FEMALE CREATIVE: Jana Carboni

As a young woman at the start line of a creative career, the future can feel more of a terrifying expanse of the unknown rather than an exciting unlimited place of possibility. But there is comfort in community, promise in the experience of others and an inspirational vibrancy that can be found in other female creatives. Every individual in this series has produced a spectrum of creative work which I admire and which I hope can offer an insight into the importance of the female vision.

Jana Carboni is a makeup, prosthetic and personal designer by trade. However, as a captivated spectator of many films she has contributed to and immersed in the intricacy of her characters, I think she could be considered an artist. It is undeniable that the complexity and creativity of the characters that Jana prepares for the screen are a result of talent, but also a product of dedication and her ever-expanding accumulation of experience. Born and raised in Italy by a multifaceted creative family, Jana commenced her creative education at Art College in Rome and then proceeded to study architecture. Since her beginnings, Jana has immersed herself in a world inspired and nourished by art. Since her first work experience in film in 1998, Jana has worked across a colourful spectrum of films and delivered the vision of many iconic auteurs from Ridley Scott to Wes Anderson. Her characters have been set in ancient times Gladiator (2024), across the ocean in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004), 1980s Italy in House of Gucci (2021) and even on Mars with The Martian (2015). Each film is an exhibition of Jana’s ability to craft and construct characters. Historical or fictional, the products of Jana’s intuitive and innovative character design are a result of her unique creative process and research.

This interview with Jana is a celebration of an intensely successful female creative delivering work which satisfies the brief but also expresses her creative vision in a challenging industry. Jana explores the importance of curiosity and reflection as intrinsic fuel to her creativity and growth. To Jana, creativity is a continuous process. Through determination, a constant desire to observe, learn and refine skills, great creative success can ignite. Strength and confidence are important, but there is also power in adaptability and evolution, maintaining a fresh open mind and an empathetic approach to the world.

It is evident Jana’s insightful and thoughtful philosophies are rooted not only in her own experience but derived from the generational female wisdom of the strong women in her family. I think it is vital that young female creatives learn, channel and embody the power of the women that surround them. Jana Carboni is one of those women.

Eve: How does your creative job/role impact your daily life?

Jana: Being a creative means my job isn’t something I can fully switch off. My work flows into my everyday thoughts and experiences, even outside of a formal work setting. I love that it keeps me tuned in and observant of the world around me—it makes everything a potential source of inspiration. However, it can be exhausting if I don’t take time to recharge.

EW: Although it may not be true, it is commonly said “Do a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.”

JC: There’s truth in that, but creative work still has its challenges and stressful moments. It may feel less like “work” because it’s something I’m passionate about, but it still requires a lot of dedication and hard work. The joy I get from creating makes it worth it, though.

EW: Do you separate your creative work from your life, or do you find creative work is all engrossing and pours into every aspect of your day?

JC: It often pours into my whole day. I find it difficult to completely detach because ideas or inspiration can come at any moment. That said, I’m learning the importance of boundaries and downtime to avoid burnout.

EW: Do you believe that female creatives have the skill/ability to produce creative work that is more emotionally perceptive or deeply communicative?

JC: I think there’s something powerful in how many female creatives approach their work. It’s not necessarily about gender alone, but women often bring a unique sensitivity and attention to detail. This depth can make their creative expressions feel more intuitive and connected to emotions and relationships.

EW: Do you think that a female MUA has the ability to create more thoughtful characters or looks?

JC: I do think that female MUAs, like other female creatives, bring a unique perspective. Makeup is storytelling, and it takes empathy and insight to bring characters to life in a meaningful way. I believe female MUAs often have that nuanced understanding.

EW: Do you think female creatives have the ability to derive inspiration from more alternative and unusual sources of inspiration?

JC: Many female creatives have this ability because they tend to see beyond the obvious and find meaning in subtle, unexpected places. I draw inspiration from art, music, nature, people-watching, and sometimes even a fleeting moment or a conversation that stays with me.

EW: Does your inspiration for your character’s look come from art, music, film, people…or a more unlikely source?

JC: My inspiration can come from any number of sources. It might be a painting, a song, a stranger’s outfit, or the mood of a cloudy day. I like to mix familiar sources with unexpected ones to keep things fresh and multilayered.

EW: Was your background always in makeup, or did your creative journey start from somewhere else?

JC: I didn’t start with makeup initially. My creative journey had multiple beginnings—some in visual arts, others in writing or photography. Makeup was a natural progression as I found it a powerful medium to bring characters and ideas to life.

EW: I would love to know about your creative process. How do you develop a character’s look from start to finish?

JC: The process begins with understanding the characters deeply—who they are, their backstory, personality, and motivations. I gather reference images and look for visual cues that resonate with their traits. Then I experiment, refining as I go, until the look feels like a true extension of that character’s soul.

EW: Throughout your career, you have worked with many iconic auteurs. How do you channel your own female creativity while delivering the vision of your director?

JC: It’s a balancing act. I try to stay true to my creative instincts, but I also listen carefully to the director’s vision. I find ways to blend their concepts with my own interpretation, ensuring the end result feels collaborative yet true to both perspectives.

EW: As a woman within the wild world of the film industry, what have you found to be your biggest challenges?

JC: The biggest challenge has been finding my voice and asserting my ideas in a field that can sometimes feel competitive. Over time, I’ve learned to be confident in my skills and trust that my creative perspective is valuable.

EW: How do you remain strong and true to yourself while building your success in the film industry?

JC: It’s about staying grounded in my values and remembering why I started. I focus on my passion and my commitment to creating meaningful work. The support of mentors, friends, and family has been essential, as well as practising self-care and reflection.

EW: As a female creative, where does your greatest sense of satisfaction and happiness come from?

JC: It comes from knowing I’ve contributed something that resonates emotionally with others. Whether it’s a character that connects with audiences or a look that feels timeless, the satisfaction lies in feeling like my work made an impact.

EW: As not only a female creative but a vital member of your film crew, how do you think young female creatives can do the best for themselves and their colleagues?

JC: I’d advise young female creatives to trust their instincts, be assertive, and build a network of supportive people. Encourage collaboration, and remember that lifting others up only strengthens the team.

EW: Who have been the greatest mentors in your life? What are the greatest lessons they have taught you?

JC: I’ve had a few mentors who taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of continuous learning. They showed me how to stand firm in my creative vision but also to stay humble and adaptable.

EW: What attributes do you think make a good female creative?

JC: A good female creative is curious, resilient, empathetic, and open to new perspectives. She should be passionate, yet willing to listen and grow from her experiences.

EW: Finding a balance between creative and motivated/proactive is challenging. What is your advice to young creatives?

JC: Set small goals to keep moving forward, even on days when inspiration feels low. Build a routine that includes both creativity and downtime and keep reminding yourself why you love what you do.

EW: How do you stay motivated to put out your creative work or achieve success?

JC: I focus on the impact my work can have. I remind myself that creative work has the potential to connect and inspire others, and that motivates me to keep going.

EW: As a young female creative, it is difficult to know if you are on the right path. Could you give our readers some advice or share your thoughts on forging your way in life?

JC: You may not always feel certain, but if your work brings you joy, excitement, or fulfilment, you’re on the right track. Trust your instincts, keep exploring, and stay open to where the journey may lead.

EW: How do you know you are doing the right thing? When did you know that you were on the right creative path?

JC: I knew I was on the right path when I felt like my work allowed me to express something real and meaningful. When others began to connect with it too, I felt affirmed that I was in the right place.

EW: Finally, who is your biggest inspiration?

JC: My biggest inspiration has always been the women in my family. We’ve been a strong, matriarchal family for generations, with women who are not only hardworking and incredibly successful but also full of charm, resilience, and grit. They’ve shown me what it means to face challenges head-on and thrive, and they set the bar high for what it means to live with both strength and grace.

To keep up to date with Jana's work, follow her on Instagram.

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Edited by Oisín McGilloway, Editor-in-Chief