Meet Stevanni Melton | Photographer & Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stevanni Melton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stevanni, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When it comes to the art field, 97% of the opportunities you take are a risk. You never go into an exhibition or event with a guarantee that your paintings are going to sell. Websites and online shops aren’t free and there’s no way of knowing how quickly pieces will sell, but there’s definitely no chance of your work selling if you don’t invest or you don’t take a chance with being a part of things. Time is not something that I have a lot of since I run a photography business and do part time photo editing work in addition to painting, so I have definitely had to learn how to be very intentional about what I say yes to. When it comes to being a part of shows, if it’s a tight turn around and/or its not offering an adequate amount of exposure worth the amount of work I would have to put in, it’s not something I commit to.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I think that my versatility in the arts is what sets me apart. I say that I am a photographer and painter, but I think that the term “creative” better describes me. I went to UNC Charlotte and graduated in 2019 with a degree in Fine Art concentrating in photography, and like most graduates, ended up in a job that had nothing to do with anything I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It was draining my time and energy so in November of 2020 I took a leap of faith and pursued my creative ventures full time. I initially focused on my photography business, but I love painting just as much so that quickly became a second stream of income. I have since worked as the primary second shooter for a well known and published photography company, had paintings featured at a Charlotte Hornets Game, and been a part of a live painting and auction event put on by the 100 Black Men of Charlotte.

It was not an easy transition mainly because it was not all the way planned, but it was definitely necessary. Finding a balance between everything that I do has probably been the hardest part. From time management to just skill in general I have grown so much in the past year, and it’s all due to opportunities that I wouldn’t have even had the chance to say yes to if I didn’t take that leap to not just go to a job every day, but to pursue my passions and build a career doing the things that I love.

And I thank God every day that he has blessed me enough to be able to do so.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Queen Park Social or Pins are two really great places to go and have fun. Both of them have arcade games and full bars. You can duck bowl at Pins and Queen Park Social has full bowling lanes complete with lights and great vibes. The music is always good and sometimes they’ll have live DJ’s. It’s a perfect place for a fun friends or girls night out

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All of the credit goes to God and my parents. I have taken a lot of risks to be able to live the life that I do and pursue my passions full time and I could not have done it without the protection, support or love from all three of them.

Website: linktr.ee/stevarts

Instagram: @stevanni_m

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevanni-melton-820260121/