Ariana Pacino’s artistic journey is a testament to the seamless fusion of heritage, passion, and innovation. Growing up in Culver City, California—a city celebrated for its rich art scene and cinematic history—Ariana was immersed in creativity from a young age. Her early artistic inclinations were nurtured by her nonna, a skilled tailor specializing in luxury fashion. The countless hours Ariana spent in her grandmother’s tailor shop, observing intricate patterns and meticulous craftsmanship, instilled in her a profound appreciation for detail and the art of creation.
Pursuing her passion, Ariana attended the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, majoring in Illustration. Her academic journey was marked by a harmonious blend of design and fashion, leading her to undertake projects that seamlessly integrated both disciplines. During her college years, she gained invaluable experience through design internships with renowned retailers Neiman Marcus and Anthropologie. Additionally, she showcased her illustrative talents as a contributor to The Los Angeles Times.
A pivotal moment in Ariana’s career came in 2021 when she joined LVMH owned Louis Vuitton in Beverly Hills as a hand-painter and trunk designer. In this role, she collaborated closely with high-profile clients, crafting personalized, custom pieces that resonated with individual stories and preferences.
“One of the most memorable projects I worked on was a $60k coffee table trunk I painted in celebration of Louis Vuitton’s 200th birthday. It all started with a sketch I created in my spare time, inspired by Los Angeles—my hometown—and Vuitton’s milestone. The design pushed the boundaries of what an artist for LV could do. I began by spray painting the entire face of the trunk black (very scary), covering almost all of the monogram, and incorporating my personal style, including illustration, typography, and graphic elements. This was the first time I had full creative freedom to explore without restriction on such a large scale. While I hoped to one day execute the design, I didn’t expect a client to fall in love with it and purchase the concept just a few days later. Now, the piece sits in the home of an art collector, protected behind a custom glass case.”
Despite the prestige associated with Louis Vuitton, Ariana sought greater creative autonomy, leading her to establish her own studio. As an independent artist, she now enjoys the liberty to work with a diverse array of luxury brands and clients, free from the constraints of corporate guidelines. Her daily routine is a dynamic blend of painting, client consultations, and innovative brainstorming sessions. Whether in her studio working on custom luxury items—ranging from handbags to sneakers and ready-to-wear apparel—or traveling for private events where she performs live painting, each day presents new challenges and opportunities to expand her artistic horizons.
Ariana’s artistic inspiration is drawn from a multitude of sources, including fashion, music, street art, and nature. She holds a deep admiration for the late Virgil Abloh, whose tenure as creative director at Louis Vuitton overlapped with her own. Abloh’s ability to craft art that was simultaneously playful and profound resonates deeply with her own creative philosophy.
Looking ahead, Ariana envisions expanding her brand on an international scale. Her aspirations include opening a boutique where clients can observe her creative process firsthand, assembling a team of artists skilled in luxury painting, and launching a limited-edition collection of her own designs. Through these endeavors, she aims to offer clients innovative avenues to experience her art.
For those interested in exploring Ariana’s work or commissioning custom pieces, she maintains an active online presence. Her Instagram (@arianapacino) and TikTok (@arianapacino) profiles provide behind-the-scenes insights into her creative process, while her website, arianapacino.com, offers a comprehensive showcase of her portfolio and services. Additionally, Ariana frequently participates in luxury retail events in the Los Angeles area, where enthusiasts can witness her artistry live.
Ariana Pacino’s journey from a young girl in her nonna’s tailor shop to a distinguished luxury artist epitomizes the transformative power of passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to creative expression. Her work not only enhances luxury items but also tells personal stories, bridging the worlds of art, fashion, and individual narrative.
For a closer look at Ariana’s creative process and some of her standout projects, you can visit her YouTube channel: