We’re looking forward to introducing you to Marissa Madonna. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Marissa, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
I actually just welcomed a new baby one month ago, so my recent days have been spent with my newborn son, Rory! My older son, Avery, also just started Kindergarten – so we have been very busy lately! Being a second-time mom has been interesting, because while some of it feels familiar, many things feel completely new. My oldest was born during the Covid lockdowns in 2020, so having my youngest now has been a completely different experience in many ways. I feel so blessed in my life with my family, and also very much look forward to getting back into the art studio soon!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Marissa Madonna, and I am a freelance illustrator specializing in portraiture. I studied at Hartford Art School in Connecticut, where I received my BFA in Illustration in 2012. While there I formed many meaningful relationships in mentors and friends, who have continued to support me in my life and career. Since graduating, my projects have included children’s book illustration, private portrait commissions, sports illustration for television appearances with ESPN, and most recently working with composer John Jesensky creating illustrations for the concert production “Tales of Halloween.” My foundation is in traditional art-making techniques, using a mixed-media approach combining acrylic and colored pencil to create all of my work by hand.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
During my senior year at Hartford Art School, there was a competition in our illustration department to be chosen to illustrate a children’s book. All of us in the Children’s Book Illustration class had to come up with a book concept for the same text, and prepare a full book dummy (or rough draft of sketches for every page), as well as create at least two finished full color illustrations. At the end of the semester, each of us had to present our idea, and one would be chosen to illustrate the published book. I remember working so incredibly hard that semester (as well as hitting major roadblocks and having to start work all over again in some cases!) and all along kept striving to make my work the very best it could be. By the end, after presenting my idea and waiting to hear the results, I remember sitting alone in the studio with my mentor Dennis Nolan, chatting as we often would – and I suddenly realized that regardless of what happened with the competition, I had learned so much over the course of the semester that I would forever take with me – and that was actually so much more valuable than being chosen or not. I will always remember how when I told Dennis that, he smiled and said “Well, there’s growing up!” That moment made me realize that as we journey through life, there is always something positive to take with us, regardless of the result or how difficult things may seem. As it turned out, I did end up getting to illustrate the published story – but this lesson has always continued to stay with me.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
From the time I was very young, I think I have often struggled with confidence. The fear of “What if I can’t do something?” has definitely held me back at times – but I think I have begun to free myself of that in more recent years. It definitely helped having the support of my mentors at school to help me grow- especially Dennis Nolan, who always had a warm way of assuring me that I was doing just fine where ever I was at, while helping me strive for even more and reminding me that I was never alone in any of it. Since then, the things I have been able to do in my life have helped tremendously with my confidence – whether it was illustrating a full children’s book for a year, appearing on television doing sports illustration (or even things like traveling on a plane by myself for the first time, or having two wonderful babies!) have all pushed me out of my comfort zone and proven that I can do the things I may be afraid of at first. I try to embrace it all and often remind myself of this as I move through life now – but it is always a work in progress!
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am always fully committed to my work as an artist – no matter how long it may take! My work is very detail-oriented and can be very time consuming – from the initial planning stages, to all of the drawing and painting time. All of my work is created by hand using acrylic and colored pencil. My paintings are slowly built up in many layers, sometimes taking as many as 50 (or even 100!) hours to complete. However, I have truly embraced this entire process and have found a comfort in the familiarity of it over the years. Sometimes though it can be difficult – especially when trying to meet deadlines, working through fatigue, or hitting possible roadblocks in the creative process – but in the end, I find it all incredibly rewarding and fulfilling as a journey!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
This is an interesting question that feels very relevant, not only in the professional world, but sometimes even more so in life outside of that.
In my art studio, I am often working many long and late hours to get things done – all while no one may ever see that part of it, and only the finished artwork once it is completed. Then even after finishing a piece of art, you never know how it may be received. It is so wonderful getting the positive recognition of things like art competitions, publications, or gallery shows – but as I have grown I have found that you cannot rely on those things for fulfillment alone. Instead, I look for what truly drives me as an artist – What is going to make me feel so inspired that I can not wait to work in the studio? I have had pieces that I have been so excited to create that I could not wait to wake up in the morning to start them. Though this may not always be the case, this is what I strive for as a professional – rather than any praise it may bring after the fact.
Similarly, as a mother, I am constantly bringing my very best to each day. As all moms know, this may not always be seen or praised at every point. However, when I look at my children and how far they have come, I see how all these efforts (big and small!) have truly helped each of them to grow along the way – which feels far more fulfilling than any praise I could receive.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://marissamadonna.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissa_madonna_illustration/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarissaMadonnaIllustration/
