Karel Martens is an internationally renowned Dutch graphic designer, celebrated for his outstanding work in typography, graphic design, and visual communication. Born in 1939, Martens has established a remarkable professional reputation through his innovative design philosophy and his ability to blend traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. His work is distinguished by a strong focus on form, color, and pattern, emphasizing simplicity and clarity, which demonstrates his profound understanding of the essence of design.
Martens often explores the relationship between text and image in his designs, but he is equally well-known for creating abstract, non-figurative patterns. This aspect of his work is particularly prominent in his pattern collections and book designs. His portfolio spans a wide range of media, including posters, books, and typography, combining keen attention to detail with a creative use of geometric and organic shapes. His designs, rich in both playfulness and creativity, have gained high recognition within the industry and played a significant role in shaping modern graphic design. Over the course of his career, he has received numerous prestigious awards.
In addition to his professional practice, Martens is deeply committed to education. He taught at the Werkplaats Typografie in Arnhem, inspiring countless students with his unique design perspectives. His works are celebrated for their artistic and innovative qualities, establishing him as one of the most iconic figures in global graphic design. Martens’ design philosophy and creations continue to exert a profound influence on the design world, earning admiration and study from both enthusiasts and professionals alike.
This publication contains a collection of patterns designed by Dutch graphic designer Karel Martens. Although Martens is widely recognised for his specialisation in typography, the dozens of full-page patterns shown here are devoid of any text, allowing the sequence to become a mesmerising pattern in itself. Designed by Martens & Martens.