Meet Martín van der Valk | Art Director & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Martín van der Valk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Martín, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up, I was always sure I’d end up doing something creative. For most of my childhood I dreamt of designing buildings, but after discovering Photoshop as a 13 year old I couldn’t get enough. It became my goal to work in a capacity that allows me to do what comes naturally to me. I had absolutely no interest in any other line of work but the one that would allow me to take photos, make videos, and design posters all in the same week. I honestly feel very grateful that I get to make a living doing this.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’d say my strength as an artist comes from my capacity to “make” in so many different ways. I can easily translate from audio to visual, from static to motion, from storyboard to viewfinder. I think, when you’re getting things done in a project, that that goes a long way. I’ve been described as a creative swiss army knife, or a one man production crew, and I feel that accurately reflects what I try to be.

This wasn’t something I set out to be, but came very naturally. Art direction felt like the logical conclusion for someone who designs, photographs, animates, makes music, etc. It’s the coming together of all these sides to the project to make something effective and beautiful. Following my instinct and interests is key for me – I don’t like to let myself feel too comfortable with where I’m at.

If there’s any takeaway I can pass on, it would be to find a process that you enjoy. Growth comes from iterating on your process, just like anything else, so finding meaning and enjoyment outside of just the end result really makes a big difference.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d cheat a bit by taking them out to explore and camp out in the amazing parks. One thing that can’t be beat in LA is the vastness of the sky and how infinite it can feel.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my Mom for somehow always making it work despite everything, and to my Dad for showing me the value of hard work and discipline. Both gave me the tools to trust my gut instinct and to forge my own path in life.

Website: https://vandervalk.design/

Image Credits
All photos are credited to myself except for the analog photo which is credited to my friend Iñaki E., and the photo of myself in the studio is credited to Jorge B.