Modeling Confidence: Iliana Martinez’s Path in Interactive Media

Iliana Martinez graduated with BFA degree majoring in Interactive Media at UTA in December 2025. Her work engages with themes of identity, memory, and lived experience, using technology as a space for experimentation and connection. Through her Interactive Media practice where she explores how digital tools, interactivity, and personal narrative intersect, Martinez is developing a multidisciplinary voice that bridges digital storytelling, creative coding, and visual expression. We chat with Iliana about her journey into Interactive Media at UTA, building confidence through technical skills, and learning to put the work into the world.

Iliana, what motivated you to pursue an Interactive Media path during your BFA studies?

I have always had a passion for 3D modeling and animation. Before entering the BFA program, I had only briefly explored these tools, but I immediately enjoyed the process. When Interactive Media became available as a major, it felt like a natural choice to follow that interest and build on something I genuinely loved.

What major skills have you gained while taking classes at the UTA Art Department?

Through my classes, I learned how to 3D model, unwrap, texture, animate, render, sculpt, motion capture, and create digital illustrations. I also developed the ability to break down, analyze, and formally critique both my own work and the work of others – a skill which I believe is slowly being lost in today’s fast-paced media environment. Beyond technical growth in classes, I gained confidence in sharing my work. I used to be a very quiet person. Not shy but reserved, and often kept my work to myself. Through critiques and presentations, I learned how to explain my process, show my work publicly, and be more open and confident as an artist.

What projects have you participated in outside of the classroom, and how did they benefit your professional growth?

I’ve completed two internships and had artwork featured in a published article. One internship was through UROP with Dr. Eli Shupe and Morgan Chivers and their Make Philosophy project. The second was at UTARI with Alexandra R. Jamieson. The artwork publication resulted from a collaboration with UTA Special Collections under Evan Spencer and Dr. Leah McCurdy guidance. My collage work features a photo of grandparents from my personal archive and an image of a church near their home in Durango in Mexico, juxtaposed with the map of Durango from the 1942 atlas that I discovered during class visit to Special Collections.

These experiences taught me a lesson that keeps coming back: you can’t be shy about your work. Opportunities only open up when you put yourself out there. If I hadn’t introduced myself to Evan Spencer in an elevator, I wouldn’t have been featured in the article. If I hadn’t shared my passion for 3D modeling with Morgan Chivers, I wouldn’t have met the Make Philosophy team. And if I hadn’t participated actively in class, my professors Benjamin Wagley and Joshua Wilson wouldn’t have recommended me for the UTARI internship.

What has been your favorite body of work to develop as part of your BFA capstone project?

My favorite project was The Rose Reading Room. I modeled the interior of the famous New York Public Library space using photographs and basic layouts, gradually building a fully realized environment. Before this project, I had created about 3 individual objects per semester, each taking 3 to 4 weeks. For this capstone, I spent an entire semester developing one complete environment. My favorite part was modeling the ceiling. Its intricate design challenged me to keep everything as low-poly as possible while still making the forms smooth and visually compelling – a difficult but rewarding balance.

What is your favorite animated show?

My favorite animated show is RWBY, which I first watched in middle school. It introduced me to 3D modeling and animation and played a major role in my decision to pursue Interactive Media. Now that I understand the animation process, funnily, I can see many areas where the show could improve. But because it shaped my creative interests during childhood, it holds a special place in my heart.

Do you envision your Steampunk Spider as a character in your future work?

If not, what other characters might you develop further? While I don’t have immediate plans to revisit my past work, I don’t believe an artist ever truly leaves old projects behind. There’s always something to improve or expand upon. Now that I’ve graduated, I’m no longer restricted by guidelines or deadlines, which gives me the freedom to think bigger and create new, more ambitious work in the future.