SFP Editor: Where did you grow up?
Martin: I'm a local boy, born and raised in Montgomery County. Aside from 4 1/2 years in the Air Force, I've spent my entire life here. I believe a change in scenery/locale is probably in order, but I'm waiting for the right opportunity.

SFP Editor: What is it like to be a creative guru?
Martin: I don't consider myself a creative guru of any form. I do a little writing for fun, but in my job as a traffic manager. I only coordinate the creative efforts of others.

SFP Editor: What is your average day like?
Martin: It's similar to most people's in that it revolves around making deadlines. Deadlines for getting concepts to clients, materials to publications, etc. It differs from other people's days because I rarely can dig my heels in and get a job done. I'm helplessly dependent on others to get their jobs done and follow MY schedules. Not a glamorous job. I can't lay claim to creating a part of an ad, only knowing that it wouldn't have been published or aired had I not nagged a group of people to tears.

SFP Editor: How do you define Creativity?
Martin: I see creativity as the ability to bring fantasy to life. It's bringing an original vision to life through images or words. Originality is the key here. Most people have visions and ideas. Creative people find a way to communicate those ideas to others.

SFP Editor: What is your favorite advertisement and why?
Martin: It's hard to choose. One of my favorites is the Monster.com "When I grow up..." commercial from a couple of years ago. It's the one with the children answering that age-old question with the likes of "...I want to claw my way up to middle-management." and "...I want to have a brown nose." It hits the target on so many levels. It's humorous, ironic and engaging, which allows for multiple viewings. It has a great company-branding message and because of its entertainment value, that strikes home every time.

SFP Editor: What do you think is the worst advertisement out there and why?
Martin: I'd tell you, but I can't remember the advertiser. Most bad ads don't have any emotional draw. Cold, lifeless and distant, convoluted with a plethora of worthless images(eye-candy), I see a dozen real stinkers on television every day. Personally, I don't like the Calvin Klein ads from a few years ago. Pretty woman giggling. Wow, how enchanting! But remember that even bad ads may have started out as great ideas, only to be left in shreds by an overly-conservative client or a reckless round of editing.

SFP Editor: What do you think of 3-D movies?
Martin: Very nice effects. I haven't gotten around to learning about how the technology works, but it's amazing how long it's been around. Love to see more of them, and "Odorama" movies, too.

SFP Editor: Why did you choose advertising as a career?
Martin: While I was in the Air Force I decided I wanted to write but didn't know what medium to pursue. I decided to try a career in advertising, and thought I'd make a good copywriter. I fancied myself a visionary with stories to tell. I figured I might as well sell something through my stories. Once in the business, I became disenchanted with the copywriting notion, quit my job and decided to pursue my creative interests outside my job. But, alas, I missed the people too much and wandered back into the madness a couple of years ago. I'm a gluten, for certain.