We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melanie Cusick. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melanie below.

Alright, Melanie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The biggest risk I’ve ever taken is the one I am currently living in.

After I graduated with my degree in computer science, I started working the office job where I stayed for the past three years. Almost immediately I knew I wouldn’t be satisfied with that environment. Then the pandemic hit, and I found some solace in being able to work from home. However, I was still dissatisfied with my circumstances and the life I was choosing to live. Eventually it got to be too much and I knew I had to make a change. It took nearly a year to plan and take the steps I needed, but in August 2022 I bought a van, sold my Camry, and quit my job. I packed everything up to move across the country from North Carolina to Colorado. For now, I still have a bit of an office job, but I’m really proud of myself for even coming this far and I already have started making plans for my next move.

It felt like such a risk to leave the life I had made in Raleigh behind; even with how unhappy I was, there is comfort in the familiar. It still stings to leave behind my best friend. But this risk I took was about getting out of the rut I had walked myself into! And even just a month into this new journey I know I’ve made the right decision

Melanie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have been a freelance photographer since 2018. My specialty lies in creative portraiture and editorial concepts, but I also love capturing animals and landscapes. I’ve also dabbled in events like concerts and drag shows! Really I have a passion for just about any subject I can get in front of my camera.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Honestly, a social media audience isn’t really a priority for me… But I’m not sure I would have said the same thing when I was first starting. In my early days I read up on marketing topics in general as well as social media-specific trends. Even in the few years since I first started, the tactics people use to gain an audience have changed so much. so It’s very important to keep up with what the developers are doing to the algorithm.

Besides that, I would encourage going to meetup events for creatives & exchange social media handles with them. Additionally, you want your audience to reflect positively on you so be careful with what you share & who you share from.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Universal healthcare, universal basic income, etc. Basically I think if humans have their needs met, we are more naturally inclined to be creative.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cusickmelanie.com
• Instagram: @cusickmelanie

Image Credits
Ainsley Blische Odie Leigh The Captain Meghan Rocky Mountain Stables