Today we’d like to introduce you to Cecilio Martinez.
Hi Cecilio, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a deep love for the arts. I used to do ceramics with my mom and would imagine I had my own art studio under my dad’s truck camper. At the same time, I wanted to show people I was smart, so I got into the sciences. As I grew older, I pursued a degree in Geology, eventually graduating and landing a job at the United States Geological Survey (USGS). My passion for the arts seemed to fade as I focused on my career, but I always thought I’d find my way back to it one day.
Then, everything changed when my close cousin was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. We were the same age, with similar life paths—both married and starting families. A year later, he passed away, and it shook me to my core. He was always the strong one, the one I thought would get through anything. His death made me rethink everything. I considered leaving my job at the USGS to return to school and pursue a degree in Multimedia Graphic Arts. It was a terrifying decision, and I wasn’t sure if it was the right one. But my wife supported me wholeheartedly and encouraged me to go for it. So I did.
For the first time in my academic life, I made the dean’s list, and I genuinely loved every moment of my multimedia classes. Things were going great—then our second son was born. He was diagnosed with autism, and suddenly, he needed extra care and attention. I had to put my dreams on hold and take on a steady job with reliable pay and benefits.
Now, fast-forward 20 years, and I find myself once again pursuing my creative passions. It’s been a long road, but I’m finally coming full circle.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, the road hasn’t been smooth—I’m still waiting for some decent pavement, LOL. When I decided to dive back into filmmaking and photography or “Visual Storytelling”, it came with its fair share of challenges. I was learning something new later in life, trying to find people I could trust who shared my vision, and battling imposter syndrome. In the beginning, I taught myself everything I could, whenever I could. I bought a camera and started learning both the technical and artistic sides—principles of design, composition, lighting, posing, storytelling, and the importance of networking. Little by little, I transitioned from hobbyist to becoming a somewhat recognized local artist. After years of effort, my name and work began to gain attention.
They say it takes about 10 years to truly grasp visual storytelling. When I restarted at 40, I knew almost nothing about the new cameras and updated software I needed to create decent content. Now, at 51, I really appreciate that advice from a decade ago. But I’d add that while it may take 10 years, the learning never stops. Once I committed to consistently creating visual content, I progressed from working with family and friends to collaborating with other serious creatives and talents. That’s when it shifted from just having fun to being challenged with each new project.
Finding compatible creatives who share my work ethic and vision has been one of the toughest parts of the journey. I’ve had many working relationships come and go—some of them beyond repair. In this industry, the community is small, and I’ve found myself inadvertently crossing paths with those same people from time to time. It’s a reminder never to take things personally and to avoid burning bridges, even though that can be hard at times.
I think the biggest obstacle, aside from age and other people, is myself. I often find myself doubting my abilities and the work I put out. They call it Imposter Syndrome. From speaking with more established and successful visual storytellers, I’ve learned that this mental hurdle can affect anyone at any stage of their career. You won’t always create something you’re proud of, but sometimes what you consider “crap” could be someone else’s gold. Still, you usually know when your work isn’t up to standard and when it’s probably best not to share it.
The thing is, art is subjective—it’s not an exact science. There are rules to follow, but there are also rules meant to be broken. The key is to trust your instincts and take pride in what you create. I should probably take my own advice, too.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I describe myself as a “Visual Storyteller” because I see myself as a hybrid creative. My camera serves as a tool for both filmmaking and photography, allowing me to blend these two mediums to create powerful narratives. People often tell me that I have an eye, indicating my natural talent and instinct for visual composition, creativity, and storytelling. I have a knack for noticing small details, framing shots, and capturing moments that resonate both visually and emotionally.
Additionally, I’m recognized as a respectful collaborator, producer, and director. This is something I’ve actively developed over the past two years, and it reflects my work ethic on every project I undertake. Although things don’t always go as planned, I consistently learn from each experience and strive to improve with every new effort.
What matters most to you?
I think what matters most to me is leaving a legacy of work that I can look back and be proud of. I think this is something we all want no matter what we pursue in life. It’s really that simple.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cm9films/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cm9films
- Other: https://vimeo.com/cm9films
