Portrait of a Fangirl is a web series created by Monica Duarte and Emily Schuck. At the core of the project is the importance of telling the stories of women who have found inspiration, growth, and power through fandom.
In this episode, we interview Mel Mel, a singer, musician, fashionista, and avid fangirl. Mel Mel discusses what it was like growing up as a geek girl and her approach to celebrating fandoms through fashion, cosplay, and community.
Portrait of a Fangirl – Episode Six – “Mel Mel”
You can learn more about Mel Mel by following her on Instagram as @the_petite_geek. This episode of Portrait of a Fangirl was sponsored by That Hashtag Show.
Portraits
This idea began as a photography project with the goal of capturing the rich and diverse manifestations of fangirling. We wanted to take portraits of geeky women as a way to celebrate their fandoms. We soon came to realize that, even though a picture—as the cliché goes—is indeed worth a thousand words, these women have stories to tell that require a more robust mode of storytelling. Our photos hope to break the stereotype and their stories are meant to praise their vast and unique expression—from sports to music, movies to books and history, and countless other fandoms.
Photography by Rus and Sebastian Sturtevant – Point Blank Shot Photography. Additional photos were provided by Mel Mel.
For more Fangirl stories check out:
Portrait of a Fangirl: Episode Four – Tiffany Michelle Cagle
Portrait of a Fangirl – Episode Three “Victoria Male
Portrait of a Fangirl – Episode Two: “Jordan Ellis”
Portrait of a Fangirl – Utahime Cosplay
Webseries on fangirl culture ‘Portrait of a Fangirl’ Trailer
Produced by Monica Duarte, Tiffany Cagle, Madison Morrow, and Nathaniel Peinado. Camera
Operator Kelsy Joy Jarboe
Photography by Rus and Sebastian Sturtevant Point Blank Shot Photography
Music Used: “Girl Say” by Coyote Hearing, “How About Nah” by Roljui, and “Grand Avenue” by Text Me Records / Bobby Renz
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