Off The Clock 2024 Best In Show Winner: Zuania Muñiz-Meléndez

Thu 15th Aug, 2024

Posted by director@apa-la.com

From being selected as an APA LA Bridge photographer last year to becoming an APA member to now being selected as a Best In Show winner in Off The Clock 2024 – WOW! Tell us more about how your photography career is progressing.

I love your question! Those are certainly some important milestones of my career trajectory.

Now, as a central career strategy I have been focusing on leveraging Puerto Rico's unique appeal as a U.S. territory. I've strategically positioned myself to showcase the island as a compelling location for creative projects. So, I've been working on building relationships and networking. Engaging in photographer communities, online portfolio reviews, networking events, and open calls has become a bridge to my goals.

I'm grateful for the support of mentors and the opportunities to present my work to influential clients, culminating in the significant L'Oréal project. This project was an undertaking; with two photo sessions in Puerto Rico, one in New York, and the oversight of seven diverse shoots across the U.S. and Caribbean, that allowed me to demonstrate my ability to manage multiple projects while delivering high-quality results. I've also honed my skills in project management by developing comprehensive guidelines and conducting productive team meetings.

So far, so good!

What inspired your winning image? What did your creative process entail?

This image represents a pivotal moment in my artistic evolution, shaped by my time living in Madrid. I drew inspiration from Maslow's Pyramid of Needs for a project exploring themes of security and culture. Through extensive discussions with a psychologist friend, I developed a conceptual framework.

To create a visually compelling and thought-provoking piece, I focused on aesthetic appeal and deconstruction. I employed a strategic color palette, carefully selected symbolic elements, and a balanced composition to encourage viewer engagement and interpretation.

Your still life work is highly conceptual and often full of symbolism. Do you sketch your concept first? Do you generally collaborate with the client on the concept or are they looking to you for the concept idea?

Absolutely. Sketching is an integral part of my process, allowing me to visualize the concept clearly and collaborate effectively with clients. It helps to bring the idea to life before the actual shoot and ensures we're aligned on the direction. While clients often look to me for conceptual guidance, I'm always open to collaborating on ideas.

I prefer to avoid relying solely on purchased props, as I believe a more unique and personal aesthetic can be achieved through creative hands-on construction and styling.

Is there a big difference between the work you are commissioned to do and the pieces you are creating to sell?

The core process for both my personal and commissioned work is remarkably similar. As an artist, I begin by conceptualizing the piece, followed by set design and construction. This hands-on approach allows me to infuse my work with a unique aesthetic that translates seamlessly to commercial projects. By directing the creative process, I am able to provide something unique and authentic ensuring the final product aligns with both my artistic vision and the client's goals.

Do you find that submitting to contests, such as Off The Clock, has been a help for your career? How do you choose which ones to enter?

Absolutely! Participating in contests like Off the Clock has been instrumental in boosting my visibility. It's a platform to showcase my abilities, reach new audiences, and gather valuable feedback.

I currently submit to three open calls per month, carefully selecting opportunities based on the contest's alignment with my work, the caliber of the jurors, and the potential for exposure.

Final question: What gets you up in the morning and inspires you?

As a visual communicator, I'm constantly decoding the world around me, expanding my visual vocabulary, and seeking inspiration in everyday life. This curiosity fuels my passion for personal projects and test shoots.

Ultimately, my creative spark is ignited by a quiet moment of reflection. With a warm beverage in hand, I find inspiration to translate my vision into tangible art.

Zuania Muñiz-Meléndez (San Juan, P.R., 1985) is a Puerto Rican commercial and editorial photographer, creative, and artist who specializes in photo illustrations, conceptual still life, and stop-motion. Her imaginative, concept-driven images are constructed by her passion for prop-making and are inspired by art with a modern and sophisticated aesthetic. Her innovative creations captivate viewers with their meaning and Poetic Resonance.

Her accomplishments include a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in Photography from the University of Puerto Rico and continued studies in an intensive Photography Institution in Madrid, Spain, where she also participated as an assistant in Netflix and Vogue Productions. Her studies also expanded to anthropology and sociology.

She has photographed for a range of clients, from small businesses to renowned brands such as L’Oréal. In 2016, Zuania received an honorable mention from the International Photography Awards in the Portrait and Fine Art categories. She has participated in collective and individual exhibitions in Puerto Rico, the USA, and Europe. Her work has been sold at auction at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Puerto Rico and featured in publications such as The Washington Post and Forbes among others. In 2024 she was named a Best in Show in the Off the Clock Exhibition and Catalogue by APA-LA. @zuania.mm