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Marianna Scarola, Makeup Artist
by Lisa Wong
Photo by Alex MacPherson |
Photo by Eydis Einarsdottir |
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It's cloudy and grey outside, but you would never know it from looking at makeup artist Marianna Scarola. Warm and bubbly with a vivacious smile, she shows up for our interview radiating enough energy to rival any pep you might get from a hot cup of java. Her winsome personality, combined with her skill and focus, go a long way in explaining why she has enjoyed the success she has experienced so far.
Growing up in Halifax as part of an Italian-Canadian immigrant family, Scarola helped plan numerous high school fashion shows and dances and especially enjoyed helping her friends get ready for these events. She studied psychology at Concordia University in Montreal for a year, but deep down she knew her heart lay elsewhere. Some soul-searching prompted her to leave university and complete a three-month course in makeup artistry. She then saved up to attend the Empire Academy of Makeup in Orange County, California. However, Visa issues and family matters forced her to return to Montreal and Toronto, where she lived for a couple of years before taking the plunge and moving out west. The move coincided with a desire to concentrate on her career: "Vancouver was where I began focusing and pushing myself." Over the course of two years, Scarola built her portfolio and got in touch with THEY Rep regarding representation. THEY Rep liked what they saw and signed her in June 2009.
Photo by Ben Lee |
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Agency representation and hard work have led to some notable career highlights. Happy Madison (a.k.a. Adam Sandler's production company), Obakki, The Disney Channel, and Swim Co are just some of the big names on her resume. During our interview, she giddily recounts meeting Diane Keaton and Scott Speedman while on set with Happy Madison, and the thrill of seeing her work on a billboard for the first time. Most recently, Scarola did a US Nike photo shoot and press conference for eight female athletes who will be competing in the Olympics. She is currently a resident makeup artist with Lancome.
When asked which part of her job she enjoys most, Scarola replies, "I love meeting new people and every day is different. Even if you know the sort of look the art director or photographer expects, you don't know what you'll end up with." This spontaneity and creativity, and being expected to work under pressure, are all aspects of makeup artistry that she thrives on. She particularly loves print work and dreams of adding a Vogue cover to her portfolio someday. Her other dreams for the future include getting into the Toronto and US markets, as well as international assignments such as Milan. "I have my passport ready--send me anywhere!" she says laughingly. Although her sights are set on the stars, Scarola gratefully acknowledges the opportunities she has received with THEY Rep, various photographers, and Vancouver Fashion eZine.
Gary Fitzpatrick |
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Our interview takes a girly turn when I ask Scarola about the top three products she recommends. She counts concealer, mascara, and, lip gloss among her top products for herself. While on the job, she swears by MAC Fast Response Eye Cream (a caffeinated eye cream that de-puffs eyes in no time), her tool belt, and NARS Multiple creme blush. You can be sure that all of these essentials will be in her suitcase when she achieves her dream of traveling for assignments abroad someday.
For more information about Scarola Makeup, check out http://scarolamakeup.com.
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