Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marcella Cianfano. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marcella, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

This is such an important topic, and there’s a lot to unpack. Our experiences with the education system are shaped by factors like where we grew up, socioeconomic status, and access to resources, so it’s hard to make a one-size-fits-all assessment.

Personally, I attended public schools that placed a strong emphasis on academics. Many parents in my community pushed their kids to excel, sometimes to an extreme. There was immense pressure to succeed, with the ultimate goal often being Ivy League schools or “stable” careers like medicine or engineering. While this focus on achievement sounds positive, it often came at the expense of individuality. Many students had creative passions but felt forced into more “practical” career paths.

For me, academic success didn’t come easily. I often struggled with traditional subjects and needed extra help, which left me feeling insecure about my intelligence. However, I thrived in creative classes like art and music. Unfortunately, opportunities to explore those talents were limited. If I’d had access to more creative programs or extracurriculars, I believe my confidence and even my overall academic performance would have been stronger.
Recently I interviewed with New York Edge, a program in NYC that brings diverse extracurricular activities like graphic design, dance, and cosmetology to underserved schools. Seeing students light up when discovering new interests was inspiring. Programs like these give students the chance to explore career options, build confidence, and develop skills they may not have realized they had.

The education system often feels too rigid, focusing narrowly on subjects like math, science, and history. While these are essential, they don’t encourage students to think creatively or explore who they want to become. My own path to becoming a designer was possible because my university offered majors that combined creativity with practical career applications, like advertising and marketing. Without those options, I might not have realized how to align my passions with a sustainable career.

If schools invested in broader, more inclusive programs, students would have the chance to develop their strengths, discover new skills, and build confidence. This would not only prepare them for fulfilling careers but also grow a love of learning that extends to all areas of their lives.
In the end, education shouldn’t just be about checking boxes, it should empower students to think beyond them.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

From a young age, I was always drawn to creativity whether it was painting, making art, or immersing myself in music and live shows. As I got older, I knew I wanted to channel my artistic passion into a career, which led me to pursue graphic design. With a degree in design focused on advertising and marketing, I’ve been able to combine creativity with a business mindset, allowing me to adapt to a variety of creative roles.

While I love graphic design, I’ve always seen myself as an artist first. I enjoy showcasing my work at art shows, creating stickers and posters, and connecting with other creatives who fuel my inspiration and push me to grow. These moments of connection and shared creativity are some of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey.

One of the things I’m most proud of is sticking to my creative path despite pressure from others to pursue a more “practical” career. I’ve always believed in following my passions, and I encourage others to do the same when they feel stuck or uncertain.

When it comes to my work, I don’t like to confine myself to a specific box or focus too heavily on monetization. Art and design are my passions, and I never want superficial goals like money or social media likes to overshadow the joy of creating. For me, it’s about doing what I love, sharing that with others, and building a supportive community of creatives.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn is that design should always follow strict rules like hierarchy and composition etc. While these principles are important, I believe true creativity comes from breaking out of those constraints. Art and design share similarities, but they’re also very different, art is more subjective, while design often adheres to specific guidelines.

That said, I see creativity as something that shouldn’t be confined. Pushing limits and challenging norms in design is essential, otherwise, everything would look and feel the same. Innovation in design is just as impactful as inventions like the light bulb or the car, it changes how we experience the world.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative person is simply the ability to create. When you fully embrace your craft, you realize how valuable your individuality is. Our unique perspectives bring color and vibrancy to the world.

One of my best friends is a music producer, and I’m constantly inspired by the incredible work he creates. I often tell him how amazed I am by his talent, and he always reminds me that my work as an artist and designer is just as special. It’s a reminder that we’re each built for different things, and that’s what makes our creativity so impactful.

Being able to take what I visualize in my head and bring it to life is a gift in itself, something not everyone can do. That ability to express my imagination so clearly is one of the most fulfilling parts of being a creative.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marcellacianfano.com/work
• Instagram: @cellascreativespace
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcellacianfano/