We were lucky to catch up with Marissa Todd recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marissa , appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

As best as I can recall, I was raised in a rigorous, strict, and loving household. My parents were direct and made sure I followed through any activity in which I initiated. For example, I was allowed to quit soccer, but after the season was finished, no quitting half way through. Aesthetically, the home was meticulous (except for my room) , chores were completed in a timely manner, and dinner was consumed around the same time every evening. Admittedly, as an adult I am not as staunchly militant about my apartment maintaining a spotless veneer, however the stability of my upbringing has woven itself into my standards and process of my work. When I lock into a project, I’m attentive 110%, until the job is done. I’m punctual, a direct positive consequence of my parents always hammering it into me, to respect other people’s time.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

How I got into the industry:
When I was in high school, I was a part of a lot of arts clubs. I would participate in painting the scenery. One summer The theatre club took a trip to the Twin Cities where I saw a production of Sunday in the Park with George. I was enthralled by the simple scenery, and transformative quality of the environment. Intrigued, and perhaps bored during intermission, I perused the playbill and the title “scenic designer” caught my attention. While I never considered acting to be a career I was interested in, I immediately was curious as to what a “scenic designer” did. Upon returning home, I researched on the family computer, asked my teachers at the time, and most importantly reached out to the local community theatre. From there, I assisted the scenic designer Jim Othuse for a production of Wizard of Oz, and since then have never entertained another career choice.

What do I provide with my creative works:
I attempt to enter into each collaboration with a deep respect for the script, to provide a visual dialogue in support of the actors, director’s vision, and writer. To me a script is not limited to text, it can be a melody, movement, an expression. The script is the spine of a production that every other ingredient revolves around. Each process includes deep exploration into materials that create an environment, this in turn allows for a rumination of truth and authenticity stunningly unique to each project. I am uninterested in trends, when I research I try to be as rigorous and honest as possible to decode specifically what is resonating with me about the research. I am drawn to visual feasts, whether that includes maximalism or minimalism, is up to the script, and mouthwatering conversations I get to have with the creative teams.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Punctuality and dependability are underrated offerings of support. Over the years I’ve been know for these qualities and I may not be the brightest in the room, but I show up, and will support the team. I believe these are two compounds that build trust and an environment of sharing open thought.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Do not ask your team to do a job you haven’t tried to do, are unwilling to do, or refuse to learn.
However, if it’s a skill you do not possess, then make sure that member feels respected and appreciated for their talents.

I once spent a summer washing paint buckets in Missouri heat. After work I would hurry to my evening job at a restaurant. This experience reinforced gratitude for future opportunities, and to highlight the crew members who wash the buckets, and oil the gears that allow me to participate in my dream of being a designer.

Also, I’ve observed some people (including myself) are high maintenance or passionate because they care about a project, but this is never an excuse to be dismissive of others, rude or belittling. Being honest with myself about my social battery helps me communicate where my boundaries are, and intentions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marissatodd.cargo.site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtodd.design/
• Other: anyone is free to email me, design@marissatodd.com

Image Credits

Isabel Padilla
Eric Woolsey
Persona