Empowering creatives to make a lasting impact
through tailor-made visual storytelling.
How can I help?
If you're an actor, writer, filmmaker, singer, or any kind of artist – particularly a multi-hyphenate creative like me –
-
Seeking to establish or revamp your brand,
-
Present your latest project with captivating promotional materials (posters, covers, booklets, postcards...),
-
Or elevate your online presence through unique photography and design...
Then you’ve found the right place.
With over 20 years of experience in the movie and music industry, I intimately understand the distinctive journey of individuals in the creative realm. Having walked in your shoes, tight and uncomfortable when they're new, searching for my artistic identity and how to visually tell my story in a sea of creatives.
Over time, with experience and success, I've developed my own approach that goes beyond traditional headshots or websites. Through a collaborative and guided process, I delve into the very essence of your creative identity, helping you craft a brand that communicates your story, clearly, at a glance.
Clients value my unique approach – “Unlike any other,” “innovative experience,” “It was actually fun!”, “Helping you with every step along the way with her expertise,” “A delight to collaborate with.”…
Your creative journey is in good hands with my expertise in photography, graphic, and web design.
"Through a guided process, I delve into the very essence of your creative identity, helping you craft a brand that communicates your story, clearly, at a glance."
I was blown away!! Melss really saw who I was and what I did and expressed it on my website with artistic clarity. She took my scattered ideas and complicated requests and turned them into an effective and gorgeous website.
Monica Blaze Leavitt / Actress & Certified Accent Coach
Who am I?
Hello! I'm Melss, also known as Melissa Mars—an award-winning actress, singer-songwriter, screenwriter, and filmmaker based in NY. Raised in France, I began my artistic journey at the age of 13.
Award-winning actress, singer-songwriter, screenwriter...
In 2003, I released my first single with Universal Music, followed by three solo albums as well as duets including the hit “1980” (#5 in the charts). I also starred in the hit musical Mozart the Rock Opera, directed by Olivier Dahan (known for the Oscar-winning film La Vie en Rose), performing for over 1,500,000 spectators and earning a Diamond record and NRJ awards.
I delved into graphic design, refining my skills while shaping the visual elements of my solo albums. In 2007, I ventured into photography, capturing impactful portraits of children in China to advocate for their rights. The exhibition, featured in Paris, garnered recognition from Elle magazine and Metro daily newspaper...
...In 2015, upon my move to the U.S., inspired by my work both in front and behind the camera, fellow friends in the acting community sought my guidance. Responding to their requests and fueled by a shared passion, I expanded my photography to include headshots and lifestyle shots, developing my own method based on my experience and expertise, including a series of questions and exercises we explore one on one. This led to the creation of Melss.
Since then, I've had the privilege of photographing and assisting in crafting brands for many actors, writers, directors, movie productions, and dreamers in the entertainment industry.
Beyond the myriad of roles, I may be labelled as a multi-hyphenate, but I see myself as a singular entity—a storyteller. I'm eager to help you tell YOUR story.
I've developed an engaging and effective method, based on my experience and expertise, to make the process of crafting your brand both enjoyable and creative.
Heidi Dean
/ Marketing 4 Actors, Tech Savvy Actors
Melss Photography is AMAZING!
We shot pictures for my website and social media and they turned out better than I ever could have imagined. Every time I post a photo from our shoot I get comments asking me who took the awesome photo. And it's all because of Melss talent and her process - the preparation work she does with you before the shoot is unlike any other photographer I've worked with. #MelssRocks!
Neal Hemphill
/ Straight Ahead Films
Extraordinary qualities that make her a joy to work with.
She is interested in finding the image(s) and the look that communicates the essence of the film. She does this by talking/listening, and by watching the films. Her creative abilities are phenomenal.
The posters make me proud to show off my films. They’re a wonderful professional touch that puts my work in the proper light.
Lynn Gilmartin
/ TV Host
I LOVED working with Melss! She goes well beyond just a "show up and take some photos" kind of shoot. We had a consultation the week prior to ensure she knew exactly what I wanted and gave really helpful advice on preparation and wardrobe. During the shoot she made me feel super comfortable and knew how to open me up to create the exact shots I wanted -- and beyond. I'm ecstatic with my shots! She's a must to work with. <3
Let's work together.
Since every project is unique, let's discuss your specific needs for a tailored quote.
I respond to all inquiries within 48 hours.
next steps.
email-me
Provide your contact and project details.
free consult
Schedule a call to discuss your needs and address any questions.
custom proposal
Receive a tailored quote and process estimation.
the fun starts
We explore your essence, gather essential elements and craft magic.
review
We collaborate and discuss revisions / retouch, heading towards completion.
In a collaborative process, I guide you and work hand in hand through every phase.
STEP 1 / Inquiry and Project Kickoff
After your initial inquiry, we have a first phone or Zoom discussion to delve into your needs and address any questions, allowing me to grasp the project's scope. This also provides you the opportunity to assess whether our collaboration feels comfortable and inspiring. Upon your acceptance of a custom proposal, our mission begins.
The secret of any successful project is in the preparation.
STEP 2 / Artistic Essence Exploration & Visual Direction Definition
Whether it's photography, graphic design, web design, or a combination, our journey starts with a guided session, defining your artistic essence or project core.
-
I have a set of questions and exercises to make the process enjoyable, a sentiment echoed by many artists I've helped.
This aids in clarifying your artistic identity and guides me in determining the best visual storytelling path aligned with your vision.
STEP 3 / Gathering Essentials
A follow-up email/chat gives you time to gather elements needed:
For a photo session:
-
Everything to build your visual world, including wardrobe/props selfies fittings (I can assist in selections).
-
Determining the location and scheduling the shoot.
For a website or graphic design:
-
Providing all necessary images, photos, and copy.
STEP 4 / Crafting Magic
For a photo session:
-
We do the photoshoot as scheduled.
-
Afterward, you receive most photos taken (minus the less desirable ones) for selection and retouch discussion.
For a website or graphic design:
-
I unleash my creativity, crafting the design until ready for your review.
-
Subsequent discussions cover revisions and project completion.
In this collaborative and guided process, I work hand in hand with you all along, helping you discover your essence and translating it into impactful images or tailor-made websites.