FROM PASSION TO PURPOSE

Welcome!
I am already inspired knowing you’re here.

I am a native “Tucsonan” born and raised in Tucson Arizona. I come from a family who always believed that dreams were made to come true. I grew up confident, inspired, and driven to succeed. My roots came with many difficult hardships, homelessness, poverty, welfare, and even tragedy. Through it all I never let it detour me from believing in myself and what I could offer others. I listened to that inner voice, and trusted it was guiding me for a reason.

My passion for the arts lead me to pursue advertising and media arts in college. I earned my BA Degree in Advertising Art (honors: graphic design and illustration | minors: marketing and photography). Going through art school was difficult if you can believe that? Quick turn deadlines, harsh constructive criticism, presentations, and portfolio building. There were many sleepless nights to say the least. With that said; this time period was also some of the most rewarding of times. The strong did survive! As a young highly talented artist, I earned two Tucson community “business-choice” awards, multiple gallery nominations, and even won an ADDY award. Going to art school pushed my creative talent to a whole new level. I am beyond thankful for the experience.

I’m pushing eighteen years of expertise in the industry now, and it’s awarded me professionally with amazing opportunities. With that said; I began to lose my creative confidence, my artistic soul, my inspired vision, and my purpose in the world of Corporate America. The constant criticism became no longer constructive, and left me with very little creative freedom. I was stuck in a box with no voice, and felt defeated on a daily basis.

Luckily, I snapped out of it! I began building a small business to explore my creative freedoms again. I knew photography had always been my passion, and it just so happens that graphic design complimented photography very well! This is when I decided to start my own business. I named it “Dawn Design and Photography”; utilizing my name Melinda Dawn meaning “Grateful Sunrise”. This has proven to be one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Going out on location to meet clients always brings an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and excitement. You know what the best part is? Gallery review! To see my clients eyes light up, watch tears of joy fill their eyes, and witness them reflect ultimate gratitude. What could be better than that? Oh Wait, those referrals and reviews! Receiving feedback brings tears to my eyes and smiles for days.

Enough about me! I want to hear from you!

I look forward to meeting you in person, and if not today hopefully in your journey tomorrow.

Thank you for your interest in Dawn Design and Photography!