Marie Maresco - Illustrator and Designer Mardoodler Studio
Marie Maresco is an illustrator and designer based in New Jersey. With a full time position as Art Director in Pharma Publishing, Marie also carves time out for her mini production studio Mardoodler Studio where she offers design, digital, and printing services. A creative at an early age, Marie found a love for stationery and paper goods with the encouragement of her mother who provided many art supplies. She is always creating, carving time out of her day to get an idea on paper. Marie’s favorite projects are the personal commissions where she can create very detailed and personal pieces. She also loves foil printed stationery design and creating pieces that represent growing up Filipina/in the culture.
Were you always interested in art and when did you begin to pursue it as a career?
Yes! At an early age, I was an avid crafter. I worked mostly with paper because it was so accessible to me in my Filipino household. My mom would buy kits, gel pens, markers, and fancy paper for me where I learned how to create pop-up art, origami, and greeting cards. I also collected a lot of stationery throughout the years, especially nostalgic products like Sanrio and Lisa Frank that have influenced my cute and quirky style.
I began pursuing this as more of a hobby where I separate this from my full time job. I still work as a full time Art Director in Pharma Publication for 8-10 hours, and start my next shift in the evenings in my Mardoodler Studio for another 4-5 hours. I love to constantly create for the sake of creating, even when I try to go to sleep!
What are some of your favorite mediums to work in: stationery design, digital, calligraphy/handwriting, publication design?
Through the many crafting phases I've had in my life, I think stationery design with foil printing is my favorite medium by a long stretch. There's something so niche and special about it that really pushes me as a Designer to take it to the next step in design and production. I always try to incorporate foil print in my art so that it has an iridescent shine. I believe the materials I use reflect my true colors as an artist.
What inspires and influences your art?
A lot of what inspires me is based on my experiences, emotions, favorite memes, and my bunny Sirius. I make it a mission to draw at least once a day and put at least 15 minutes out of my busy schedule to sketch an idea.
How has what you create been representative of you and your community?
I strive to create pieces of art that represent common experiences shared in Filipino culture. I try to make things that others can relate to based on subjects that pays homage to my experiences growing up Filipina. Some of my favorites for example are my Filipino breakfast sticker set that includes Longanisa and Corned Beef, my Kamayan 2-piece illustration, and my vinyl wall sticker in my kitchen that says Kain Tayo. I'm also heavily supportive in the online community on social media platforms. I follow really inspiring Filipino/Asian/PoC artists where I like posts, share their stories, and buy from their online shops when I can.
Please describe your creative process?
The best way to describe my creative process is I like to combine visual ideas or think of what I call "butter words" (smooth or catchy phrases that resonate with people) where I'm able to illustrate in a fun and dynamic way! A lot of it comes from naive sketches where I take a photo with my iPhone and airdrop it to my laptop where I finalize it digitally in Illustrator. From there, I find ways to print them as products.
What are some of your favorite projects?
A lot of my favorite projects are the custom commissions I work on. It's always nice to communicate with these amazing people and be part of a project that is detail-oriented and very personal. I take a lot of pride in these special assignments because it provides a sense of trust to illustrate someone so important in their lives.
Do you have any upcoming designs, projects that you are excited about?
As I practice social distancing and keeping my loved ones safe, I'm using this time to create informational digital art, stationery, and prints that can shine in these dark times.
Photos courtesy of Marie Maresco