We recently connected with Israel Melendez and have shared our conversation below.
Israel, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Mental equilibrium and meditating, observing anything and everything worth pouring energy into. Anchoring myself in the present moment always displays life itself as the most beautiful project I’ll ever get to immerse myself in. Capturing these memories and solidifying them in the ways that I do allows me to relive them the same way it felt (as close as possible, of course). A vivid picture starts to get painted in my head, then it expands when I continue to focus and absorb everything else happening in the moment: the people, the wind and music in the air, the colors around me. It all serves as inspiration like I’m observing art. Then I get to develop a concept and then share these memories, or at least the emotions I felt and implement them in my storytelling. Of course I also watch a ton of movies and shows, I find that most of my favorites deal with human emotions and psychology, nostalgia, and love. It sounds like basic life lessons on paper, but it’s more about the way these projects tell their stories along with immersive emotional connections you start to develop while watching (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Lost In Translation, and Before Sunset, just to name a few). Like you’re reliving someone else’s memories, or at least seeing it in their own imaginative, exaggerated ways. I love dissecting everything about them and that inspires me so much. This form of expression is just so meaningful to me. Then I’ll find projects online made by other creatives that are so masterfully crafted, I’ll get slightly “envious” because I didn’t make them. But that doesn’t turn into real jealousy or anything like that. I just use that as inspiration, especially during creative blocks or times when I have almost no drive.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Chicago-born and Indiana-raised, my imagination was being influenced in so many powerful and artistic ways being a kid in the late 2000’s. I had a great collection of DVD’s and CD’s handed to me to let my imagination run wild. When I had time alone, I found myself watching those movies until some of them started automatically playing the bonus “behind the scenes” features and interviews after the movie ended. During its early years, I was also obsessed with YouTube channels that made skits and short films. It all intrigued me so much, I’d mentally create little movies and series with the toys in my room, hoping one day I’d be able to make them into “real movies” when I grew up. I’m now 23 with a 3-season YouTube docuseries, a ton of music videos, some corporate commercials, and more documentaries all under my belt…all solely filmed and directed by me. Most of this work is done in Chicago, while some is back near my hometown, Munster, Indiana. When I’m not filming or editing my video work, I’m also working as a photographer in the same fields. I had some film and photography education during my late high school years, but passing on going to college allowed me to get the hands-on experience I needed. Five years into this professionally, I still get to balance enough personal projects with projects I do for clients or other creators. One of those personal projects being my proudest achievement, Until We Meet Again (2023-2025), an interview series that documented stories and experiences from Chicagoland creatives and displayed why they love what they create. I’m so proud of all of the work I’ve put out these past couple years alone, photos and videos, and I think the momentum is just picking up higher speeds. The plan right now is to just take as many chances I can get to grow as an artist, meet new mentors and collaborators, and just enjoy doing something I truly feel I have reasons pursuing – like making and releasing some amazing films with some amazing people.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Of course there are the creative qualities and skills I’ve adapted like working with cameras, lighting, editing, directing, etc. Most importantly, I feel responsibility is the first main quality I’ve improved. Taking psychological ownership for anything I commit myself to. That goes for both personal or client work. My good name depends on it, and if for some reason I can’t deliver, I automatically start to look for ways to make it up to the other person. I am someone others often trust to get things done, so I always make sure I bring dependability and loyalty to every collaboration. My willingness to volunteer, however, may sometimes lead me to take on more than I should. With empathy being another important quality that’s impacted me, it brings better relationship building and emotional intelligence, then stronger collaborations and connections. Having so many new friends and artists in my life now from many different fields is a blessing for me as a filmmaker, in case I ever need VFX, hair and makeup, music, and much more done when my own limits are met. With the help of all of these other creatives in my life, it brings a great amount of positivity which is another quality that’s impacted this journey. Enthusiasm is contagious, and being able to share that feeling with creative freedom is just beautiful. Bringing that sort of energy to sets is the best way to make sure everyone is comfortable and having just as much fun as me.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
With all of those qualities I’ve mentioned, it all comes together with my drive and ambition. Within these past 12 months, I’ve pumped out more music videos and photoshoots than any other year. I’m an achiever at heart, so no matter how much I may feel I deserve a day of rest, if the day passes without some form of achievement, no matter how small, I will feel dissatisfied. I have an internal fire burning inside me. It pushes me to do more, to achieve more. After each accomplishment is reached, the fire dwindles for a moment, but very soon it rekindles itself, forcing me toward the next accomplishment. My relentless need will always be with me. It brings me the energy I need to work long hours without burning out. It is the jolt I can always count on to get me started on new projects, new challenges. I couldn’t really say it felt like this in the beginning, let alone just a couple years ago. Persistence and patience really are key.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.smile131.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/izzzyymel/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@izzymel
- Other: Email – [email protected]
Image Credits
Personal Photo by Evan Manley
Additional Photos by Israel Melendez
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