Meet Samantha Marie Sciotti | Visual Storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Marie Sciotti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha Marie, how do you think about risk?
I view life as a series of risks, acknowledging that complete certainty is elusive when making decisions. Throughout my career, I’ve tended to embrace opportunities that have been presented to me, curious to see where they may lead. This approach led to some incredible experiences with amazing individuals, while others I value as learning experiences. If I hadn’t taken those risks, I wouldn’t have had the chance to truly discover and understand myself. I am currently pursuing my passions and developing trust in my intuition, believing that things will unfold as they are meant to.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

At times, my life feels like a series of fortunate events. By actively putting myself out there opportunities presented themselves in unexpected ways, and I endeavored to say ‘Yes’ whenever possible, embracing the challenges. This approach has led my career down some pretty surprising paths that I could never have predicted. Becoming a bit of a ‘jack of all trades,’ I’ve come to see myself as a visual storyteller, crafting narratives across various mediums. At the age of 22, I relocated to LA to pursue a career in animation, both traditional and stop-motion techniques. Along the way, I found myself freelancing not only in animation but also on film sets, expanding my storytelling skills across a wide range of platforms.

 The journey wasn’t always smooth: in fact, most of the time, I felt like a nervous wreck. However, I learned to trust both myself and my abilities, believing that if I didn’t know something, I could learn it. I’ve always strived to give my best, working tirelessly to improve. Sure, I have made my fair share of mistakes over the years, but each one becomes a stepping stone for continuous growth. Taking risks has been crucial for me; it has allowed me to evolve as an artist. Personally, I identify as an adventurer at heart, always eager to learn and explore new avenues. That’s what led me back to my studies to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Illustration, further nurturing my growth as a storyteller with the aim of sharing narratives that entertain and educate.

Currently, I am in production on a literary magazine called Women dedicated to compiling women’s stories written by women, addressing the stereotypical issues they often face. I firmly believe in the power of storytelling to create understanding, empathy, and positive change. The magazine, along with some intriguing merchandise, will be available for purchase this spring, marking another exciting chapter in my journey of creative expression and societal impact.

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.
Savannah is a charming city. When guests come to visit, I love taking them through the historic district. We start by soaking in the beauty of the squares, exploring the quaint shops, marveling at the stunning architecture, and pausing for a moment of reflection at the cathedral. But before any of that can unfold, we must kick off our day with a visit to one of my favorite coffee spots – Perc, Origins, Mirabelles, or Foxy Loxy – where we indulge in a coffee and a delightful pastry. My personal favorite? The vegan almond croissant from Auspicious Bakery, without a doubt. After fueling up, we leisurely wander through Book Lady or E. Shavers, hunting for a new book to accompany us on a relaxing picnic in Forsyth Park. We’d delve into a selection of Savannah’s renowned museums, such as the American Prohibition Museum, Telfair Museums, Jepson Center, and the SCAD Museum of Art, fully immersing ourselves in the city’s rich arts and cultural offerings. Being a SCAD alumna myself, I’d have them experience SCADshop and SCADstory, followed by a delightful tea and scone session at Gryphon Tea Room. Eat a lot of good food, a few popular places are Pirate House, Mrs. Wilkes, Madame Butterfly, Common Thread, Husk, and Collins Quarters. As the day transitions into evening, we head to Starland Yard for trivia and a visit to Two Tides Brewery, savoring the local brews and lively atmosphere. And for a refreshing escape, a day trip to Tybee Island for the perfect beach getaway, where we can bask in the sun and enjoy the ocean breeze. And, of course, no visit to Savannah would be truly complete without a leisurely stroll along River Street, where we cap off the day with an exhilarating ghost tour adventure, adding a touch of mystery to our unforgettable Savannah experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been fortunate to receive an abundance of love and support over the years from family, friends, and colleagues. Their contributions have played a significant role in shaping who I am today and have brought me to this point in my life. As a child, I was incredibly shy and anxious. Knowing I had people in my corner gave me the strength to step outside my comfort zone. I recognize that without each individual person in my life none of this would be possible. I am truly grateful to all of them.

Website: www.samantha-sciotti.com

Instagram: @artbysamanthamarie

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-sciotti/