We’re looking forward to introducing you to J.R. MARTINEZ. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning J.R., it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What battle are you avoiding?
As an artist and creative director with over 20 years in the Fashion and Television industry, owning your brand means constantly battling EGO—whether it’s your own defending a instinctive perfect idea or clients and colleagues with firm opinions on the area of expertise you mastered long time ago.
This can lead to conflicts and dangerous arguments, drain your energy, and affect your inner peace. Don’t let disagreements take away your light and focus; they won’t last much, and clarity will come back soon. It’s essential to stand your ground as a professional, explain yourself as clear as possible so they can understand your point and always remember that RESPECT is the key to doing it wisely.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, dear readers, my name is JR Martinez, and I am a passionate fashion designer, and Celebrity stylist, a true artist, a maker, an inventor, and a dreamer. I am the owner and creative director of “Let Me See It,” a brand based in Miami that specializes in creating unique costumes and styling work for the entertainment industry, including television and film.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, I have had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with some of the biggest brands, such as Pepsi, Ford, Tesla, Citi, and Pizza Hut. Additionally, I have worked with numerous artists from the American and Spanish music industry, and when I reflect on my journey, I am proud to have contributed to more than 30 music videos and 20 TV commercials.
I believe that the story of my career began not just when I graduated from fashion school, but when I discovered that I possessed that elusive “IT factor” that captivates people in this complicate industry. I have the ability to understand what others dream about and to bring those visions from the abstract world into reality. thats what a designer is meant to be.
I remain steadfast in my element, crafting costumes that you see in music videos and short films, and creating characters that make your Miami nights truly unforgettable. My work in fashion is distinctive, featuring design proposals that are out of the box, allowing you to dream and keeping your audience captivated. The “wow” factor is not just an afterthought; it takes center stage in all I make, inviting you to fall in love with your surroundings. and DREAM again.
At “Let Me See It,” WE are dedicated to push the boundaries of creativity and fashion and style innovation, ensuring that every piece we create tells a story and leaves a lasting impression. Thank you for allowing me to share my journey with you!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Feeling powerful is an exhilarating experience that can stay in your heart forever, especially when it stems from simply being yourself and embracing a talent that has always resided within you—one that no one else gave you. For me, that transformative moment came when I landed my first significant job in the fashion industry, during an interview that would forever reshape my journey.
It was at Donna Karan in New York City, a moment etched in my memory. I can still picture the scene vividly: the executive opened my fashion portfolio, and in an instant, his expression changed. His face lit up with vibrant colors, his eyes sparkled like diamonds, and a blissful smile spread across his face. In that moment, when he went crazy about my sketches I truly understood then what triumph felt like, when among dozens of amazing other designers I WAS THE ONE.
He began calling others into the meeting to show them my work, saying, YOU SEE? and there I was, alone, in the middle of time square, but living my dream in the heart of New York City, receiving the kind of approval that every fashion student yearns for. It was a moment of validation that I had only dared to dream about.
I want to remind you that out there, countless people are eager and excited to meet SOMEONE LIKE YOU. Your unique talents and authentic self are waiting to be discovered, and the world is ready to SEE YOU. I am a living proof of it. Thats the reason my brand is called LET ME SEE IT .
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
When you are a designer, when you work with public and the success of your name out there depends on how well received is your latest work, sometimes you will see yourself surrounded by many fears, Fear to not to be liked, FEAR to disappoint, or simply FEAR to be forgotten. We live in a super fast world where our attention span is incredibly short, you have to be bald, big, contrasting, out of the box, louder and even sometimes unapologetic and explosive to be seen. But as all fashion periods in history, that also will pass, You need to work on yourself to make sure that you can be super strong, and wise enough to be able to stand strong to face the critics. But also, experience taught me that sometimes YOU DON’T NEED TO BE THE BEST, YOU JUST NEED TO BE THEIR FAVORITE, and you are as fabulous as your most recent shiny moment…
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The fashion industry, The big monster that never tell the truth, even though is constantly evolving and inspiring creativity, It always lie for you to CONSUME more… telling you with amazing colorful campaigns that the garment you bought last summer is not good enough…The part i like is that it encourages us to express ourselves through style and creativity, and celebrate our individuality. However, it can sometimes create a sense of urgency, suggesting that the OLD FASHION GOD is coming upon you , and that we must continually seek the latest styles to stay relevant. This believe can lead to the idea of being OUT of FASHION, the state of mind we fear the most, but it’s important to remember that true style comes from within. Embracing what you love and wearing it with confidence is what truly defines YOUR fashion. Let’s celebrate our unique tastes and make choices that resonate with who we are, rather than simply following trends. WHEN YOU FEEL like you wanna spend money….don’t go to the mall, go to your closet !!!
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Absolutely! I have enjoyed my career to the max, and I feel incredibly fortunate to reflect on my journey. When I look back at the beginning of my professional life and compare it to where I stand today, it brings me immense satisfaction.
It’s truly gratifying to see the impressive brands and television networks that have recognized my work, often expressing their admiration with comments like, “Wow, you are amazing!” Each achievement is documented in my resume, showcasing the significant milestones I’ve reached. from TV commercials, Photography, Music videos and my life as a tv host.
I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with amazing producers and renowned names in the industry and creating pieces that have been worn by talented artists. There have been numerous occasions when I was specifically chosen for projects because my unique skills were deemed essential to their success. This, to me, epitomizes TRUE SUCCESS.
The images of my work will remain in the public eye, serving as a lasting testament to my contributions and creativity for future generations to appreciate, the Internet never dies.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @JRFASHIONISTA
- Facebook: JRMARTINEZ
- Youtube: JRMARTINEZ
Image Credits
PHOTO CREDITS JRM
