Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melody Ybarra. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Melody, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

My initial interest in photography began in high school. I took an elective course in all things related to photography. This process included not only the physical use of the camera, but all aspects of film development and the creation of the photos in physical form. My parents moved during my final year of high school and the new school allowed me to set up a dark room and take photos of the student body for the year book.

Later in life I used my eye for detail in my work as an interior designer and captured images of the before and after projects with my photos.

As a flight attendant I was enamored with the sunrises and sunsets, so I continued to photograph them at every opportunity!

The incredible cameras and filters provided through apps have made the photographic process very easy!

Melody, 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?

My story is unique.
I didn’t plan on becoming a photographer.
I basically stepped up to help my friend promote her music career.
After I retired from the airline industry I began to attend Meghanne Storey ‘s performances. I have known Meghanne since she was a child. We lost track of each other for many years. Several years ago we reconnected, I became impressed with her talent and her devotion to music and I wanted that to be apparent in her photos. I started taking pictures of her and sending them to her to use. Meghanne asked me to become her photographer. I attend as many of her shows as possible, we’ve even gone to NYC. This has been an opportunity for me to use my photography skills and promote an incredible independent musician. I am very honored to be a part of this journey. It’s one of those jobs that I absolutely love! I create her posters for the upcoming performances and provide her photos.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Previously I mentioned that I was an interior designer for many years. In 2008 we had a recession in the US and it took my lively hood away from me, as well as my home. I had to give my 15 year old son to his dad to finish high school. My older daughter had accepted a position in Utah and took me with her. I worked as an assistant manager for Pier 1 Imports. After 2 and a half years, we returned to WA and I finally decided to try to become a flight attendant. My older brother encouraged me to find what would make me happy. I had wanted to be a flight attendant ever since I was about 6 years old. He gave me some money and told me to buy something nice for the interview. I did it.. I tried something different and was able to chase my dream job.
Being resilient when I had lost so much, gave me the opportunity to live a life I had only dreamed of.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding thing for me while being creative is being able to express something visually that is remarkable and maybe leaves some kind of feeling upon your soul. Whether this is a design project where someone needs assistance in transforming their environment or it’s a photograph that inspires conversation or evokes a memory. The entire creative process is very fullfilling for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://designermel.square.site/
• Instagram: @designermeloriginal
• Other: @designermel13.bsky.social