INTERVIEW
Welcoming Martha Olivia
After a year working together as part of our Future Makers programme, Martha joins the Grand Matter roster as we look forward to many more years of collaboration to come.
With a strong visual language, Martha takes inspiration from the natural world, expressed effortlessly in her work through her immersive pattern and dream-like scenes. It’s been a pleasure to see Martha’s portfolio develop into exciting new areas over the past year as she’s taken on a wide range of projects from branding and packaging to interior design.
We spoke to Martha to hear from her about her plans at the start of this new journey, and what her dream collaborations are!
"
My background is in pattern design and love to incorporate this into my work. I include lots of intertwining leaves, vines and repeats, with bold colours and plenty of small hidden details for added intrigue.
– Martha Olivia
How would you describe your work in one sentence?
Pattern based illustrations, carefully considered yet playful, with layering, shading and lush florals 
Over the past year you've worked on a range of different projects, has this variety changed how you approach your work?
I’ve noticed my work develop and elevate after each project, the varied briefs have allowed me to see my style used for outputs I might not of visualised before. I’m not set on a particular route with my work and want my portfolio to be broad so it’s really helped to start that journey.
What would you say has been the most transformational project?
Working on The Maybourne Hotel Group tapestry has been a really special and transformational project to work on this year. Working with a luxury brand with so much heritage and prestige allowed so much thought, time and research to be put into the piece. I’ve always had an interest in heritage brands and love to learn about their history, so creating an intricate tapestry to tell their story was a truly memorable project that I’m really proud of.
"
I’ve loved working with a heritage brand this year and would like to lean further into this. Brands such as Liberty, Fortnum and Mason or Harrods would be exciting!
– Martha Olivia
Can you tell us about the themes you explore in your work, and where you find inspiration?
Most of my work is heavily inspired by nature, heritage and culture, depicting dense lush leaves and florals surrounding scenes or animals. I have a background in pattern design and love to incorporate this into my work, which comes through in some of my pieces where I include a lot of intertwining leaves, vines and repeats. I like to add intrigue by using bold colours and adding lot’s of small hidden details too.
What areas do you see your work developing into going forward?
I’ve really enjoyed working on food and drink packaging this year. Concept tea box branding and gin labels and some live projects such as Toast Brewery have proven really successful with my style. It would be great to develop this side of my portfolio going forward!
Credit
Are there any clients or projects you would be particularly excited to work with in the future?
I’ve loved working with a heritage brand this year and would like to lean further into this. Brands such as Liberty, Fortnum and Mason or Harrods would be exciting! I’d also like to illustrate places for travel, brands such as Airbnb would be amazing for this.
About Martha Olivia
Martha is a pattern designer and illustrator, whose work features dense florals, luscious greenery and tranquil scenes, taking inspiration from nature, folk art and textile archives. Martha's portfolio is versatile and multidisciplinary, particularly lending itself to homeware, packaging, books, textiles and fashion.
London
Somerset House
West Wing M19, Strand
London, WC2R 1LA
+44(0)2033 322 582
hello@grandmatter.com
New York
The Yard , South Williamsburg
195 Broadway, 4th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11211
hello@grandmatter.com
Cookie & Privacy Policy Terms of Use © Grand Matter 2023