Aaron Martin’s graphic design work is deeply intertwined with his lifelong connection to fantasy, folklore, and the metaphysical. His unique style, which he describes as “symbolic phantasmagoria,” involves layering images and symbols that create a story-like dreamscape, blurring the lines between reality and myth. His illustrations aren't just visually detailed; they are also spiritually and narratively complex, inviting viewers into a world teeming with life and mystery. Martin’s approach to art reflects his belief in the “animism” of each creation—a philosophy where he treats his images as living, breathing entities with personalities, histories, and a sense of place. Martin’s imaginative process is rooted in his childhood experiences and a lifelong tendency to daydream. From an early age, he would escape classroom boredom by creating his own visual narratives, a habit that later evolved into drawing elaborate landscapes and creatures. He recalls how, even as a child, his imagination would run wild with visions of dinosaurs, mythical creatures, and complex scenes inspired by everything from horror films to Japanese anime. These early interests provided Martin with a creative foundation that he continues to build upon. His childhood memories, especially the humorous sketches of his mother as a “Mommy Monster,” serve as a testament to the playful yet deeply imaginative approach that characterizes his art today.
Through his graphic design work, Aaron Martin has become known for his ability to create visuals that resonate with audiences and elevate each client’s brand. His designs, whether for record labels, educational institutions, or wellness brands, capture the essence of each client’s mission and communicate it through thoughtful, artistic visuals. Martin’s commitment to storytelling and visual cohesion make his graphic design work impactful and memorable, enhancing the brand experience for clients across industries.
Working with CREEK, a publication dedicated to Nashville’s creative culture, allowed Martin to bring his storytelling approach into editorial design. For CREEK, Martin created cover designs, layout elements, and illustrations that capture the magazine’s dedication to highlighting the vibrant, artistic side of Nashville. His designs for CREEK often feature bold typography and dynamic layouts that draw readers into the articles, reflecting the magazine’s commitment to exploring topics with depth and originality. This collaboration allowed Martin to blend his love of local culture with his expertise in design, creating visuals that reflect Nashville’s diverse creative landscape.
One of Martin’s long-standing collaborations has been with Nashville-based breweries Bearded Iris Brewing Co. and Little Harpeth Brewing Company. For Bearded Iris, Martin developed branding materials that reflect the brewery’s innovative spirit and the craft beer community’s sense of camaraderie. His designs often include organic patterns and playful illustrations that capture Bearded Iris’ adventurous approach to brewing through a merch collaboration with outdoor clothing brand, Granola. The concept behind this collaboration was a group of spelunkers uncovering an inner-earth society of sasquatches and little green men. For Little Harpeth Brewing, a brand that emphasizes environmental sustainability and classic brewing techniques, Martin used earthy tones and rustic visuals to reflect the brewery’s eco-conscious ethos, even painting a mural that can be seen behind their music venue’s stage. His work for both breweries includes label designs, promotional materials, and merchandise that celebrate the unique character of each brand while uniting them through Martin’s imaginative, community-centered design style.
Collaborating with Red Light Management, a major music management company, Martin developed graphic designs that capture the energy and personality of the artists they represent. His work with Red Light includes promotional materials, album covers, and tour visuals, all crafted to match the unique identity of each musician. Martin’s collaboration with Nice Life Recording Company and Atlantic Records allowed him to create graphics for major music releases, providing album covers and promotional content that reach wide audiences. For Nice Life Recording Company, a label that promotes genre-blending artists, Martin used a mix of vibrant colors and unconventional layouts that reflect the label’s commitment to boundary-pushing music. His work for Atlantic Records, one of the world’s leading record labels, includes designs that combine Martin’s unique surrealist style with high production quality, capturing the label’s legacy of excellence while introducing fresh, modern visuals. This collaboration with major record labels has allowed Martin to showcase his ability to create designs that are both commercially appealing and artistically engaging. Additionally, collaborating with record labels like Grappa Musikkforlag AS, Exag Records, Park The Van Records, Hawk’s Nest Music LLC, and House Of Sin Records, Martin has created album artwork, promotional posters, and digital graphics that support each label’s unique artist roster. His work for these labels varies widely, reflecting each label’s genre and aesthetic, from bold, edgy graphics for House Of Sin Records to softer, vintage-inspired designs for Exag Records. Martin’s ability to adapt his style to suit each label’s brand has made him a valuable partner for music companies looking to establish a strong visual identity for their artists.
Working with NPR and WMOT, Martin created promotional graphics that support these media outlets’ missions to inform and inspire. His designs for NPR incorporate clean lines, bold typography, and thoughtful layouts that make information accessible and engaging. For WMOT, a radio station focused on Americana music, Martin created designs that reflect the station’s dedication to roots music and storytelling, using vintage-inspired colors and patterns. His work for NPR and WMOT shows his ability to create designs that communicate effectively in a media environment, helping to enhance each organization’s reach and connection with listeners.
Partnering with The Fieldhouse Jones Hotel, Martin designed branding materials that reflect the hotel’s modern yet welcoming atmosphere. His designs include logo variations, promotional graphics, and signage that incorporate clean lines, warm colors, and inviting typography. Martin’s work for Fieldhouse Jones combines his artistic touch with a polished, contemporary look that aligns with the hotel’s brand. His designs help create a cohesive visual identity for the hotel, enhancing the guest experience by making the space feel both unique and comfortable.
For Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Martin contributed graphic designs for educational and promotional materials that capture the university’s commitment to innovation and creativity. His work with MTSU includes designs for campus events, promotional campaigns, and visual branding that connect with students and faculty. By incorporating MTSU’s values into his designs, Martin created graphics that feel both modern and welcoming, providing the university with visuals that enhance its reputation as a forward-thinking institution. His work for MTSU demonstrates his ability to design for educational contexts, creating graphics that are engaging, professional, and visually appealing.
In his partnership with The Russell J. Effros Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting the arts and education, Martin created designs that highlight the foundation’s mission to inspire and educate. His work includes posters, brochures, and social media content that use uplifting colors and symbolic imagery to connect with audiences. By emphasizing themes of growth, learning, and creativity, Martin’s designs for the foundation aim to foster a sense of community and support for the arts. This project allowed Martin to contribute to a cause he believes in, using his design skills to support education and inspire young artists.
Finally, his work with Beyond Content LLC, a multimedia production company, allowed him to create versatile designs that support the company’s diverse projects. Martin’s designs for Beyond Content include logos, website graphics, and social media templates that enhance the company’s brand presence. His work with Beyond Content shows his versatility as a designer, as he balances aesthetic appeal with functionality, creating visuals that are both engaging and effective for various media platforms.
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