FOUNDER/CREATIVE CHIEF, THE BUTLER BROS, AUSTIN TX
As a creative leader, Marty’s deep background in art direction, storytelling, graphic design and film allows him to guide and sculpt branding that connects. Marty is adept at leading teams to translate strategy into work that wins awards and sends the proper signal to the audience. Marty is also part owner of an all-natural gum company in Austin called Real Good Gum is and a founding member of The Austin Home Brew Festival. He is a SKU mentor and a little league baseball coach.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
Austin TX and Austin TX
DID YOU GO TO DESIGN SCHOOL?
Southwest Texas State University which is now Texas State.
LEFTY OR RIGHTY?
Right
MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
Transitioning to morning.
FICTIONAL OR HISTORICAL CHARACTER YOU IDENTIFY WITH?
Somewhere between Ward Cleaver and Coach Buttermaker from the Bad News Bears
ARE YOU MUSICAL AND/OR PLAY AN INSTRUMENT?
Acoustic guitar
FAVORITE BOOK?
The Martian Chronicles
FAVORITE MOVIE?
Raising Arizona
FAVORITE TV BINGE WATCH?
Detectorists
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM?
Instagram
FAVORITE PODCAST?
Tim Ferriss but mostly I listen to NPR at KUT/KUTX
FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
Can’t do one…. HN Werkman, Peter Beard, and Jared Dunten
FAVORITE CHARITY OR CAUSE?
The Austin American Statesman’s Season of Caring is an incredible annual undertaking that highlights local stories of monumental need, and the city answers the call.
FAVORITE FREE TIME ACTIVITY?
Coaching little league baseball
COLLECT ANYTHING?
Tickets to baseball games and concerts I’ve seen with my two kids
WHICH AREA OF GRAPHIC DESIGN IS GROWING THE MOST?
There is amazing work happening in package design and it actually creates value for the customer; beautiful things make our lives more interesting.
DESIGN MENTOR/INSPIRATION/HERO?
Ivan Chermayeff and Tom Geismar
GREATEST STRENGTH/WEAKNESS AS A DESIGNER?
I’m good at creating relationships with design talent and clients and collaborating with all of them. I am a sucker for interesting projects, regardless of their revenue potential.
ADVICE TO A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?
Do more research than anyone else. If you can be articulate about the marketplace and the competition in compelling way your work is more likely to appeal to people making decisions.
IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Small town coach
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
“Just beneath the surface, everyone you encounter is dealing with some serious stuff.”
