PROFILES
MARISSA ZAJACK A Flair for Interior Design | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS
PHOTOS BY DAVID CELOMARA
S
torytelling through design is what Marissa Zajack is most passionate about. Upscale Living magazine spoke with her about her career as a graphic designer in film, to where she is today, heading up her own interior designer firm.
new and exciting challenges, making it a dynamic and thrilling journey. The thrill of bringing historical authenticity to life through graphic design adds an extra layer of excitement to my creative endeavors, making each project an unforgettable and rewarding experience.
Marissa, please tell us a bit about yourself. I am a versatile and multi-talented designer, skilled in a wide range of visual media, including interior design, branding, textiles, and wallpaper. My creative journey began in the captivating world of film, where I started as a graphic designer, honing my artistic talents and storytelling skills. As my career blossomed, I expanded my expertise beyond the film industry, collaborating with various companies to develop captivating brand identities. During this time, my passion for designing environments became evident to my friends, who quickly recognized my flair for interior design and sought my advice on all matters related to transforming spaces. My first official project as an interior designer was an exciting restaurant venture. Since then, I have been dedicated to crafting captivating and inspiring spaces for clients across different projects. Each new opportunity fuels my love for creating enchanting environments and brings boundless joy to my creative journey.
How did you navigate the conversion from the entertainment industry to the world of interior design? As a designer, I understand the profound impact that environments can have on storytelling. In both film and interior design, the spaces I create are a canvas for conveying the essence of the characters or clients they represent. In film, the backstories of characters are carefully crafted by writers, and it’s the responsibility of the art department, including graphic designers like myself, to bring those stories to life through the environment. Similarly, as an interior designer, your role involves curating spaces that embody the essence of your clients, telling their unique stories through design. Understanding your clients on a personal level is crucial because it allows you to create spaces that truly resonate with their individual tastes, preferences, and values, rather than merely following fleeting trends. By curating environments that authentically represent your clients, you not only create aesthetically pleasing spaces but also spaces that reflect the people who inhabit them, making them feel at home and fostering a deeper connection with their surroundings. The parallel between film and interior design is evident in how both disciplines focus on storytelling through the art of design. My approach of prioritizing your clients’ individuality and creating meaningful, bespoke spaces is what sets me apart as a designer with a genuine dedication to crafting environments that are both beautiful and emotionally resonant.
Did you have an influence in your youth that shaped your career path? Growing up in my father’s advertising photography studio alongside my mother, who ran the operation, was a truly enriching experience. After school, my sister and I would eagerly observe photo shoots, witnessing the harmonious collaboration between my father, art directors, advertising executives, stylists, and assistants as they brought concepts to life. Those formative years immersed in the world of creativity left an indelible mark on me, igniting a passion for artistic expression and problem-solving. The studio became a priceless masterclass in creative teamwork, effective communication, and meticulous craftsmanship, inspiring and shaping my journey in various endeavors. You were involved in the entertainment industry as a graphic designer. Please tell us more about that. As a graphic designer in the film industry, I hold a pivotal role in shaping the visual landscape of various sets. It’s fascinating how graphic storytelling can contribute significantly to the environment and narrative, especially in period pieces. One standout experience was my work on a show set in 1960s Las Vegas, where authenticity was paramount. Designing show posters and casino signage that adhered to the period’s aesthetics allowed viewers to be immersed in that bygone era. Each day presented 66 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | AUG/SEPT 2023
When and why did you start your eponymous firm, MZC? Back in 2018, I took the leap and started MZC, a company driven by my passion for design. I wanted to create a place where people from diverse backgrounds and talents could come together to collaborate and bring their creative ideas to life. MZC is like a hub for innovation, where we nurture and support each other’s creative endeavors. It’s been an exciting journey, building a team of like-minded individuals who share the love for design and enjoy working together. With each day that passes, MZC grows into a welcoming space for inspired creativity to thrive. What does being at the helm of a full service design and creative studio entail? During this exciting period of growth, I’m fully devoted to my company, putting in considerable time and effort. It’s a path I feel deeply connected to and believe is my true calling. One of my primary goals is to create a
