art director ☺ architect ♡ creative urban curator ☀︎ set design ✿
MY NAME IS CRUZ
Marta Cruz
Marta Cruz
On January 21, 1983, at precisely 9:00 am, I entered the world. At that significant moment in history, a powerful earthquake struck, while Portugal was simultaneously grappling with a profound social and economic crisis, leading to widespread strikes and notable chaos. This tumultuous backdrop has profoundly shaped my perspective, instilling in me a relentless curiosity about life and the world around me.
My fascination with cities and their complexities has shaped every step of my journey. Trained in architecture and urban planning, I spent five years building spaces and ideas—founding Atelier Portatil and launching the MOID Project to explore design and urban innovation.
Today, I'm the founder and curator of TARA Gallery in Lisbon—a space where I champion emerging artistic voices and urban thinkers. My work lives at the intersection of culture, identity, and imagination.
As an art director for commercial films, I translate stories into visual worlds, creating bold, cohesive designs that resonate. My set designs are playful, witty, and rooted in a deep love for storytelling—a natural evolution of my architectural past.
I’m proudly Portuguese, with a punk-inspired style and a soft spot for edgy fashion, dolphins, and my beloved cats. These details fuel my playful, fearless spirit. I’m a connector—curating experiences, not just objects, and always seeking collaborators who challenge and inspire.
A true urban thinker with the Universe in my mind—and the planet in my heart.
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selected
mx83
work
CONTINENTE 40 ANOS . A vida passa a comer
DIR: Martim Condeixa.DOP: André Szankowski.ART: Marta Cruz.PROD: The Playground
NOS . Bastidores
DIR: Augusto Fraga.DOP: André Szankowski.ART: Marta Cruz.PROD: Krypton Films
IKEA 20 ANOS . Etiquetas Escondidas
DIR: Martim Condeixa.DOP: Bernardo Infante.ART: Marta Cruz.PROD: The Playground
SAGRES . Somos o que nos vai na Alma
DIR:Cristiana Miranda.DOP:Bernardo Infante.ART:Carlos FOFI Cipriano & Marta Cruz.PROD:The Playground
VODAFONE . Business
DIR:Martim Condeixa.DOP:Bernardo Infante.ART:Carlos FOFI Cipriano & Marta Cruz.PROD:The Playground
AGEAS . Eu tenho vários mundos
DIR: Bruno Ferreira.DOP: Leandro Ferrão.ART: Marta Cruz.PROD: Casper Films
PAYPAL
LICOR BEIRÃO . Um Beirão de Sorte
DIR: Fernando Mamede.DOP: Carlos Lopes aka Kaka.ART: Marta Cruz.PROD: MoreMaria
VENDELA ‘Komodo’