JUSTIN MARTIN

Justin Martin, Attraction Designer, Universal Orlando Resort (Universal's Volcano Bay Water Theme Park). Courtesy of the designer.

RMCAD + PUBLIC EVENTS

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Justin Martin is a creative director and art director for themed entertainment and experiences. His work pushes the boundaries of reality, transporting guests to places and moments opposite to their everyday lives. Martin has worked on Thea Award-winning projects like Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay Water Park, Lionsgate Entertainment World’s The Twilight Saga: Midnight Ride, and Golden Ticket-winning Meow Wolf Convergence Station. Martin has worked in a variety of different roles at various companies such as Thinkwell Group, Universal Creative, OC Sports and Entertainment, and most notably Meow Wolf. In 2021, Blooloop, an industry trade website, named Martin one of the Top 50 Most Influential People in Themed Entertainment Design for his work on various projects and his passion for educating the next generation of themed entertainment designers.

Learn more about Justin Martin.

DESIGNER TALK

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Achieving Dreams: Turning Imagined Worlds Into Reality

From museums to theme parks, have you ever wondered, who creates those places? Justin Martin’s design talk answers that question. Martin’s expertise includes concept design, 3D modeling, character design, art direction, model making, and set decoration. These multidisciplinary design skills contribute to his portfolio of projects including Meow Wolf Convergence Station, Gringotts Wizarding Bank at The Making of Harry Potter London, Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay Theme Park, and more. He discusses breaking into and navigating this small but unique creative industry and what fuels his inspiration and perseverance.

Justin Martin presenting his VASD Program designer talk in RMCAD’s VASD Program. Photo by Jim Darling.

PRIVATE RMCAD events

One-on-One Meetings with Justin Martin

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

RMCAD online and on-ground students had the exciting opportunity to share their work with visiting designer Justin Martin in 20-minute meetings. Selected from a competitive pool of applicants, students received feedback on their work from this accomplished visiting designer.

Justin Martin, Lead Art Director, Meow Wolf, Convergence Station.

STUDENT-LED Q+A SESSION

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Student-Led Q + A Sessions are casual, in-person conversations open to RMCAD students, faculty, and staff. Guided by student voices, these discussions generate valuable professional advice for all students.

Justin Martin, Concept Designer Warner Bros (Warner Bros Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter). Courtesy of the designer.

Student large-scale sculptures inspired by Justin Martin’s work unveiled across campus before Justin’s presentation.

Recommendation List

VASD Program visiting artists and designers provide a recommendation list that gives insight into their work, practice, and research. Designer Justin Martin recommends:

  • Immersive Storytelling For Real and Imaged Worlds - Margaret Kerrison (Book)

  • The End of Storytelling - Stephanie Riggs (Book)

  • Design Is Storytelling- Ellen Lupton (Book)

  • The Golden Theme - Brian McDonald (Book)

  • The Art of Galaxy’s Edge- Amy Ratcliffe (Book)

  • Designing Disney’s Theme Parks- Karal Anne Marling (Book)

  • Spectacle- David Rockwell (Book)

  • Any Sci-fi drawing by Syd Mead or Joe Johnston

  • Writing Advice from Matt Stone & Trey Parker @ NYU | MTVU’s “Stand In” (Youtube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGUNqq3jVLg 

  • Hozier (Album)

  • Cirque Du Soleil VR  (VR Experience)

  • The Nest (In Person Experience created by SCOUT Expedition Company)

  • Imagineering Story (Disney+)