Hello, hello! I’m absolutely thrilled to be bringing you an interview with the one and only Martin Stone from Martin’s Mayhem today.
One of the many things I am enjoying about this series is finding all of these amazing creative people. I did a search on Instagram using the hashtag #dudescrafttoo and it brought me to Martin’s page. I instantly became lost in all the beauty he’s created.
He is a masterful, talented card maker whose eye pleasing compositions are the stuff stampers dream of. I am beyond honored to have him here today.
I’ll have all of his links at the end of this post. Make sure you go and check him out.
What is your name and in which country do you currently reside?
I’m Martin Stone from Redditch in the United Kingdom.
How did you first become involved in card making?
My mother bought me a greeting card kit for Christmas back in 2006.
What do you enjoy most about card making?
The mess! I know this most likely frustrates people but it really gets me excited. The little bits and pieces here and there tend to be the thing that sparks an idea.
Stereotypically card making is considered by many to be a hobby in which only females participate. Have you experienced any judgement or discrimination based on this stereotype?
This is a difficult question to answer. I’m going to say no, but as a male, we do get treated different. Which doesn’t mean it’s in a bad way but I don’t think we should be.
Do you feel that, as a male card maker, you bring any experiences or attributes to the craft that you might not otherwise if you were female?
Honestly I don’t think being male would make any difference to what I bring to the table. It’s all down to the individuals background, style and taste to the quality of craft they produce.
What is the best thing about being a male card maker?
People treat you like a unicorn; something of legend.
What is the most challenging?
Breaking down the preconceived ideas of who you are and what you should be. Like I’m just a normal mid 20’s male who likes to make cards.
What changes, if any, would you like to see happen in the card making industry as far as male cardmakers are concerned?
I want to see it become normal. Individuals should be appraised for their talent not gender.
Have you always been creative?
Definitely!
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Graphic designers, fine artists, interior designers, etc. I draw inspiration from anything and everything that takes design into account.
Is there anything you struggle with in terms of card making?
Yes. I struggle with ink blending. I just can’t do it!
What has been your proudest card making moment or achievement?
I was in a card making magazine once upon a time.
What, if anything, would you change about the card making community?
It’s global but it shouldn’t feel that way. The world is now the smallest its ever been and yet card making can still feel isolated and lonely. We need to get together more and share in creativity.
What, if anything, would you change about the card making industry?
It needs to start appealing to all audiences in respect to product design.
How would you describe your card making style?
Simple
Lastly do you have any advice, tips, suggestions, or words of encouragement for other male card makers?
Just keep being you. You will find your own tribe of people who will encourage you to be the best version of yourself
Martin, thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. I love what you said about feeling like a unicorn. I feel like I’ve often viewed male card makers as such in the past and I’m trying to just see you as regular people because that’s what you are. Well, not exactly. More like regular people who are super talented.
If you’d like to see more of Martin’s amazing work you can find him
On Instagram
On Facebook
On his website
Until next time,
Zebra, cat, vampire bat,
Samantha
Driving the Crazy Train 