Meet Brian Martinez | Artist

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

Hi Brian, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always wanted to start a business, but I don’t think I knew exactly what that entailed. My parents came from Mexico and mainly worked their whole lives. So they didn’t really understand what was needed to start a business either. It wasn’t until I was painting a large-scale mural at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas that a manager of where I was painting mentioned to me about getting a business license and an accountant. It intrigued me mainly because I wanted to start my art business the right way instead of under the table. Since then I’ve gotten my business license and learned about maintaining my taxes throughout the year when I get mural projects. I also have a separate business account to manage how much I spend and bring in. It’s difficult at times, but it is fulfilling. It feels like I’m learning valuable things that can be passed on to future generations.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m real happy about having grown up in Las Vegas. I jumped into the art scene here at about 16 and was interning at a local gallery in the arts district. By that point, there was a bunch of artists who had already been putting their energy into the scene. I got to learn a lot from them while also attending school and learning from academic artists. I went to the community college and university here, so it feels like I got a full scope of art education here in Las Vegas. What currently makes me excited about art in Las Vegas is how many young and talented artists there are. For a while now I’ve noticed that the art here is being elevated as the city grows itself, and I can tell we will have a thriving art scene here one day. Being an artist in Las Vegas is difficult because people do not value art at times. They usually don’t want to pay what art is worth and then artists aren’t able to make a living from it. So many times artists must sell at a really low value in order for people to buy. The good thing is there are always a select few who are willing to pay, and recently the City of Las Vegas has been putting out well-paid opportunities that artists can take on. Only thing I would want people to know is keep an eye on Las Vegas Art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Breakfast for sure at Eggcellent! One of the best breakfast places in Las Vegas with great service. Probably a walk around Main Street and the Arts District after that. At some point in the week go to Mary Jane Falls at Mount Charleston. Such a fun hike with a huge cave and waterfall at the end. Other than that people visiting usually wanna go to the Strip or Fremont, so you gotta oblige as a local and head into the madness.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents to start, have created an excellent base for me in life with what they had available. They are why I put 100% effort into everything I do and try my best. My girlfriend Andrea, always supports and encourages me in all my ventures. It’s nice to have someone to hear me out when I get stressed. My friends help me forget everything and just make me laugh. My mentor Joseph Watson taught me about the art world since I was a junior in high school! Lots of shoutouts but any success I’ve had is an accumulation of tons of knowledge and support imparted by others into my life.

Instagram: martinez_brian_