Born in the Netherlands, Karel Martens established himself as a central figure in contemporary graphic design through his long-standing practice and commitment to design education. He is a co-founder of the Werkplaats Typografie, a postgraduate program based in Arnhem that has significantly influenced generations of designers.

His work is characterized by a playful, systematic exploration of form, color, and typography. Martens frequently utilizes found objects and industrial components, such as metal washers or discarded machine parts, as printing blocks to create complex, layered compositions that bridge the gap between traditional printing and fine art.

Martens continues to receive international acclaim for his contributions to visual culture. In 2025, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam organized Karel Martens: Unbound, a major retrospective featuring over 300 works spanning his career, including his iconic book designs for the journal OASE and his large-scale public installations.