Collaborating with Alba Martin

If you saw our socials last month, you would’ve seen the masterpiece that was our collaboration with Collage Societyy.

In addition to our 3 piece collage collab, we spoke with the talented Alba Martin, the lovely Spanish designer we were lucky enough to create with.

Who’s That Girl?

Firstly, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi, I am Alba! I was born in a little village in the centre of Spain. I am an art, animals and food lover. I love the little things most, like going out with friends, walking along the beach or going to brunch on Saturday mornings.

What’s in store for you in 2019?

It will be a year of changes. I just finished my studies and found my first real job, after completing some internships. I would like to learn as much as possible and hope to go into business and be my own boss. I also want to open my online store where my edits will be available.

What was it like living in Spain?

Nothing compares to Spain. I have lived in London, Prague, Paris and Brussels and I always said that I wanted to come back home. People are so familiar, everyday someone offers you a different plan. Right now, I am living in Valencia and it is the perfect location to enjoy the sun, the paella and the life.

What is home to you?

Home to me is where I am with my family and friends.

Biz Stuff

What was your professional background prior to launching Collage Societyy?

I was working as a marketing assistant. In fact, Collage Societyy for me, is like a hobby and I love to create collage for people. I have always been creative – when I was 16 years old I had my own “fashion blog”, then my YouTube channel, but now I want to be behind the scenes.

Did you complete any formal studies or are you self taught?

I studied Marketing in Madrid and last week my university told me that I have the Extraordinary Degree Award (I am such a library rat). I studied graphic design online for one year and YouTube always has been my best friend, so both 🙂

We recently collaborated with you on an artwork series (which you were amazing with, btw) – how did you find the collaboration process and was it different to what you’d usually do on your own?

Thank you! It was awesome, I started this instagram account just for fun and these kinds of things make me want to keep creating every day. It was more difficult because I needed to create with some pics that maybe I would have never chosen, but when I was imagining in my head what could I do with them and when I saw the results, I was so happy to start this collaboration and go out of my comfort zone.

What is the secret formula to a great collage?

There’s not a secret formula, I think sometimes you see a pic and you immediately know how exactly you can edit it to look great.

How long does it take to complete each piece?

It depends, sometimes 1 hour if I know exactly what I want to create but other times I am blocked and it takes me days.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out in digital art?

Just keep going and don’t lose hope, no matter how far or slow you go.

What is the best part about running your own biz?

I can do whatever I want. And this is awesome, because when I work for someone else I need to do what they want, when they want and how they want even it, even if I know that it could be better.

And the worst/most challenging?

Believe in myself and not giving up. It’s not easy because sometimes I don’t see the results. I need to organise my time between my job at the marketing agency, gym, learning new languages, going out with friends… It unfortunately means that the collages are not always my priority.

And of course: what inspires you?

Everything inspires me. When I go for a walk and see posters in the streets, how people interact with each other… but Pinterest is my favourite platform to see amazing works.

Quick Questions

How do you take your tea (or coffee)?

Tea (I don’t like coffee yet).

Fave coffee shops/cafes at home

I live at Ruzafa (the Valencian Soho). There’s a lot of coffee shops, but my favs are Bastard and Dulce de Leche.

Go to outfit

Long dresses

Proudest Moment

I think the moment I felt most proud of me was when I read my graduation speech, finish it and see my parents cry (my father never cries).

Ideal Sunday

Wake up late, go for a walk, and “tapas” with family and friends.

Fave podcasts/books

My fave book is “The Alchemist” It changed how I see life. Lately, I am hooked on marketing podcasts.

Ultimate travel destination

Australia and Japan, I can’t wait for it!!

Where can we find you online?

For the moment Instagram is the best place to see my work, but I hope to open my website soon.