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

Mario, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

When I was around three or four, I did a scribble, abstract drawing of Riggs and Murtaugh from Lethal Weapon 2. It was when I was in 5th grade and I did an almost identical drawing of Lola Bunny from Space Jam that I wanted to be an Illustrator.

When I was questioning if I wanted to continue this path, I had met T.C. Carson at a gaming convention. He was about to sign my sketchbook when he asked, “You’re an artist?” I said I try to be. Then he got serious with me and said, “No. There’s no ‘try to be’. Either you are, or you aren’t.” And he asked again, but this time, I said “Yes, I am”. That’s pretty much what I’ve been since.

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?

My name is Mario Scott. I’m an Illustrator, Photographer, & Filmmaker. I guess an all around Visual Storyteller. I started Illustration at a very young age, and continued to hone my craft for many years. I went into Filmmaking in 2012 after being an extra for a local feature film (not released yet, and probably shouldn’t expect to). I started doing my own films in 2013, ranging from action, comedy, drama, and horror. I dabbled in Photography that same year, but didn’t fully pursue it until 2020.

When it comes to the work I do, I try to visualize a Story/Concept, and hopefully find others Creative enough AND crazy enough to bring it to life. Not much is at my disposal, but what I don’t have I like to make up with what I do have.

For others who may not have been in front of a camera or not know what to do, I like to lead them in and show them they do have the potential to be a creative. It brings a certain joy knowing others van thrive from what I can bring them.

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

The big thing is to see the joy on another’s face after seeing the results of something I created of or for them, whether it be a photoshoot, a film, or a caricature. Years ago, I did a caricature of a close friend after they had recently lost a loved one in their family. After seeing the picture, they cried because it reminded them of that loved one. We hugged and shared a cry afterward. It’s a memory I keep with me, especially if I experience doubt.

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

In one shoot, the model brought a different vibe to the set, and it threw me off creatively. The results came in and a majority of the photos were not to their liking. I had to explain to them that their attitude threw me off, and from there they knew not to bring any personal issues to the space. But also, I had to unlearn keeping things to myself, because I didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. Sometimes, I need to let them know to keep personal issues at home and not in the workspace.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @madhausstudios
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/MadhausStudios
• Linkedin: Mario Scott
• Twitter: @MadhausStudios
• Youtube: TheMadhausMadman

Image Credits

Illustrations by Mario ‘Madman’ Scott.