Next Up: Martin Grasser’s Journey From Corporate Design to Generative Art
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Martin Grasser is a visionary artist and designer from the Bay Area, who first became known for his innovative approach to blending typography with abstract art. Grasser’s work is characterized by his exploration of letterforms as a medium for artistic expression, transforming them into vibrant, abstract compositions that challenge conventional perceptions of text. His practice often involves the use of generative algorithms, creating systems where repetition and variation lead to unique, dynamic visual languages.
Grasser has made significant contributions to both the corporate and digital art worlds. Among his most recognized achievements is the design of the iconic Twitter bird logo, a symbol that became synonymous with the platform now known as X (R.I.P.).
His creative pursuits have also led him into the realm of generative art, where he has launched several notable projects on the blockchain. These include “Squares,” his debut NFT series, and “LOVE,” a collaboration with the ATP Tour that integrates tennis data with digital art. In 2023, he expanded his artistic footprint by collaborating with generative art pioneer Vera Molnár on “Themes and Variations.”
Every week, nft now’s Next Up showcases a new artist from our curated list of ascendant talents who have been making significant waves throughout web3. This week, our spotlight turns to Martin Grasser.
How did you first become interested/involved in digital art?
I grew up interested in art. My dad could paint and draw, and I wanted to do the things that he was doing. I have been painting and drawing since I was kid. Digital art is kind of just the art I make because I naturally spend all my time on the computer. It’s where I am most comfortable with the tools and most excited about the possibilities. I think the advent of ArtBlocks was the major unlock for me. It introduced me to a community of people who were excited about the same things that made me excited.
“My art is driven by systems. I am interested in form, repetition, and always providing some sort of translation.”
MARTIN GRASSER
How would you describe your art?
My art is driven by systems. I am interested in form, repetition, and always providing some sort of translation. My work is very designed and often a simplification, where certain aspects are emphasized and unnecessary elements removed.
What’s your process like? And where do you usually find inspiration?
My process is iterative and I am always making something or pushing some thought into the art space. I am a huge believer in sketching. I believe it is the quickest way to get from an idea to form. Language has a way of being slippery and confusing so I prefer to actually draw and get a gesture down to try and communicate my ideas. I also love collaborating and am often working with multiple people on multiple ideas at once. I like to have different projects inform each other and for ideas to move between them.
Inspiration is everywhere for me, but I love typography! So anything with type is a great place for me to find some excitement. Like many artists, I am also inspired by nature, beauty, and those perfect mistakes or lucky accidents that are everywhere. Being inspired is really about looking for it and being ready to find or see something extraordinary in the simplest places.
“I am a huge believer in sketching. I believe it is the quickest way to get from an idea to form.”
MARTIN GRASSER
What was your breakthrough moment in web3?
My breakthrough moment in web3 was Squares. It found enough people who really liked the work and that got me started. People learned more about me and were willing to work with me.
What are the biggest challenges facing rising artists in web3?
I think the fact that it is all new is what makes it the toughest. It is hard to know what is fair, or even if something is “successful” because there isn’t a lot of history to compare this against. There is a core community of really nice, wonderful people and I think that over time these things will even out – but it can be a bit tough when you have limited visibility so to speak.
“I think the fact that it is all new is what makes it the toughest. It is hard to know what is fair, or even if something is “successful” because there isn’t a lot of history to compare this against.”
MARTIN GRASSER
What advice do you have for rising artists in this space?
I have a hard time seeing myself as a success — I would just say keep making art. Sometimes we think we have to wait for the perfect opportunity — or the big payday — but the only thing that has been consistent is just trying to make great work. Along the way people will help you! Take all the help you can get!
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