I can’t imagine a better first experience with beyond tellerrand. The caliber of sessions left me inspired and energised. It was an incredible honour to be included and present as well. The vibe of the whole event was low-key yet exciting. I went home afterward with a full heart.
I met Martina Flor a little more than 10 years ago for the very first time. I remember that, back then, I was impressed with her story. She left South America, being unhappy with the graphic design job she had, which did not fulfil her. She felt it was not the kind of work she wanted to do and through illustrating and working on letters in her free time, she found her passion.
After a master course in type design in the Netherlands, she found her new home base in Berlin. In Berlin she started completely from scratch in terms of her financial situation, but with a clear vision. No guidance, advice or business training from anyone, she became one of the best known and successful lettering artists.
Within the last 15 years she turned her dream into her business and I think that is absolutely impressive. Not to forget that I really like her work. So much, that I asked her to do both of the beyond tellerrand t-shirts for 2015 – for Düsseldorf and Berlin – which turned out to be some of the most liked designs of the beyond tellerrand t-shirt collection.
Next to her lettering and illustration work, Martina is also writing books. As you might have guessed right, most of them are teaching her passion subject. The latest book, though, is for anyone who also runs a sole business. The book is titled “Make It” and gives you a great amount of valuable tips to turn your passion project into your business. And who knows, maybe Martina is going to bring copies to Düsseldorf, so you can get a signed copy ;)
See you there!
beyond tellerrand Düsseldorf 2025 is taking place on May 5 and 6 with workshops and Side Events on 4th and 7th.