We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mariana Marzolla a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mariana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I grew up in an Italian immigrant family. My parents migrated from Italy in the 1940s and 1960s to Venezuela, looking for a better place to live. Since I was young, my parents taught me to appreciate nature, the world, and the people around me. I always see the value and the good in each piece that the universe provides me.

I’m prone to take risks, but I’m also an overthinker. Don’t get me wrong, I’m human, and over the years, I have become a little anxious about changes too. Comfort zones can paralyze you, but they can also give you the sense of security we seek. I moved a couple of times, maybe not too many, but enough to redefine my path without letting my passion for design and art become dormant. As an immigrant, you learn to care for urgent matters and survive instead of pondering your deep needs. Your creative fire can slowly weaken until you take the risk of surfing that wave, embracing who you are, and going for it.

The creative world is for adventurous people willing to take risks and be consistent in their practice. The competition isn’t easy; it requires thick skin, determination, and a firm belief that it doesn’t matter what comes from the unknown; you will always make the best of it. Ultimately, the journey is worth it because you get to know yourself better with each step.

With each risk I have taken, I have learned a lot about who I am, how capable I am of reinventing myself, what is valuable to me, what I’m not willing to negotiate, where my limits are, and the immensity of my soul. I’m thankful for every leap into the unknown I have taken in the past and for the people I have met.

I believe that the most meaningful pursuit in life is to deeply understand oneself, return to our roots that we forget as we grow, and pay attention to our body, instincts, and intuition. Although we may sometimes ignore our inner voices to keep pushing forward, the truth is that the more we listen, the more precise our actions will be.

In today’s noisy world, many seek external sources for answers—whether it’s through social media, substances, or activities. However, the key lies in listening to our inner voice, where all the answers reside. It’s crucial to pay attention to our emotions in order to identify opportunities for growth and progress. Discomfort, sadness, or anger serve as signals that prompt us to take notice. There are realms beyond the comfort of familiarity, and it’s important to remember that, as people, we often remain in these spaces regardless of our happiness.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am an artist and designer with a fine art, graphic design, and photography background. I have nearly 15 years of experience in the industry. I have been passionate about photography and art since I was a child, and my family has always encouraged me to pursue my passions. I studied at the Universidad de Los Andes in Merida, Venezuela, which was quite an adventure as it was far from what I was familiar with. During my internship at an advertising magazine, I gained valuable experience working with clients in the art and construction industry.

After graduating with honors in 2013, I co-founded a company with my sister, where we worked in the art and design field for a couple of years. Subsequently, I pursued a career as a graphic design teacher and Adobe programs instructor at a small institute. I moved to the United States, and I got to work on different projects; one of these was with WeLearn, an English institute for young children, where I served as the art director for their brand identity. I created illustrations for the institute’s books and designed their brand and books to help teach English to kids.

Afterward, I worked for several companies as a Senior Digital/Graphic Designer and Art Director at RonderoP (security), Frog Sac (kids retail), L’Occitane (retail and personal care), Definitive Healthcare (healthcare and technology), Commonwealth Financial Network (financial), and Siemens Healthineers (healthcare). Working in different fields has been enjoyable and has kept my world dynamic.

I am currently studying for a Master of Arts in Illustration at Falmouth University in the UK. During my time here, I have developed a strong passion for storytelling and have discovered something special within myself. Through this process, I have learned more about my capabilities and my style.

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work on a wide range of design projects, which include:
– Print design, such as publications, brochures, product sheets, magazines, catalogs, book covers, and calendars.
– Digital design, covering icons, illustrations, branding, websites, UX and UI, social media graphics, and data visualization.
– Advertising and marketing materials, events, product design, booth design, signage, invitations, menu design, posters, postcards, packaging, instructional design, and board game design.

Of all the things I love to do, MM Creative Mind was born. As with any brand, MM Creative Mind stems from my passion for art, design, and nature, which influences every aspect of my work. The design has developed to be functional, with a purpose and soul. I infuse my designs with human emotions, nature, and functionality throughout my creative process. Studying color psychology and art therapy enables me to connect the design field with empathy and the human organic touch.

My creative process begins by considering various elements such as colors, words, concepts, photos/images, and brainstorming. When I sketch, my ideas come to life on paper. Though the drawings may seem chaotic, the truth eventually emerges. Simplifying the lines creates harmony, forming the initial structure. Adding colors, textures, and elements brings it all to life, giving it style, vibrancy, and energy. One of my favorite projects has always been creating brands; I compare the process to baking a cake, where all the ingredients must come together, always reflecting the style and philosophy the client wants to tell with their voice.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Nature provides excellent examples of resilience. When plants lack sufficient light, they grow towards the source. Trees are flexible enough to withstand strong winds. We have much to learn from nature.

During my last years in Venezuela, I realized I needed a change and a new purpose. The country has been in a state of deterioration since 1998, leading to widespread scarcity and constant fear of violence. Despite learning not to be afraid, the risk of danger remains ever-present. I could not imagine limiting myself to surviving, relying on others, and living at my parents’ house because three jobs (teacher, magazine editor, and wedding photographer) were not enough to support myself. Some things were beyond my control, but that did not discourage me. I was 26 years old, and I wasn’t afraid of the unknown. I sold my car and made a plan for myself, aiming to grow and be there for others, especially my family. Taking a big risk, I left my home country with just one suitcase and moved to the United States as a student. Originally, I planned to learn English and then move to Italy, but I ended up learning much more. I embraced a new culture and language, found love, cared deeply for others and a sense of community, and gained valuable insights about myself and my resilience.

After I moved, my first job was in photography. I started by taking photos of cakes for people in my neighborhood and also worked on various design projects that kept me motivated. I did many different things in different places. I was flexible enough to survive and learn. The adrenaline from the beginning kept me afloat, but I also encountered moments where my creativity was blocked. The monotony of a job that didn’t challenge me, the lack of creative projects, and the uncertainty about my life were a lot to handle. I was in limbo, lost, and depressed.

One day, one of my bosses talked to me about promoting the restaurant’s spaces and being a good salesman. He said that if you believe the table is the best in the restaurant, the client will think so, too, when you talk about it with them. At that time, I felt very insecure about my design capabilities. I didn’t know what they were looking for or how to prove I had the experience despite having more than five years of experience. I was demotivated due to the routine and lack of motivation. I felt like I was swimming against the current because I couldn’t pass any of the interviews to the second round and was stuck in a job that wasn’t fulfilling. After that conversation, I realized I had stopped believing in myself. I let uncertainty get the best of me. That night, I reflected on it and recognized myself in the mirror again. I cleaned up my portfolio, assessed my skills, and identified what I needed to secure the position I was pursuing.

Slowly, I began to discover my inner strength. I attended a few interviews and gained valuable experience from each one. Despite facing several months of rejections, I persevered. Then, one day, I unexpectedly received a call for a job offer from Definitive Healthcare. I was surprised but prepared for this opportunity. My voice at that point was free of insecurities and ready to shine.
A month later, I started working with them as a digital and graphic design lead.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

In my journey exploring myself through art and nature, I found peace when I created. When I submerge myself in the forest or the ocean and during my creative practice, the passage of time becomes invisible and runs smoothly. These experiences are essential for my mental well-being and play a crucial role in every stage of my creative process, enabling me to produce efficient designs and art that truly resonate from the heart.

In my projects, such as art, design, and illustrations, I use my understanding of human psychology and art therapy to connect with others. I incorporate adaptable organic shapes inspired by nature. Intense emotions, whether positive or negative, can be a driving force for creating great works of art. I have personally experienced how intense emotions, after going through a process of catharsis, have led to some of my most remarkable pieces, my masterpieces.

I believe that for humans to thrive and contribute their best to the world, it is important for people to be true to themselves and share their unique qualities with the world. This is the only way they will find true happiness and live in harmony with others. I am not just an advocate for this, but I also aim to encourage and help others find their purpose and grow from it, ultimately promoting a better world.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.mmcreativemind.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmcreativemind?igsh=bDA2N3FyYnUzd3c%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/tEjBS7CZQePQoqGC/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariana-marzolla-0a1524b8

Image Credits

Mariana Marzolla