We were lucky to catch up with Devin Munoz recently and have shared our conversation below.
Devin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I knew i wanted to pursue a creative path professionally because a lot of regular 9-5 jobs didn’t work for me. The pandemic hit and it was my chance to lean into my business full time. No more hiding and fear of doing it. We were all living in fear so how do I bring in some joy and helpful distraction? Photos and connection. I grew up in an environment where change was the status quo. As a professional dancer, I needed to be able to think quickly and creatively to get results. I connect with people on a ground level. I spend the time to get to know them and find my place in how to support them. This is what has made me different in my photography career. Movement has trained me to read body language and how to describe simple movements. I’ve tried the desk jobs and struggled with the repetition. I have similar duties now with my business with paperwork but every client has a different goal and idea in mind. That keeps me coming back for more every time, learning how to navigate each scenario.
Devin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a blended artist with a movement background that focus on photography and videography to tell stories. I found dance at a young age and immediately felt at home. Dance has been in my household since I was little. Circling in the living room to attending Ballet Folklorico community performances.
For most of my life, I’ve focus my energy towards dance and performative art. When I was 16, I joined my school’s photography class and felt at home. There was just something about spending my lunches in the darkroom with my ipod blasting Paramore and My Chemical Romance. What started as a hobby eventually made its way to the forefront of my life.
As I progressed through my senior year in arts college, I noticed a gap in representation for dancers and artists. That’s when the idea hit me – combining movement with photography to authentically capture individuals. I believe in getting to know my clients, understanding how they see themselves, and bringing out their strength and confidence in our sessions.
I’ve personally experienced the challenge of being in front of the camera, but it’s through that vulnerability that I connect with clients. Whether it’s reinventing oneself or honoring their journey, I aim to make people feel their best and remind them of the inherent strength within.
Beyond that, I’ve been fortunate to know deep love, and capturing special moments like engagements and weddings is incredibly rewarding. Witnessing these moments through my lens is a beautifully grounding experience that I’m grateful to share with my clients. Excited to keep telling stories through my unique blend of movement and photography!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One lesson that I’ve had to unlearn is thinking that I can do it on my own. I think coming from a hardworking family that I’ve picked up the hustle mindset. It’s helped me in a lot of ways but just like many migrant families, there aren’t resources dedicated to black and brown families. They exist but are harder to find. With that as a backdrop for many generations I felt the need to keep the momentum of working until I’m burnt out. Luckily in the dance community I quite literally have to rely on others to lift me or partner with me. On the stage it feels natural and I am always working to bring that piece into my photo business. Because of the saturation in this field it’s easy to feel alone and isolated, especially as a woman. There are so many kind hearted folks but I fear feeling smaller or dumb because everything I’ve learned has been self taught. Through those struggles alone I have started to build a community with other queer, brown photographers. Once I started to get out of my own way and shut down the “it’s always this hard” narrative I have started to find work leveling out and sustaining a happier work like balance.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
I think a lot of non-creatives have the idea that artist like the struggle. We don’t. We want the same benefits and sustainability that a 9-5 job provides! To us it’s out of reach because of all the barriers that the government puts on small businesses. I hear all the time how beautiful art is and how it changes viewers lives. That’s great to hear but it’s not paying the bills. We need recommendations and referrals and positions carved out for creative minds. I’d never change my journey as an artist but I wish more people saw us past our quotes and rates. There’s a reason artists have higher price tags. There’s a lot of personal time set aside so we can curate a personal experience. When hiring a photographer or artist, communicate with them. Go through their site and see their rates or ask for them! We are all happy to share and see what accommodates your budget but don’t assume that every artist can give a discounted rate. Being an artist isn’t easy and not everyone gets joy from doing it as a job so appreciate the ones who are putting their savings on the line so that they can lead happier lives creating work. Also don’t ghost us. There’s bills waiting and when someone inquiries and gets far in the scheduling and then decides to not pay the deposit hurt us. I hope this helps people understand that the people creating art are resilient but deserve the rest and ease that comes from community supporting and backing them with bookings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.munozmotions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/munozmotions/
Image Credits
Jim Coleman Dominique See Mackenzie Ramans Iy Cardona