Was this your first time entering the Fida awards and what motivated you to enter?

This is actually the third time I have entered the fida awards; and the motivation has always been the same, my passion for fashion illustration and the attraction of being able to participate in a high level competition, where you can expose your work to a wide audience and learn a lot in the process. 


Tell us a bit about your creative journey up to this point?

For 20 years I have been a designer, textile graphic designer and illustrator. I have worked for Mango and the Inditex group, and for the last few years I have been working especially for Zara.


What are your favourite materials/digital tech to work with?

I like to mix it up. Although it is true that I am very specialised in digital design and in the use of programmes, pothoshop, illustrator and procreate, I use a lot of classical techniques and hand drawing; there is usually something classical mixed with digital in each of my works. If I like something I try it, I need the creative process to be dynamic, otherwise I get bored.

Who are your favourite designers at the moment?

I follow a lot of different Designers, with different styles and I am always curious to meet new ones. My current references are: Phoebe Philo, Schiaparelli, Marni, The Attico, Loewe, Prada, Simone Rocha, Alexander McQueen, Area, Acne Studios etc.

Are there any artists or exhibitions that have inspired you recently?

I am very interested in fashion photographers and their work, they always give me new ideas when illustrating. Henrik Purienne, Steven Meisel, Nick Knight, Lina Tesch y Mario Sorrenti, among others...I also look for a lot of inspiration in Japanese culture and illustration.

Are you working on anything interesting at the moment that you would like to share?

Besides my daily work as a designer, I am currently working on several projects for fidaworldwide.

If you had any advice for new talent what would that be?

My best advice, for young people starting out and for any creative, is to believe in your work and in yourself. You can't be liked by everyone and that shouldn't stop you, you have to be resilient and insistent and above all work hard, don't give up, that's the only secret.


How can we see more of your work?

Normally on my instagram (marta_ruiz_illustration), is where I have all my latest works and updates.

Marta Portfolio