Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Moreno.
Hi Melanie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My name is Melanie Avalos Moreno I’m a 20-year-old Latina queer woman in Salt Lake City Utah, I define myself as an artist, photographer, and creator. The first time I ever picked up a paintbrush or pencil was when I was ten yrs old everything just felt so natural the colors felt like a wave picking up motion in the breeze but the message of what I did showed an even greater purpose of why I define myself as a creator.
Yet, I didn’t feel fulfilled enough with just a canvas even though that was my first love and passion. I remember being fifteen years old and having such fascination with what a camera lens can do. Looking at those photographs of people and events of what had been to create a picture with a thousand words. But I had to teach myself all the ins and outs of what a camera and a photograph can teach oneself.
I was old enough to feel the education system that I grew up in wanted the future generation to grow up in reality and not what their dreams can achieve. As I got older found that my potential lay within myself. I needed to make a name for myself.
I did today, I reflect on my career as an artist and photographer and I’ve worked with numerous brands, stylists, models, makeup artists, and studios which is just a blessing but the real blessing is to be able to have my mark in the world regardless of what others may think all I need is my camera, a canvas, and my optimism to see the world in ways that others can not.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My creative career has been nothing but easy, yes you have simple obstacles like forgetting a color in your pallet or not remembering a lens but then you have life obstacles. Not only I am a Latina queer woman in Utah but I grew up in ways that most haven’t in this state of mine.
I come from a family of seven children my mother and father were Latino immigrants working for a better life my father to this day is working in the grueling sun as a landscaper providing what he can and my mother passed away of leukemia and cancer when I was fifteen. My whole family grew up on government welfare my whole entire life.
And my parents were not fluent in writing or reading English so I had to learn about what life truly can be at a very young age. But it shaped me into the woman I am today. In Utah, if you are a POC it is very difficult to make a name for yourself because there is a blueprint of what should already be the “standard’ but I didn’t want to choose that standard I was determined that I wanted to make a name in the way.
I perceived what art could be and that’s exactly what helped me stand out.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a fashion photographer and artist when I work in fashion and photography my main objective is to have an eye-catching statement whether it be the colors, angles, or models.
I want my portfolio to be different I have no appeal in fitting the “Utah standard” I love to work with models from different backgrounds and they all have their own story which gives the photographer an even more beautiful meaning.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I want any queer Latino reading this to understand. You don’t need to fit the standard. You make your own standard. You make your own visions and dreams into reality.
Don’t let those who hurt you or don’t believe in you take your creative passions away. And this might be cliche to say but be yourself if you are queer let it be known if you are Latino let it be known never shy away from who you truly are and where you come from.
I’ll go back in time and talk to my 10-year-old self, I would tell her I’m so proud of the woman you have become.
Contact Info:
- Email: avalienzo444@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/avalienzo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Other: https://instagram.com/morenamenamie?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Image Credits:
Liz Liadi, Tanesha Luckett, Joelle Twahirwa, Faith Amin, Kanu Tristenn, Dean Kasemire, and Dieumerci
