About Me

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Hi, I’m Jo—part tech-savvy business owner, part ER-nurse-turned-artist, and the heart behind Zendog Designs and Jo Martin Creative.

I began my creative journey as a jewelry designer, later became an ER nurse and epidemiologist, and eventually found my way back to art—bringing with me all the grit, grace, and human stories that shaped the path in between. Somewhere between trauma bays and evenings playing music on the keyboard, I realized I was still a storyteller—just using different tools.

These days, I lead Capture & Create, a hands-on workshop series for people who want to express themselves through photography, storytelling, and design. I believe in the power of visual language to move people—to stir memory, spark emotion, and sometimes even bring tears (the good kind). Whether we’re building a narrative through photographs, shaping meaning into metal, or crafting a story that’s been waiting to be told, my goal is to help you make art that resonates—honest, personal, and deeply felt.

• Nurse’s Heart, Artist’s Eye, Musician’s Ear
  My time in emergency rooms and during the pandemic taught me how to stay steady, observe deeply, and hold space for complexity. Those same skills now guide how I teach, create, and collaborate.
• Zendog Philosophy
  Zendog—my original muse and joyful Labrador—reminds me daily to stay curious, be playful, and meet life with a tail-wagging kind of wonder. His spirit shows up in everything I make.
• Indie Filmmaker with a Planner’s Soul
  I shoot short films using my iPhone, a few trusty lighting tools, and whatever gear I’ve wrangled—because while I believe in thoughtful planning and strong intention, I also believe in rolling with it. Creativity doesn’t wait for perfect conditions—it shows up when you do.
• Jewelry & Surface Design Nerd
  From bold ring designs to playful greeting cards, I love transforming raw materials into pieces that carry meaning—and make people feel something.
• Values-Driven
  I build spaces where kindness, inclusion, and creative courage lead. You don’t need to be a professional to belong here—just open to exploring your voice and what it has to say.

Why learn with me?
Because I’ve stood in the stuck places too—and I know the power of tiny shifts.
Expect warmth, humor, clear guidance, and the kind of encouragement that nudges creativity back to life.