Interview with Mariangela Ciccone, globe trotting Art Director, New York based.
Mariangela Ciccone, NY Art Director, when did you start your adventure in NYC?
I came in 2013, after receiving my Bachelor’s degree in contemporary arts.
And you arrived here with the intention to become an Art Director?
This ambition began to enter my thinking while taking a certificate program in event here in NYC. The beginning of everything was really when I started my collaboration with the Lorelai Events Group.
What have been the most exciting projects that you have done with them?
I have been involved in the organization of three different big events at the Jewish Museum, a magical place frequented by excellent minds. The chef-d’oeuvre of the design of the Purim Party by David Stark at the Park Ave Armory for the Jewish Museum will remain in my mind forever. Another amazing project has been Greater&Greener, an international Urban Park Conference, that took place in San Francisco last year and gathered more than a 1,000 urban park leaders over the span of 5 days. I selected 20 artists and exhibitors for that event and managed all the organizational aspects connected with the showcasing of their works.
What is the main responsibility of an art director and what are the skills required?
An art director oversees the design, production, and execution of creative strategies. It’s someone who is responsible for the overall visual style of a project and how it communicates visually, creates emotions, and psychologically appeals to a target audience. As an art director you must be a leader, someone who inspires and guides the vision of the activity you are taking part. I think it’s crucial to have stamina and humility. A director has to be able to recognize the talent in those around them and learn how to effectively get the best from that person.
Is there a person that assisted you to professionally grow-up?
I accomplished a lot from the all the people I worked with at Lorelei Events, but if I can only choose one person, that would be Frank Accosta. I learned from him all the days I worked with. He pushed me to my limits only to make me realize that most of the time our limits are just in our head. I owe him a lot. I am also very grateful to the architect and designer Maria Caterina Chiuchiarelli. She involved me in the art event la Conserva della neve in Villa Borghese, Rome in 2014. A dreamy project that I pragmatically elaborated working at her side.
Project for the present?
I’ve just done an agreement with the photographer John Mazlish. He wants that I run his studio, especially valorizing the fine arts side of his work
What has been your first challenge working for him?
Branding his polyvalent ability to work with people, architecture and landscape; as well as his working with natural light and the studio lights. I want to be able to open new bridges for him in terms of gallery representations, museum presence, and inclusion with collectors.
How are you planning to succeed in that?
I would implement making a stronger online presence, valorizing his social media presence and organizing events in collaboration with fashion and design brands.
Where do you see yourself in five years and more?
I see myself continuing to travel and meeting interesting people and continuing my career as Art Director in New York City, a city that I love and where I feel safe and at home.
