Meet Malachi Tharp | Art Director, Photographer, & Multimedia Creative

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

Hi Malachi, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
Success, to me, is not measured by conventional standards like wealth, titles, or relentless productivity. Instead, it’s about presence—being deeply engaged in the moment in such a way that there is a sense of contentment. Whether I’m behind a camera, a soundboard, or a computer, bringing as much of myself to that moment has great value to me, . When I’m fully present in that process, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment.

I also measure success by my internal state. Am I emotionally and physically balanced? Do I have the capacity to help others, to show up for the people I love, and to remain mentally pliable rather than rigidly confined by an all-too-busy lifestyle?

While financial stability is necessary, I strive to structured my life to keep costs low so that I can prioritize time over income. Time to create, to contribute, and to nurture my community. I want my work to have an impact—not just in terms of client satisfaction, but in fostering meaningful connections and progress for those around me.

If there’s one thing I wish I had understood earlier, it’s that the mainstream definition of “success” is all too often shaped by an ever-growing desire for the elusive ‘more’. True success, for me, is the freedom to pursue creative work on my own terms while maintaining a life where time, relationships, and well-being take precedence over the pursuit of endless growth.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
At its core, my work is about giving ideas life—whether through photography, graphic design, stage management, sound engineering, or creative direction. What excites me most is the process of translating abstract ideas into something tangible and meaningful—something beautiful. I thrive in that space where creativity meets function, where aesthetics serve a purpose beyond a smug chicness.

What sets me apart is my broad, multidisciplinary approach. I don’t only specialize in one thing—I work across multiple mediums, which allows me to see projects from a holistic perspective. Whether I’m capturing a moment through my camera, designing a visual identity, or running sound for a band, I always aim for cohesion, depth, and intentionality. My work isn’t about quick, trendy aesthetics—it’s about the people I get to work with and the impact the work we do has..

One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to remain independent and true to my values. I’ve made a conscious effort to structure my career in a way that prioritizes creative and social integrity over chasing profit for its own sake. I keep my costs low so I can focus on projects that align with my vision rather than feeling forced into work that drains my energy. I want to create thoughtful, meaningful work, not just contribute to the endless churn of content.

Working in creative industries hasn’t been a cake walk. I’ve had to navigate periods of uncertainty, financial instability, and creative doubt. There have been times when the conventional markers of success—finances, job titles, industry clout—made me question if I was on the right path. But every time I feel captured by that collective hallucination, I remind myself that the ability to choose my projects, to work with people who inspire me, and to contribute to a life that prioritizes my well-being and community is the kind of success I feel fulfilled by.

The biggest challenges I’ve faced have been tied to the tension between creativity and capitalism—how do you sustain yourself financially while maintaining authentic creative vision and a sense of humanity? How do you balance personal fulfillment with the need to make a living? I’ve learned that the answer isn’t to chase traditional definitions of success, but to define success on my own terms—by staying adaptable, keeping overhead low, and investing in the projects that actually matter to me.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that creativity thrives in balance. Burnout is real, and constantly producing without space to think, rest, and explore is a recipe for feeling disconnected from your work, and your life. I’ve also learned that community is everything—good work doesn’t happen in isolation. The best projects I’ve been part of weren’t just about design or visuals, but about collaboration and shared vision..

At the end of the day, what I want people to know about my work is that it’s intentional. I prefer not to create for the sake of creating—but to bring light to dark corners, to tell stories, and to help people nurture their ideas from sprout to oak, in whatever form that may take.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you popped over to Boulder, I’d craft a mix of outdoor adventure, great food, and local culture. Breakfast at The Buff (killer chicken and French toast) is a must, followed by a casual stroll on Pearl Street Mall before catching sunset views from the Flatirons above Chautauqua.

I’d recommend a stop for tea at the Dushanbe Tea House, an architectural gem gifted from Boulder’s sister city in Tajikistan, before heading to License No. 1 for swanky cocktails and capping the night with a Comic Cents comedy show.

A little roadtrip up through Nederland, Gold Hill, and Estes Park would be recommended to get some solid Rocky Mountain vibes and crisp mountain air.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to offer my deepest gratitude and shoutout to my therapist—someone who has been an incredibly reliable, caring, and constructive force in my life. I am infinitely grateful for her unwavering presence, professional acumen, and deep empathy, all of which have profoundly shaped not just how I navigate challenges, but how I show up as a creative and as a human being.

Therapy, for me, has been more than just a space for reflection; it has been a catalyst for growth, resilience, and clarity. Through our conversations, I’ve gained a greater understanding of myself, my patterns, and how to approach life with both intention and flexibility. Her ability to balance deep insight with humor, directness, and patience has made even the most difficult self-explorations feel manageable. She keeps up with my shenanigans, challenges my thinking in the best way possible, and reminds me that creativity and well-being are inextricably linked.

Her guidance has helped me cultivate emotional balance, set healthier boundaries, and approach my creative work from a place of authenticity rather than burnout. In a world that often glorifies constant output and hustle, she has helped me see the value in slowing down, in making space for rest, and in finding fulfillment beyond external validation.

The positive impact she has had on my life is impossible to overstate. Without her support, I wouldn’t have the same level of self-awareness, confidence, or ability to engage meaningfully with my work and my community. She has given me tools that extend far beyond the therapy room—tools that shape how I navigate relationships, creativity, and the ongoing process of becoming.

So, to my therapist—thank you. Your presence in my life has been transformative, and I am endlessly grateful for the wisdom, patience, and humor you bring to every session.

Website: Malachijordanmedia@gmail.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malachi-tharp-2a63b435/

Image Credits
Photos were taken by Malachi Tharp — Design work was produced by Malachi Tharp.