Meet David Martin | Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with David Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Several years ago, while working as a carpenter and project manager for a construction company, I had a serious injury that forced me to consider a number of lifestyle changes. Given my new physical limitations, it became clear that I needed to reinvent myself for a career where I could work from home.

Before building houses, I had been a teacher and taught myself to build websites. I also have experience in graphic design, digital art, and photography. A good friend introduced me to UX design, and it seemed like a great fit given my various skills and interests. I enrolled in an online program where I was able to learn UX skills quickly while also developing a professional portfolio.

Initially my goal was to find a position as a UX designer within a company or for an agency. However, as I shared my journey with friends and family, I found myself connecting with a growing number of creative projects.

I’ve been slowly developing a freelance business that includes UX design, but also extends into other creative areas, like video production and AI image generation. I’m excited to be working with my good friend Clif to produce a documentary film about his teacher and mentor, the great jazz drummer Ra Kalam Bob Moses. I’ve self-published a children’s book with my son Cedar and my brother Peter. And I’m designing a screen for a stage backdrop as part of an upcoming high-profile musical tour.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am inspired creatively by what’s possible at the intersection of technology and the human spirit. Recently, I’ve been using AI image generation to explore the liminal spaces that I feel connected to in my soul but have a difficult time expressing.

I appreciate that the creative process is more like a dialogue, and allows for new and unique methods of artistic expression. I’m finding that it can also be very therapeutic.

I’m excited about the emergent potential of leveraging these new tools to amplify creative work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When friends from out of town visit Asheville we like to explore the surrounding mountains. Bent Creek, Craggy Gardens, Shining Rock Wilderness, and Hot Springs are some of our favorite spots.

We might have tea at Dobra Teahouse, and dinner at Smoky Park Supper Club or The Admiral.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am grateful to the close friends and family who have helped me to embrace the many difficulties that I’ve faced as opportunity for self-discovery, growth, and personal development. With their support and encouragement, I am able to recognize my strengths and creative gifts in spite of my limitations.

Website: https://www.davidmartincreativedesign.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wuchinow

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/wuchinow

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/wuchinow

Other: https://soundcloud.com/wuchinow