In a nation renowned for producing some of the world’s most notable artists, French-born Ella Marciano has found fabulous ways to distinguish herself. Whether behind the camera or in front of it, her work is uniquely captivating.
A photographer by trade, Ella is a fashion assistant at Vogue France. The well-rounded creative is able to fabulously capture eclectic beauty within, but especially so when shooting others. From there, Ella is also a hyper-talented sketch artist.
Undoubtedly, Ella Marciano is a name you will want to remember. With several notable projects coming soon, Marciano has a Playboy Club collaboration on the horizon.
Amongst a tight schedule, Ella made time to chat with Playboy’s Gabriel Santiago about herself, creative vision, inspirations and future works.
Playboy: Let’s start at the beginning—where are you from?
Ella Marciano: I was born and raised in Marseille, in the south of France, before moving to Paris two and a half years ago.
Playboy: At what age and how did you first discover your artistic gift?
Ella Marciano: From a young age, I was always been drawn to creativity. Drawing and painting were my earliest passions. Growing up with a musician for a brother, artistic expression runs in our family.
Playboy: What’s your story as a photographer?
Ella Marciano: Three years ago while living in Amsterdam near the Red Light District, I found myself troubled by the negative perceptions surrounding sex workers. This sparked a desire in me to re-humanize their experiences through interviews and photography, showcasing their humanity and resilience. That experience helped me realize my mission, which is to convey my sensitive perspective of the world through art.
Playboy: Tell me some of your top aspects about living in Paris.
Ella Marciano: After relocating to Paris six months later, I dove into organizing photo shoots, managing everything from casting to art direction and photography. I dedicated myself to learning various techniques, which significantly enhanced my efficiency and skill. Meeting other creatives in Paris has been incredibly inspiring. Collaborating with diverse individuals has a profound impact on my work, often shaping my artistic direction in unexpected ways.
Playboy: What has been your experience at Vogue France?
Ella Marciano: I began working at Vogue France four months ago, an incredible honor. The magazine’s rich heritage is a constant source of inspiration, and witnessing the hard work behind each issue is truly impressive. Each edition brings together different creative minds, resulting in unique and dynamic outcomes.
Playboy: How did you start working with Playboy?
Ella Marciano: I reached out to Playboy via Instagram to discuss an editorial project. Initially, it didn’t materialize, but in September, I connected with Franziska, who was enthusiastic about my ideas. Our collaboration quickly took shape, and we began planning in detail.
Playboy: What is the atmosphere like on a Playboy photoshoot?
Ella Marciano: The shoot itself was a wonderful experience. It featured an all-female team that fostered a supportive and empowering atmosphere. It was exhilarating to see everyone so comfortable and engaged.
Playboy: Who has been your biggest inspiration?
Ella Marciano: I draw inspiration from many sources, especially from the women in my life—my mother and other strong Mediterranean women of my hometown. Their resilience in navigating a patriarchal society deeply influences my work and is depicted in their way to dress and speak. They usually talk very loud. They can appear as coarse and a bit vulgar, but they are very sensitive and strong people.
Playboy: What is your creative process like?
Ella Marciano: Inspiration can strike from anywhere, whether it’s a glimpse through a window or a film I’ve just seen. When I have an idea, I quickly jot it down on my computer, creating mood boards and notes to flesh it out. Over the days, I refine these concepts until I have a final mood board. Every detail matters—casting can completely shift the theme of a project.
Playboy: Do you have any personal all-time favorite photographs that you’ve captured?
Ella Marciano: My most recent Playboy shoot stands out as one of my favorites.
Playboy: What’s it like as a female thriving in male-focused industries like content creation?
Ella Marciano: On one hand, there can be obstacles such as gender bias, stereotypes and the need to constantly prove oneself. However, these challenges often fuel determination to carve out a unique space and make an impact. I’ve also found that collaboration and support among women are crucial in these environments.
Playboy: Lastly, what does “a day in the life of Ella Marciano” look like right now?
Ella Marciano: Currently, I’m very busy with my work at Vogue France, where I’m surrounded by an array of images, archives, and old magazines. I typically spend my weekdays at the office, but I reserve my weekends for personal creative projects and seeking inspiration through exhibitions, films, and discovering new photographers. This balance keeps me creatively charged and eager for what lies ahead.
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