As a former graphic designer and art director in the food industry, Matt Armendariz has always had great taste. His passion for all things food and drink expanded as he branched into culinary photography and writing. His wildly popular blog Matt Bites is his personal take on food, its preparation, and the preparation of his work. In addition to working as a writer, photographer, food stylist and chef, Matt also teaches a side order of food photography and styling workshops at conferences. All of his talents are combined in his first cookbook, , which showcases delightful recipes for party food, street-cart food and junk food – all in his signature stunningly styled way. Devour Matt’s responses in his 10 ANSWERS below.
1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Fun, accessible, real. You know how hard it is to do that in 3 words? Especially since I’m a blabbermouth. I guess I’m glad we got the world’s most difficult question out of the way first.
2. Who is your creative role model?
I’m continually inspired by Martha Stewart. She has a creative vision that applies to so many facets of the world, from taste and flavor to visuals like design and interiors. She’s proven that one need not back themselves into a corner in a creative sense and that the world of art and creativity encompasses everything.
3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
If I had an extra hour each day I would spend it sitting on the floor with my dogs.
4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
California. To me it is one of the most magical places on the planet for so many reasons. Geographically it has so many things within its borders: mountains, desert, ocean, plains, forests, beaches, caves. I find that geography and nature inspires and recharges me in ways that nothing else can. Plus the light that washes over the entire state is magical to me. If I had to pick one place in California that inspires me most it’s the desert. I have an affinity with California’s deserts that I’ve never been able to explain. Maybe a combination of warmth and light which to me means life, which is ironic considering some of California’s deserts are definitely inhospitable places.
5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
I’d be a teacher. The opportunity to work with others in a teaching capacity would be a dream. And it’s not because I have something to teach as much as what I’d want to learn from others. I find the reciprocity in teaching so appealing.
6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
Pie.
7. What is your favorite object in your home?
I don’t really have a favorite object in my home, I’m not generally attached to anything specific really. There are qualities of my home that are my favorite things: safety, peace, quiet. But if I had to pick my favorite object in my home it’d be my dogs. But I only say that because they live in my home 
8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve been blessed to have the best friends and family so I think I’ve always received great advice over the years. But probably the most important words I’ve ever heard are the ones that have led me to where I am now: “Be Yourself.” My father uttered those words to me so long ago and I’m amazed at what they encompass inside those 10 letters: listen to your instinct, be honest, do your own thing, march to your own drummer, love yourself, etc.
9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
I’d be hard to pick. As a writer, photographer, blogger and traveler I have so many that I refer to when I’m working and seeking inspiration, it all depends on what hat I’m wearing that day. That’d be a whole separate interview!
10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
I’m deadline driven. I don’t really have the luxury of mulling over my work for several reasons: If I’m blogging it’s most likely timely, and if I’m photographing for a client there’s a time and date they need it. And personally I’m one big giant fat work in progress, I don’t think anything I do is ever complete. I kind of like it that way
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