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Melissa Artieda

Published April 13, 2017

Melissa Artieda's photo of a woman atop photos.

http://www.melissartieda.com/
Instagram: @melissartieda
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 Q & A

Young woman in grass, overlooking mountains.

What have you been doing since graduating from FSU?

Since graduating I have been traveling my heart out. Immediately after graduating I traveled to Los Angeles and San Francisco for the first time. I got to photograph so many amazing places. After that I moved to Gainesville, Florida for a little bit before making the big move to Atlanta, GA (where I am right now.) I have been working on growing my photography business (which I started while being a student at Florida State University). I decided to follow my dreams and be a full time entrepreneur with my photography business. If I’m not focusing in my business, I work on my own projects, go hiking, and meet up with people to collaborate. I have found that surrounding myself with fellow artists is such an inspiration!

What did you learn at FSU to get you there?

At FSU I learned so many things! John Mann (head of Photography), taught me to be true to myself and make art that represents me. I was able to develop my style and understand Photoshop and Lightroom, which is so important for editing photos. Being surrounded by amazing professors and all the art students really helped me grow. I was also very interested in dance, and even got to take a Dance Photography class with the Dance Department. I would say that was one of my favorite classes where I got to experiment a lot and collaborate with passionate people. I would call myself an accidental entrepreneur as I never imagined myself as a business owner, but I am so happy I am where I am.

What advice would you give to art students?

Experiment and collaborate with your friends and fellow artists. Really work on being the best at what you do, and don’t be afraid to share your art secrets. Community over competition. Give good feedback, and don’t be afraid of criticism.

If you’re serious about working as an artist, then make it happen. Don’t be lazy, put yourself out there. Meet people and make connections. We live in such a digital world, it’s important to have be part of the social media; that’s how people will find you. Learn how to market yourself and present your portfolio.

More than anything: ENJOY your art life!