Blog

AI, Web3, and Vitiligo Representation: Wildy Martinez Does it All

Wildy Martinez (wildflowerfields.art) is a a professionally trained designer and independent artist, blending together her passion for AI, fashion, and representation. We spoke with Wildy about her venture into her craft, her experience with vitiligo, and what she thinks is the future of art. This interview was edited for length and clarity. 

Let’s start with the basics: how did you get into art?

Growing up as a first-generation Dominican-American in Washington Heights, New York City, I was surrounded by culture, color, and creativity. I was always sketching, especially fashion—drawn to how clothing could tell a story and express identity. That passion led me to attend the High School of Fashion Industries at just 13 years old. It was an incredible experience where I learned how to sew, draw fashion croquis, build mini collections, and truly understand the language of design.

While I was still in high school, I also had the privilege of attending Saturday “Live” classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology—free weekend courses offered to high school students pursuing the arts. They deepened my creative vision and gave me the confidence to take my passion seriously. I later earned a partial scholarship and graduated from FIT with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. Looking back, those early opportunities didn’t just shape my skills—they helped me see that art wasn’t just a hobby. It was my calling.

Looking back, those early opportunities didn’t just shape my skills—they helped me see that art wasn’t just a hobby. It was my calling.

Your brand, Wildflower Fields LLC, has a focus in fashion. Tell us about your interest in the field and what you hope to innovate for viewers.

Fashion has always been my first love—it’s where my creativity and storytelling naturally meet. After graduating from FIT, I spent nearly 20 years designing for major brands in New York City. I worked on everything from sketches and tech packs to managing full collections and overseas production. But what kept me grounded was the belief that fashion is more than just clothing—it’s a language.

Wildy x Dior

I created Wildflower Fields LLC as a way to merge that traditional foundation with emerging technologies like AI, digital art, and Web3. The name itself is symbolic—wildflowers grow in unexpected places. To me, it’s about celebrating what makes us different and designing from a place of self-embrace and innovation.

To me, it’s about celebrating what makes us different and designing from a place of self-embrace and innovation.

One project that brought this vision to life was an immersive fashion show I directed in collaboration with the Universidad de Medellín. I mentored their fashion design students, who created garments inspired by AI-generated concepts. I also created digital twins of each design that were showcased alongside the real pieces. We incorporated augmented reality, AI-generated music, and built a full sensory experience through a partnership with the Web3 event team Hola Metaverso and Max Pretends, who oversaw production.

FUTURISTA Fashion Show, 2024

Through Wildflower Fields, I aim to push fashion forward—not just aesthetically, but consciously. I explore themes like diversity, representation, and emotional storytelling using emerging tools. Whether it’s a digital collection, a print, or an immersive show, I want viewers to feel seen, inspired, and reminded that technology and humanity can coexist beautifully in art.

You mention on your website that you want to tell visual stories of people with vitiligo. Why is this a particularly important issue for you?

Because it’s personal. I was diagnosed with vitiligo at 25, and for a long time, I tried to hide it. I used makeup, fashion, and filters to cover what I thought made me “different.” But it wasn’t just about skin—it was about identity, confidence, and self-worth.

WILDY AT NFTNYC 2024 WITH VITLIGO ILLUSTRATION

Everything changed when I decided to create a piece called Wildflower 38—a fashion illustration of a woman with vitiligo and flowers blooming from her head. I minted it as an NFT, and to my surprise, it wasn’t just the art that was received… it was me. The Web3 community rallied around it, amplifying not only my work but my voice. That support helped me reclaim my story and feel proud of the skin I’m in.

This isn’t just art—it’s healing.

Since then, representation has become a cornerstone of my work. Through fashion, AI art, and storytelling, I create visual narratives that center people with vitiligo—showing them not as an exception, but as beautiful, bold, and worthy of being the main character. This isn’t just art—it’s healing.

Let’s pivot: what do you say to those apprehensive about AI, digital art, and Web3?

I understand the hesitation—especially for those of us coming from traditional art and fashion backgrounds. These emerging tools can feel intimidating. But I believe AI, digital art, and Web3 are not here to replace creativity—they’re here to expand it.

“Secrets and Gardens” by Wildy Martinez

The key is to approach it with curiosity, not fear. I always say: AI is my collaborator, not my competition. It helps me test ideas, build worlds, and amplify voices that are often left out of mainstream narratives—especially women of color and communities like the vitiligo community that I represent.

The future of art isn’t either/or—it’s both/and.

Web3, in particular, gives artists ownership and agency in ways we’ve never seen before. It’s not just about minting NFTs—it’s about preserving provenance, reaching global audiences, and building community in decentralized, empowering ways.
To anyone who’s skeptical, I say: you don’t have to adopt everything at once. Just start with curiosity. When you lead with purpose, these tools don’t take away from your artistry—they amplify it. The future of art isn’t either/or—it’s both/and.

Tell us more about the future of art.

The future of art doesn’t choose sides—it connects them. Analog and digital, past and future, all woven into one creative force.

WILDY LEADING AN AI FASHION PANEL EVENT IN NYC DURING NFT NYC 2024

What’s one benefit of having a .ART domain?

My .ART domain instantly tells people who I am and what I stand for. It’s more than just a website—it’s a digital home for my creative identity. As someone blending fashion, fine art, and emerging tech, having a .ART domain helps me stand out and stay aligned with the creative world I’m part of. It signals to collectors, collaborators, and curators that this isn’t just a portfolio—it’s a purposeful space dedicated to art, storytelling, and innovation.

Wildy Martinez uses .ART’s free website builder to showcase her incredible portfolio. Register your .ART domain today: https://get.art

Rachel Suleymanov

Recent Posts

Residencies as Climate Actors – NAARCA.ART

In the face of accelerating climate breakdown, artist residencies are emerging as critical sites for…

1 day ago

.ART Turns 8!

8 Years, 300,000 Creatives, and 8 Artists and Institutions Who Inspire Us This week, we’re…

2 weeks ago

In Their Words

This article appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Museum and reprinted with permission by…

2 weeks ago

Introducing the ARTIST HANDBOOK by .ART: a Practical Guide for Creative Careers

Published to mark .ART’s 8th anniversary, this new resource is built for artists navigating today’s…

2 weeks ago

How Digital Archiving is Saving Art History for the Future

Art history has always relied on preservation, documentation, and accessibility to survive across generations. Traditionally,…

2 weeks ago

What Art Collectors Look for in Emerging Artists (and How to Get Noticed)

Breaking into the art market can feel overwhelming, but understanding what collectors are looking for…

3 weeks ago