Conversations with Mali Clare Gilbert

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mali Clare Gilbert.

Hi Mali Clare, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From a young age, I naturally gravitated toward the creative world. Growing up in a family surrounded by the film industry, I didn’t fully understand the privilege of that environment until I got older. I was lucky to spend my childhood immersed in creativity and encouraged to explore whatever sparked my interest.

Art was always a big part of my life, but the spark for photography really began in middle school. My school’s art program pushed me creatively, and I found myself constantly drawing or taking photos for assignments, usually landscapes or anything that caught my eye. That curiosity slowly evolved into something much deeper.

Photography became the medium that allowed me to express myself most naturally. At first, I photographed friends just for fun, but over time that expanded into working with influencers, models, musicians, and brands. Along the way, I realized it wasn’t photography itself that I had been searching for, it was finding the right subjects and stories to connect with.

Today, my work blends different creative influences and mediums, shaped by both my artistic background and the visual storytelling I grew up around in Los Angeles. Photography has become a way for me to create moments that feel cinematic, expressive, and personal.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve learned that the things worth building rarely come through a smooth road, and photography has been no exception. There’s definitely all types of barriers that pop up for any project. Whether it’s as simple as something wasn’t packed, or a battery died. Life happens, you can only laugh at it sometimes and adjust as needed.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve often been described, and would describe myself, as a modern Renaissance woman. While I’m most known for my photography, creativity has never existed in just one lane for me. I specialize in visual storytelling, but I naturally move between disciplines depending on the project and what’s needed.

Over the years, I’ve worn many hats: photographer, videographer, production assistant, social media, personal and executive assistant, and even event production of a music festival. I’ve always had an ability to adapt and step into different creative roles, which has given me a well-rounded perspective on both the artistic and logistical side of bringing ideas to life.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to connect with people and create work that feels intentional, cinematic, and authentic. I think what sets me apart is that I’m not afraid to evolve. I bring a mix of creativity, adaptability, and strong intuition into every project, allowing me to mold into what a vision truly needs while still bringing my own artistic perspective.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I think one of the biggest things I’ve learned is to trust the timing of your journey. Creative careers rarely follow a straight path, and some of the most meaningful opportunities come from unexpected places. Staying curious, open, and willing to evolve has shaped not only my work, but who I am as a person. At the end of the day, I just hope to continue creating things that make people feel something.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://maliclare.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/bymaliclare
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bymaliclare/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mali-clare
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@artofmali

Image Credits
Model credit: Jada Osgood, Alondra Ladd, Charlotte Schoch, Morgan Cunningham, and Ashli Jacobs