Meet Melissa

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melissa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, 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?

I’ve loved art since I was a kid. Drawing, painting, etching.. it’s always been a part of me. Maybe that’s why I connect with Photoshop so much; it still lets me use the same skills and creativity I grew up with.

I stay inspired by following my favorite artists, but honestly, inspiration comes from everywhere. People in my life inspire me. Even someone walking down the street in a certain outfit can spark something in me instantly. Art is just… alive in everything around me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a photographer based in Houston, TX. Funny enough, this career started right when my old one ended. I was let go from my accounting job during COVID, and I was also about to have my first baby. It was a stressful time, but it pushed me to really think about what I wanted to do with my life. I’ve always loved art, so I decided to pick up a camera and try something new.

Once I learned Photoshop, everything just clicked for me. That’s when things really took off and I realized, “Okay… this is what I’m supposed to be doing.”

Now I have my own studio in Humble, TX.

I’m always working on new ideas, new sets, and new ways to bring my vision to life. My goal is just to keep growing, keep experimenting, and keep making art that feels good to me and my clients.

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?

Looking back, I think the three biggest things that helped me on my journey were: growing up around art, having a natural eye for it, and honestly.. having faith and a real hunger to keep going. Being around creativity as a kid shaped the way I see the world. That “artist eye” helped me notice details, colors, moods, and moments without even trying. And the faith + hunger kept me moving, even when things got hard.

For anyone just starting out, my biggest advice is to keep learning but stay true to what makes you happy. It’s easy to compare yourself to other people or try to copy what’s trending, but your art will hit different when you’re creating from a place that actually feels like you. Keep practicing, stay curious, and don’t lose that fire that made you start in the first place.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m definitely open to collaborating. I love working with people who are down to try something a little out of the ordinary and who are patient enough to let me play with posing, lighting, and the overall vibe. I connect best with people who truly love art and who understand the “why” behind a concept.. but also people who trust me enough to create without needing to control the process. I love to be in control creatively, and that’s when I do my best work. I also love people’s inputs. It really depends on the project.

I’m open to collaborating with models, artists, and other creatives who vibe with that energy. If anyone reading this wants to work together, they can reach out to me through my social media. I’m always excited to meet new people and bring fresh ideas to life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photographybymelissah?igsh=MWFneThtN3M3ZDJxNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: TikTok: @photographybymelissah

Image Credits

Daisy Marquez X Bella Perversa
TheFaceFairyX