Meet Marissa Madonna | Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marissa Madonna and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marissa, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
This is actually something that comes up every so often in my life as a professional illustrator. My work requires a lot of time and dedication, and often great sacrifice in those many hard working hours. There are definitely times when I question where I am at on my path and where I should go. I am also a person who is steadfast in never giving up, but as I have grown in my career I have come to learn the value of taking a moment to step away from something to gain perspective. Oftentimes for me, it is not so much a decision of whether to give up – but a decision of whether to rest or to push through. When I’m trying so hard to do something – whether it is solving a problem in an illustration or just working through my own fatigue – my natural instinct is always to keep working as hard as I possibly can, and it is sometimes hard to know when it is more beneficial to keep working to find the answer, or to take a step away to rest and find clarity that way. It can definitely go either way depending on the situation, and I think that as I have grown I have become wiser through experience to know which path to take – but it is always a challenge no matter where you are!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a professional illustrator specializing in portraiture. I graduated from Hartford Art School with my BFA in Illustration in 2012, and since then have worked on various projects including children’s book illustration, sports illustration for ESPN television appearances, and freelance portraiture. Most recently I have been creating illustrations each year for Hartford Symphony Orchestra’s annual concert production “Tales of Halloween” with composer John Jesensky.

The thing I find most fulfilling about my work is getting to tell stories – the stories of the characters I get to illustrate, as well as the stories of the models portraying them in my illustrations. I love capturing all the details and bringing my own inspiration into every project I work on. Quilting all these elements together into a visual story is what I love the most!

I have been blessed to have incredible support along the way, but it has definitely not always been an easy path being a professional illustrator. My work takes a tremendous amount of dedication and time, and it can sometimes be especially challenging balancing that in my life as a mother. However, I think this actually made me even stronger and more skilled in my professional work because it forces me to become more efficient and intentional with my time. I also feel that each aspect of my life enriches the other, helping me to gain perspective and grow as a person.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am relatively new to Wilmington, North Carolina, but have definitely found some favorite spots in the two years I have lived here. I love going to Kure Beach and visiting the Fort Fisher Aquarium with my son!

Most recently, one of my favorite things has been taking ballet classes in town. I danced during my childhood and have recently come back into ballet as an adult. Currently I am taking class with the Wilmington Dance Cooperative at Nir Family YMCA. My teacher Sue Meier is absolutely incredible, and her lessons have actually helped inspire and guide me in my creative work!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to all of my mentors at Hartford Art School. I would not be where I am today without their love and support – particularly my illustration mentors Dennis Nolan, Bill Thomson, and Doug Andersen.

Website: http://www.marissamadonna.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissa_madonna_illustration/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarissaMadonnaIllustration