Article
A New Chapter in Newport Beach
Oveth Martinez
5.7.26
For the last 10+ years, photography, filmmaking, and creative direction have taken me across countless cities, productions, campaigns, and experiences that shaped who I am today. From lifestyle campaigns and commercial productions to late nights editing and early mornings on set, this career has given me more than I could have imagined.
But recently, something shifted.
After living in San Diego since 2016, I realized I needed a new environment. San Diego gave me some of the best years of my life. It’s where I built my business, created lifelong friendships, grew as an artist, and discovered my voice as a creative. But deep down, I knew my season there was coming to an end.
So my girlfriend, my dog Oliver, and I made the move to Newport Beach.
Not because something was wrong.
But because growth sometimes asks you to leave comfort behind.
There’s something about starting over in a new city that forces you to slow down and reflect. Since moving here, I’ve noticed that many of the things I used to chase no longer feel important. The constant hustle, the pressure to always say yes, the need to prove something — it all started fading away.
And honestly, it’s been refreshing.
I’ve entered a new phase creatively and personally. A slower phase. A more intentional one.
I’m no longer interested in creating just for the sake of staying busy. I want to work on projects that actually mean something to me. Projects with purpose. Stories with emotion. Brands with vision. Work that feels honest.
For the first time in a long time, I feel aligned with myself again.
I think as creatives, we spend so much time building careers that we sometimes forget to build a life we genuinely enjoy living. Newport has reminded me that inspiration doesn’t only come from nonstop movement. Sometimes it comes from slowing down enough to actually experience life again.
Morning walks with Oliver. Coffee by the water. Conversations without checking my phone every five minutes. Creating because I want to, not because I feel obligated to.
This next chapter feels different.
Less noise.
More clarity.
Less proving.
More creating.
As the Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius once said:
“The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.”
Lately, I’ve been trying to protect that color more carefully.
This blog will be a place where I share more than just finished projects. I want to document the process, the lessons, the transitions, the wins, the failures, the behind-the-scenes moments, and everything in between as I continue evolving as a photographer, filmmaker, creative director, and person.
New city.
New perspective.
New energy.
And honestly… I think I’m just getting started.
