Donnelly Marks shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Donnelly, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Who are you learning from right now?
I’ve been learning from the best by reading interviews with screenwriters, directors, and cinematographers—”Screenwriters on Screenwriting” by Joel Engel, “Making Movies” by Sidney Lumet, and “Masters of Light” by Dennis Schaefer and Larry Salvato—for anyone interested.
Learning how creative professionals think—their techniques, rituals, stories, and fears—is exciting. The parallels between filmmaking and other creative disciplines are striking: How do we learn to trust intuition? How do we stay focused yet open to flow? How do we push through fear and insecurity and turn challenges into opportunities? Writers, in particular, are gifted at giving shape to thoughts and feelings I’ve had but never quite named. Connecting with their experiences has helped me more clearly understand my own creative process.
One example comes from Lumet: when there’s a technical failure, don’t let it ruin the shot. I’ve reinterpreted that as not letting an accident or mistake derail whatever I’m working on—if the emotional impact is there, that’s what matters. It connects directly to Susanne Langer’s idea that the material is simply the vehicle for expression—which I touch on later.
Lumet also talks about the moment in filming when everything comes together and the work takes on a life of its own—bigger than the sum of its parts, something almost magical. When that happens, he’s willing to abandon earlier plans and rely on instinct. Being in that state of openness and trust is self-revealing—freeing, but also a little scary.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Photography and sculpture are my primary mediums, but I enjoy exploring others and how they connect with me. By way of illustration, a recent experience comes to mind: after a choral concert last week, I asked the musical director about his approach to music-making. He paraphrased philosopher Susanne Langer: “The material of art serves as a vehicle for expressing human feeling and experience.” I love this idea. It captures a core belief of mine: the medium itself isn’t the point; what matters is shaping it to express something human and true—and I especially love when that voice has a raw, authentic quality.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
I learned a great deal about how to work from my partner, Sam, a terrific writer and photographer. He believes you “learn to skate in the summer and swim in the winter,” and his discipline reflects that—steady, patient, and consistent.
He also believes in balance: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” and in the importance of how downtime refreshes the mind, allows ideas to percolate, and helps the work flow more naturally.
My dad was an incredibly hard worker as well. From him I learned the value of perseverance and consistent effort and—how these qualities not only build skill and resilience but help me push through rejection and moments of self-doubt.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
The toughest, most painful experiences of my life shaped my character more than any success ever could. They taught me resilience and courage and helped me discover a grit I didn’t know I had—all qualities which became the foundation of my voice and point of view.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire my family, my friends, colleagues, and people I’ve read about, but if I had to choose one person, it would be Keith Richards. His style speaks to me directly—his intuitive playing comes straight from the heart—with raw energy and compelling truth. His technique is formidable, yet he emphasizes spontaneity and instinct over perfection. That’s exactly what I want. I admire his humility, his honest way of expressing himself, his humor, and, above all, his humanity.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I’m most at peace when listening to music, making something, swimming, or cooking… that is, until I realize I’ve forgotten the key ingredient. Peace? Gone right out the window.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.donnellymarksstudio.com/
- Instagram: @donnellymarks
Image Credits
Photography by Donnelly Marks
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