We were lucky to catch up with Stacie Martinez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Stacie, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I love this question, because the answer is that overcoming imposter syndrome is a process, not a destination. I notice it most when I become overly attached to other’s opinions of me or my work. As a creative, it can be difficult to separate your “self” from what you make, because we put our heart into what we do and in doing so, we become vulnerable. When imposter syndrome rears it’s head, I feel I’m only as good as my last work, or the number of “likes” or the comments I receive. However, in paying close attention, I’ve begun to see that imposter syndrome gains its power when seeking the approval of others – from looking outward for validation rather than inward. I do believe it’s good to have a healthy balance: on one end wanting to belong / be accepted / feel seen by others, and on the other end, giving zero f*cks about it what people think. It’s a pendulum worth monitoring.
I once heard someone refer to imposter syndrome as “false pride” – and that really cracked it open for me. In my gut I believe I have skill and talent, and that my work is good, and my intention is even better. So I choose to accept the compliments and criticism (when coming from a trusted source), and to know my worth. Imposter syndrome objectively, at its core, keeps us small and makes us discount our gifts, knowledge and experience. Let’s have no more of that!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My name is Stacie Martinez, I’m the founder of The Lucky Bandana, a design and illustration studio based in Santa Monica. I have one goal – for my illustrations and designs to bring joy to people’s lives. I know, I know…. small business, big dreams! I have fond memories of the patterns surrounding me growing up: from wallpaper to sheets, stationery, and the patterns on mom and grandma’s clothing. When I think back on those designs they are wrapped up in loving, warm and happy feelings, and it’s my aim is to use my work to give as much of that back to people as possible.
I combine analog and digital painting to create vibrant illustrations of the things I’m inspired by: the flora and vegetation of the Southwest, my travels around the world, food, and my daily wanderings around my quaint, Ocean Park neighborhood. I enjoy using bright color and bold line to abstract and refine natural shapes, distilling them to their essence, imbuing my work with freshness and light. When I’m not painting or drawing you can find me in the hot yoga studio or sipping a cappuccino and dreaming about my next visit to Paris.
Right now I’m most excited about a series of new pattern collections I’m working on that will be available for licensing opportunities by the end of the year!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
For me, resilience is key. There will always be setbacks and detours, but the ability to dust myself off and keep going – even if it’s only one small step – has helped me tremendously. Learning Adobe Illustrator in depth is another important skill that has been fundamental to my journey as a surface designer – not only because it’s how I learned to create repeat patterns, but because it opened a world within me of what’s possible. Lastly, I would say all of my years experience as a graphic designer, marketing manager, and sales director in contemporary art galleries have given me a solid foundation of relevant skills that can be directly applied to my business.
When you are in the early stages of your journey it can be quite overwhelming to think about all the things you want to accomplish or think you need to do. I would advise first to do a “brain dump” – get it all out of your head, no matter how big or small, write it down. Then, consider your intention and the reason behind why you want to do this “thing” (whatever that “thing” is for you). Let your intention be your guide, let it lead you to the next best step. Also, practice, practice, practice your craft. When I began my creative path I designed 100 patterns in 100 days, just to get the wiggles out. I learned so much about myself during that time – I highly recommend a similar challenge!
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I would love to collaborate with eco-conscious organizations and like-minded people to license my artwork on products such as stationery, wallpaper and fabric, and to support publications with my illustrations as well! The best way to reach me is through my website at: www.theluckybandana.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theluckybandana.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluckybandana/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theluckybandana
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacie-martinez-80706b53/
- Other: Substack: https://staciemartinez.substack.com/
