We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mariana Melendrez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mariana below.
Mariana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Be honest with what you want and trust yourself. Ignore small-minded people who may say “Maybe you can try something more realistic” or, “Shouldn’t you try something else/have a plan B?” That’s their own self-doubt speaking to you. As long as you push through other people’s negativity and your fears, you can obtain the reality you want. Be open to constructive criticism from your peers, it’s vital for growth and new forms of inspiration. Another important factor is to not be afraid of failure. My perspective changed entirely when I began to see failure with curiosity and as a learning opportunity.
Mariana, 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 always wanted to be involved in a creative field. Having the accessibility to image editing software allowed me to experiment at a young age, starting with graphic design at 13. Coming across a behind-the-scenes video for a fashion photoshoot eventually made me gravitate more towards photography. I wanted to be someone who could create the drama and glamour necessary for imagery, even if it was just for a perfume advertisement. I’ve done all sorts of photography work in order to sharpen my skills with everything involved to bring the image to life: lighting, editing, and the camera. I did have to drift away from the idea of editorial and fashion photography for a while due to school. However, it did not stop me from pushing my own limits as I was able to have my first photograph in a gallery and having a fashion photography project published in a magazine.
My accomplishments have set the tone for the type of work I want to continue being involved with. As long as I can be a fashion, editorial, or a commercial photographer while having side work as a retoucher, I would be happy with my direction.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal is to simply make my lifestyle that of an artist. There are so many other ways that visual art is thriving and growing and it’s exciting to see how tech is also becoming involved with art. I’ve had experience with graphic design, I currently specialize in photography and professional retouching. Maybe I turn into a pathway where art and tech merge, which is a trend that is definitely kicking off with art. I’ve also questioned myself, “Why should I stick with just those outlets?”. In a year from now maybe I’m passionate about painting, or maybe I turn into fine art photography, perhaps even digital art. My mind has always been driven by many forms of creativity, I just take my time with each form I come across until I perfect it. Part of the journey is to continue learning about ourselves and to grow as we do so. Being an artist in my way would be the ideal way of enjoying my lifetime.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Living a life of constant beauty! Having the pleasure of just creating. Having multiple ways of inspiration that will bring something to life in the visual aspect. Having an outlet of expression, whether it’s with color, textures, a series of moving landscapes or a visual story. Bringing ideas together and doing everything possible for months for the sake of having a complete, finished series of images. I feel a fire in my heart simply thinking of the ideas I have in mind that I still have to start to put together… it’s what makes me feel alive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marianamelendrez.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marianamelendrezphotos/