Ocean-Inspired Photographer and Illustrator, Makenna Sacco
"My favorite surfers to photograph are Kristina Young and Meg Jacovino! They are both artists that motivate me in and out of the water. I always say they draw the same way they surf and I really enjoy watching and learning from them. The way they uplift each other and other women is really inspiring and I consider them my role models."
Quotes by: Makenna Sacco
Photography by: Makenna Sacco
Illustrations by: Makenna Sacco
"Surfing makes me feel a type of free and lightness that nothing else can do. I'm not that great at it but just getting out there and being in the water makes me feel so good! If I’m having a bad day or feeling down, the ocean cures it!"
Working for two surfers, Marshall and Kristina, at their art shop in Ocean City, Peace of Wood, Makenna began jumping in the ocean to capture them catching waves -- this is where her love for surf photography all began.
"I like to photograph surfing because there is room for interpretation in each photo. It doesn’t have to be perfect but anyone can connect to it in some way!"
After the doors to photography opened, Makenna discovered a second creative passion through illustrating. The first time she seriously drew from her imagination was the night of New Year's Eve in 2019.
"I created a kneeling girl who was holding the sun and the top half of her body was a growing tree. This represented the growth I wanted to make for myself in the upcoming year! And from that, it all began and grew into much more!"
"The idea of growth really inspires my art. I draw a lot of girls and objects with branches and flowers to capture that. My dad always told me that our 20’s are the hardest times, there’s so many new chapters that force us to grow so I feel that a lot of people can connect to that through my art."
The more time Makenna spends in the ocean, the more inspired she becomes as a photographer and illustrator. Even when the surf is flat, she still enjoys getting out in the water and making the most of the ocean's sensations.
"The ocean also inspires me. I can be swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, fishing, or just sitting on the beach and it has the power to fuel so much of my inspiration and motivation. It unclouds my thoughts and makes me really appreciate everything and everyone around me. That in itself pushes me to keep creating in ways no other can!"
Follow Makenna: Instagram @makennasacco
