion that had always illuminated my path.

Around two years ago, I took a bold step that would reshape my career trajectory. I ventured into the Web3 community, unfurling my cherished illustrations to a new digital realm.

What inspires your art? Are there any particular themes or subjects that you enjoy exploring through your artwork?

I love the Fashion Arts, and I usually incorporate it into my art one way or another. I use Fashion to celebrate diversity of women, and the art of self embrace.

Wildy Martinez is also featured in 10 Digital Artists: Digital Fashion and Style in Web3

Sorrow's Symphony from Whispers of Melancholia: Portraits Pink Dreams series by Wildy Martinez
“The piece embraces the beauty and complexity of sorrow, weaving it into a poignant melody that resonates deep within the soul.”

Can you tell us about Wildflower Fields S/S 23 Look 4 — what was the creative process like, and what’s special about it?

Look 4 came from a variation of Wildflower Fields S/S 2023 AI Fashion Collection. I was one of the contestants of the first ever AI Fashion week in NYC that had huge recognition in Vogue in collaboration with REVOLVE. The inspiration came from my culture, the women in my life and wildflowers. The concept of how resilient they are, how they are able to bloom in the unlikeliest of places.

*Wildflower Fields S/S 23 Look 4 by Wildy Martinez*
`“Look 4 is one of the featured artwork for DAB’s virtual exhibition “We’ve been dreaming about a magical jungle” at The Wrong Biennale!”`

What is a fun fact about you?

I was raised in Washington Heights, NYC and the musical/movie “In the heights" was filmed in the neighborhood I grew up in. It's a depiction of my Dominican/ Hispanic culture within New York City.

What would we most probably find you doing if not creating art?

If I am not creating art, I am fashion designing for my clients, and spending time with my son.

*Let me be Celebrated. by Wildy Martinez*

What advice would you give to aspiring digital artists who are just starting out? Are there any resources or learning materials you would recommend to help them improve their skills?

If you haven't started to create, do so. Don't overthink but get into the practice of creating everyday for yourself and for fun. I love Procreate for illustrating, and I love to follow artists that I admire and try to learn from them. Using AI Apps like Midjourney is also a great tool to get your ideas out. I am also a huge believer on Youtube "university" and the mentality always being a student of new mediums.