AAC Alumna Returns to Art Academy of Cincinnati as Director of Marketing 

Art Academy of Cincinnati welcomes Katy Martinez, an accomplished creative leader and AAC alumna, bringing more than 20 years of experience in design, marketing, brand strategy, and community engagement.  

The Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Katy Martinez as Director of Marketing. An AAC alumna, Class of 2000, Katy returns to her alma mater with more than two decades of experience in creative leadership, brand development, and marketing. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from AAC before completing a Master of Science in Marketing at the University of Cincinnati. 

Throughout her career, Katy has held leadership roles in art direction, global marketing, creative services, brand strategy, and client relations. Her experience spans a wide range of industries, including consumer goods, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, retail, and emerging businesses. She has worked with nationally and internationally recognized brands and organizations, including Coca-Cola, Dover Corporation, Kroger, Procter & Gamble, Volvo, Febreze, the Cincinnati Reds, and Xavier University. 

A Leader in Cincinnati’s Creative Community 

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Katy has been an active leader in Cincinnati’s creative community. She previously served on the AIGA Cincinnati board as Chair of Design Revival and Vice President. She currently serves as President of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Cincinnati and was recognized as District 5’s President of the Year in 2026. 

Martinez is also a co-founder of Dance Flash Fusion, one of Cincinnati’s largest dance groups, which was voted the city’s No. 1 Dance Group in CityBeat’s 2026 Best of Cincinnati awards. Her commitment to creativity extends across disciplines, including visual art, performance, design, and public engagement. 

Her artistic accomplishments include creating an interactive installation for BLINK 2019, designing protest art exhibited at the Contemporary Arts Center and nationally, and choreographing and performing in Bootsy Collins’ “Funk Not Fight” music video. Throughout her career, she has also had opportunities to work with influential designers and creative leaders, including Debbie Millman, Malcolm Grear, Noel Martin, and Pum Lefebure. 

Returning to AAC 

As Director of Marketing, Katy Martinez will lead AAC’s marketing and brand initiatives, strengthening the college’s visibility, expanding engagement with prospective students and the broader community, and sharing the stories of its students, faculty, and alumni. 

Her return reflects AAC’s commitment to connecting its distinguished alumni with the next generation of artists and designers. With a career rooted in creativity, collaboration, and community building, Martinez brings both professional expertise and a personal understanding of the transformative power of an AAC education. 

ABOUT THE ART ACADEMY OF CINCINNATI 

The Art Academy of Cincinnati, established in 1869, is an independent college of art and design. Degrees offered include the Associate of Science in Graphic Design; the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Design, Illustration, Painting and Drawing, Photography, Print Media, Digital Arts Animation, and Sculpture; and the Master of Arts in Art Education. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Art Academy is a charter member of both NASAD and the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design. AAC is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education. AAC’s mission is to create and sustain radical, forward-thinking, contemporary visual artists and designers whose creative contributions make a substantial difference in all the lives they touch.