MEET MARTI. DIGITAL DIVA. VINTAGE VIBE SUPPORTER. GIRL POWER ADVOCATE. SNEAKHER ILLUSTRATOR.

The goal of our CNK Chick Chat series is to celebrate women. Not only are we tied together through a common bond of sneakers, but highlighting the journey of other women and their experiences resonates with our core audience – the every day woman. Whether we are in need of inspiration, creativity, entrepreneurship, or sisterhood, we vibe to the same beat when sharing the stories of other dope women in and around the sneaker world.

With social media, we are able to connect instantly with women that dope and creative. We have noticed brands taking an interest in artists, and utilizing their talents to connect with audiences. Through scrolling the ‘gram, we met Marti Cerezo. Her illustration work was highlighted on a brand page and we immediately knew we had to highlight her on our CNK Chick Chat series. Not only was her work fly AF, but it resonated with the every day woman who loves music, the golden era of the 90s, and sneaker style.

We took our Q&A overseas to connect with Marti as she began connecting the dots to her creativity, sources of inspiration, and how her passion is rooted in just being yourself.

THE 411 ON MARTI…

My name is Marta (my grandmother calls me Marti) and I'm from Madrid, Spain. I am a digital creative in an advertising agency and also an illustrator.

FROM CHILDHOOD TO GOING DIGITAL…

My mother always took my sister and I to the museums of Madrid, and we played ‘guess the pictures’. For me, I have always liked to draw and it was not until recently that I transitioned to digital illustration. I am still getting used to the latest technology, but little by little we are becoming friends (haha).

INSPO CAN COME FROM ANYWHERE…

Who inspires me? Many people, although they are not all illustrators. If I had to make a quick list, I'd highlight Martha Cooper, Hattie Stewart, Princess Nokia or 123Klan! And above all, music!

SELF-EXPRESSION = ART.

In my drawings I think I reflect many things about my personal taste. Personally, I have always been a very reserved person, and it shows through my social networks. That's why I admire those artists who don't have to talk about themselves to add more value to their work. The work speaks for itself.

MARTI’S MOOD BOARD.

In my case, I portray women with attitude. Defending what they like, be it music, fashion or culture. I also love to incorporate pastel colors, references from the 90s, and a lot of hip hop!

ON SNEAKER CULTURE CONNECTING TO THE ART WORLD…

They are worlds that go hand in hand and feed back into each other. The shoes are nourished by art and nowadays we see more and more artistic works inspired by shoes. It's so cool!

IF YOU COULD KEEP ONE SNEAKER…

My go-to shoes are the Nike Air Max 1 OG because of it’s elegance, versatility, and they never go out of style. I would buy them again and again.

SHOP SIMILAR STYLES BELOW POWERED BY MARTI

ROOTED IN SIMPLE STYLE…

I really like hype sneakers and streetwear, although I don't see a very direct relationship between my illustrations and the way I dress. It is the style that I like and where I feel comfortable illustrating, but I don't wear on a daily basis. I work in an office and take a bike every day, therefore I usually dress quite simply. I am definitely into classics and vintage clothes!

Also, I don't believe in a hard distinction between man and woman when it relates to clothes. Let everyone put on what they want, it's just clothes! With sneakers, brands can continue to do more interesting things for women versus just a pink version (haha).

ADVICE FOR ARTISTS…

Do not stop working and invest as much time as you can doing what you like! It took me a long time to believe that illustrating was a profession. I work in advertising and I drew in my spare time. With effort and dedicating many hours, I have managed to illustrate as a side hustle. People who are dedicated to their art are lucky to have fun with what they do, but that does not mean that it’s not work. Do not let others take you for fools and be sure to defend what you are worth!

WHAT DOES SNEAKHER CULTURE MEAN TO YOU?

A community of women who [above all] support and show interest in teaching others how they can impact the world from their lens. Always with love and respect!

You can catch more of Marti Cerezo on her INSTAGRAM.