Marlo DeFogo

How did you first come up with the idea for this work?
My whole brand revolves around my connection to butterflies so when I decided to write a book I knew I wanted it to be in relation to them. This collection of work depicts the duality of metamorphosis. It gives insight on the process and shows how much strife was required to embody so much beauty. I think everything in life is just as beautiful as it is ugly and I find comfort in knowing that both are necessary in order to continue evolving.

What was your research process like?
I wanted the book to not only be my work but also have each poem be accompanied by a journal prompt because my poetry journey started with journaling. I wanted the audience to be able to connect with my work on a deeper and personal level. I included poems that are universal topics that most people can find a relation to.

How long did you work on this before it was published?
There are poems in the book that are 7-8 years old but the curation of the book took me about 8 months.

Does this work relate to your role at FIT? If so, how?
This work is completely different from my role at FIT. I majored in Interior Design and my book is a collection of my poetry. Both creative fields but they don’t really go hand and hand.

What was your biggest challenge? What was most rewarding?
My biggest challenge was deciding which poems to include in the book. A lot of my performative pieces didn’t make it into the book because I felt like there were things I did on stage that you can’t experience by reading them.

The most rewarding thing from this process was how much my community helped me through it. Friends I made from poetry helped me with the technical publishing process, photographing the cover, and some will be performing at my book release party on August 19, 2025.

Is there other information we should know?
Marlo DeFogo is a spoken word artist, whose powerful storytelling blends vulnerability with an animated stage presence. Her poetry delves into themes of mental health, family, grief, personal identity, and sexuality. Through her work, Marlo opens up about her own experiences while giving voice to universal struggles, fostering a sense of shared humanity.

Marlo is a three-time slam champion who has performed at a variety of renowned organizations, including The Bronx Museum, The Legendary SOB’s, The Brooklyn Museum, and more. Her work was published in the 2024 Poets Choice’s anthology ‘Seven Jumbled Words’ and She is also the founder, curator, and host of the monthly poetry event ‘The Butterfly Effect’

At the heart of Marlo’s artistry is her commitment to community. Whether performing on stage or writing for the page, she uses her craft to grant both herself and her audience a safe space for connection and reflection. Marlo’s poetry remains a testament to the power of duality, displaying both vulnerability and toughness to convey the collective healing that art can foster.

Have you published any other books or have any upcoming publications?
This is my first published book and I plan to publish more in the near future.

• Graduated from FIT in 2021
• Book published July 27, 2025