Meet Maria Paula Mariño | Studio Engineer, Artist & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Paula Mariño and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria Paula, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
Yes, “intent without expectation”. I came up with it because I struggle a lot with perfectionism and over-planning/overthinking the future. “Intent without expectation” means that I will do the work and put my best intent towards what I want to accomplish, but at the same time letting go of the expectations of what might come out of it. This affirmation helps me live in the present moment and attract good things in my life–without necessarily expecting them.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always had curiosity for many different artistic avenues. I’m currently in my last year at Loyola University New Orleans, where I study Music Industry. This last year I have been working on defining where I see myself growing in my art, and what calls my passion the most. I started working in the recording studio and learning about production, engineering and songwriting–and realized that I love the work in the studio. Songwriting has always come as natural to me, because I love poetry and writing very much, so it seemed like the right fit. This last summer I worked at Art House a renowned recording studio in Miami. As a Colombian woman, I found my niche in Miami and I am hoping to move there after graduating. I want to pursue a career in the Latin industry as a studio engineer, producer and songwriter–basically someone who works in the different aspects of making a song come alive.
Besides this I have also been pursuing photography for a couple of years now. It all started as a hobby for me during the pandemic. When I got back to New Orleans I wanted to keep up with it, but I didn’t have a camera yet, so I started working for the university’s newspaper so I could borrow theirs. While doing that I started taking a more artistic route with photography and found that I really liked taking pictures of artists/concerts and that’s when I started to make a name for myself amongst my peers, and started booking more photoshoots.
I’ve always struggled with defining myself just as one thing–either artist, photographer, engineer, etc. But I’ve realized that my strength comes from being multifaceted. Of course, I still keep my goals in line and I’m constantly working on streamlining my efforts, but I no longer have the need to define myself as just one thing. I understood that skills from one of my passions bleed into others and make me a more unique artist–for example, my visual aspect helps in imagining music in a visual way (I recently learned about synesthesia, which I have) and vice versa.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
New Orleans is a city filled with culture, food and history! It’s one of the most unique places I’ve ever been. I would take them first, of course, to the French Quarter to walk around and just soak in the traditional New Orleans energy. Eat some beignets and traditional Cajun and Creole food. For good music I would take them to local bars around Frenchmen St. which is one of my favorite places to listen to live jazz. In Bourbon St I would take them to the Piano Bar in Pat O Briens, which is a very cool experience. Preservation Hall is also very famous for being a historic jazz site. Uptown I would take them to the Soul Rebels residence Thursdays at Le Bon Temps Roule, or Maple Leaf Bar.
We could also walk around Audubon park and go to The Fly, which is right next to the Mississippi River and has beautiful sunsets! City Park also has NOMA, the New Orleans Museum of Contemporary Art and is great to do lake activities and bike around.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents, both my mother and my father, are my biggest inspirations. I don’t think I would be anywhere near I am right now without their constant and unlimited love and support. Every single day they have supported me in all of my decisions, and have worked so I could have all the opportunities I have today. My mom is the strongest, most intelligent woman I have ever met. I’ve learned about persistence, hard work, dedication, confidence, all because of her. She is my number one role model and wherever I end up in life, I only wish I can be as strong and independent as she is.
My dad gave me my love for music, and taught me the immense value of my emotions and my capabilities. With his immense sensitivity and heart, he taught me to lead with intuition, to listen to myself, and always repeated me that whatever I chose to do, the only thing he wanted was to see me happy. He, just like me, is an avid music lover.

Instagram: @mariapaulaamarino , photography Instagram: @marmolph

Image Credits
Copyright: Maria Paula Marino / Marmol Photography