Local StoriesFebruary 25, 2025

Rising Stars: Meet Riley “Sylvie” Martin of Broomfield

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Riley “Sylvie” Martin.

Riley “Sylvie” Martin

Hi Riley “Sylvie”, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hello! My name is Riley “Sylvie” Martin, I started doing chalk murals in during the Pandemic to brighten up my day. But overnight- my work became a sensation. It became a tradition for my community to visit my sidewalk. As folks would bring their own families, friends, and companies to see my work!
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After I started showing my murals at school, I was contracted by my History teacher to participate in the 2024 Mock Trial Competition- as a courtroom artist. I won regionals and state, becoming Colorado’s state artist representative in Wilmington, Delaware.
I was almost unable to attend due to lacking the funds to pay for my transportation- To be honest- I thought that I would have to forfeit my place. Especially with under a month to pay for the expenses. My community though had my back, strangers and friends pulled together over 800 in finances to support me. Total strangers, moved to donation, by my story. Everything I do, is thanks to my community.
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During the mean time, My work,
“Doodler’s Confessional” was featured in MCA Denver. Where I later became an intern, as apart of their Teen Failure Lab Program!
I worked on,
“Heart Strings, by MCA in collaboration with Lillian Laura” Being featured in the museums publications.
From there, I became an Intern with The Colorado Mountain Club. Obtaining my WFA/CPR, certification through outdoor education. Allowing me to practice medical aid.
While competing in the Colorado cosplay scenes of Fan Expo and NDK.

The journey is not over, of course. I’m only 18,
Currently I’m working on a brand exhibition with MCA- that will sponsor other teenagers to get into the program. Along with CMC for a future event.

I’ve always wanted to fly but thought that id be unable to pursue a full career in aviation. But hell, if Ive made it this far. I’m going to fly planes, no matter what.
After school, I will work towards becoming an Aerial Firefighter/Wildland Pilot here in Colorado. While working as a wild-land firefighter.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life’s never a smooth road, not at all. —
I lost my childhood home to the 2008 housing crisis. My family had to declare bankruptcy, and we still have finical debt to repay.
I lost my father to Lymphoma in 2016, at nine years old. Before his death, I watched as he lost his speech, mobility, and function. My time with my parents was cut short as a child. As they had to be gone for weeks at a time for medical treatment.

I was an outcast in school after his death. Where I started to fail in my classes- I was told that I’d never amount to anything by teachers in school due to an undiagnosed learning condition. “Classmates” thought I was odd due to my grief and reclusive tendencies at the time. Often leaving me to pushed to the edge with no assistance. I recall several instances of being cornered alone and screamed at. Till my school was closed by the Pandemic.

In 2021, I witnessed The Marshall Fires consume the counties around mine. Refugees and ash for miles upon miles. Edges of my hometown and places I had been burned to the ground. Miles of devastation far as I could see. Days of darkness in the smoke, accompanied by plane engines taking off and refueling for hours on end.

I’ve seen suffering first hand.
So, I refuse to be on the other end of the line for the rest of my life, even if that means losing my own life in pursuit of a better future for all of Colorado.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My main work is, Chalk Murals and Digital Painting. I specialize in making large scale portraits, but I’m known for my ability to draw still life’s of characters. My proudest project yet, is, a conceptual comic series I’ve worked on since my father’s passing.

I call it, 4/50, following the shenanigans of a Hiking Guide, Cody, whose body is the personification of Colorado. As he attempts to find his place in the world of the US, being accompanied by the rest of the four corners.
Along with its’s prequel LONE-STAR, an adaptation of the Texas Revolution. That will be available to read online.

One day, I hope to turn my many show concepts into indie projects, free for everyone to view.

I think I’m set apart by my style, and how I view the my experiences of my life in relation to my work.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Always stop to thank those who have your back. Remember who you are, and what you mean to people that love you.

Pricing:

30.00-200 Chalk Murals commissions
30.00 Acrylic Paintings
25.00 full color commissions for digital paintings
15.00 Full Body Sketch Commissions
10.00 Full Color Profile Pictures (digital)

Contact Info:

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