July 23, 2025 — Have you ever wondered what it's like to work with Grammy-award winning artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran, Megan Thee Stallion, and Camila Cabello? One Columbus City Schools (CCS) alumna does.
For music video director Mia Barnes, stepping onto the set of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Feather” music video felt like stepping into a living daydream: a surreal blend of pop fantasy and razor-sharp satire. Charged with creating a world that was equal parts candy-coated and confrontational, Barnes transformed pastel scenes and bubblegum aesthetics into biting commentary on toxic masculinity and female empowerment.
The video’s striking visuals, from Carpenter strutting cheerfully past chaos in a frilly pink outfit to the unforgettable funeral scene celebrating her haters’ downfall, required a bold, fearless artistic vision. Barnes made every moment in the video as memorable as it is daring.
“I'm most proud of my ‘Feather’ video for Sabrina Carpenter because it's the most ‘me’ feeling thing that I've made thus far,” Barnes said.
Behind the camera, Barnes relished every moment of shaping this story, pouring her love for symbolic detail and cinematic storytelling into each frame. Every shot was carefully considered, each color palette deliberate, each gesture a small rebellion. It was more than just another gig; it was a chance to fuse her deep knowledge of mythology and literature with her signature photographic eye.
Directing “Feather” wasn’t about making a viral video. It was about crafting a visual anthem of defiance and self-celebration that would resonate with millions, and for Barnes, that was the ultimate artistic reward.
Columbus Roots & Creative Beginnings
As a 2015 graduate from Columbus Alternative High School (CAHS), Barnes has quickly made a name for herself in the competitive Los Angeles creative industry as a director, photographer, and creative powerhouse. She built an impressive portfolio since moving to Los Angeles immediately after college graduation in 2019. Since then, she has directed music videos for prominent Hollywood artists, and her commercial work includes campaigns for notable brands such as Pepsi, Samsung, Toyota, Walmart, Amazon, and others.
Her impressive career isn’t just a testament to her talent; it's a glowing reflection of the strong foundation built during her years attending CCS. Barnes credits her success to her roots in Columbus’ supportive, arts-rich educational environment.
“Nobody ever told me that I was going after something that was unattainable,” Barnes recalled. “Everyone was extremely supportive, from my parents and my peers, to my teachers. I don't feel like I ever had a moment where someone was like, you should think twice about this. I think that is part of the reason why I didn't doubt that it was going to work.”
Raised by artistically gifted parents, Barnes’ love for visuals began early. Her dad was a photographer, and her mom was always crafting something imaginative. Surrounded by creativity at home and at school, she grew up in a world where imagination wasn’t just allowed – it was encouraged.
“I got a Polaroid camera when I was 6 [years old], and that was that,” Barnes said. “Then in high school, I was taking everyone’s senior pictures and making recap videos of the summer and stuff like that. I loved it so much that I decided that was going to be my job.”
Barnes’ creative journey was nurtured from an early age by supportive teachers and environments that encouraged curiosity and thinking beyond the ordinary. At Indianola Informal K-8, she found a community that celebrated individuality and exploration.
“I think the [schools] that I went to were extra supportive of people doing things a little differently,” Barnes said. “That entire school [at Indianola Informal K-8] is just built on letting kids be super creative.”
Catherine Marschall, affectionately known by students and families as "Trina," taught Barnes in sixth grade and remembers her as a deeply engaged student who thrived on diving into new ideas and expressing them in original ways.
“Mia was intrinsically motivated,” Marschall said. “She dug deep into whatever topic we were studying: governments, life science, religions, literature, writing, and math. Her projects demonstrated engagement in learning new content, thinking critically, and sharing her ideas creatively.”
That spirit carried forward when Barnes attended Columbus Alternative High School (CAHS), where she continued to grow as a thinker and artist. Barnes discovered the power of critical thinking and analysis through the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, learning skills that would go on to shape her visual storytelling.
Despite the fast-paced world she currently inhabits, Barnes stays true to her Columbus roots.
“I loved Columbus City Schools. I have the fondest memories of high school, middle school, and elementary school,” she said. “I think all two of the schools that I went to were a huge part of my creative process and just growing up in such a creative community of people.”
Pursuing Passion with Hustle & Heart
After graduating from Ohio University with a degree in commercial photography, Barnes took a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. While she originally planned to be a full-time photographer, she gained directing experience during an internship, opening the door to a new creative path. While Barnes admits the path wasn’t always easy, she embraced challenges and obstacles along the way.
“I never got any of the internships that I applied to the ‘right’ way,” she said with a laugh. “Indeed never worked for me. I just started cold emailing people.”
Barnes’ persistence paid off. She began working behind the scenes, learning from top-tier directors, and building a portfolio on the side. She wasn’t waiting for opportunities to knock. Instead, she was busy opening the door herself.
“You want to be able to be creative for a living, like that's the dream, but it's not going to happen for you unless you're extremely proactive about making it happen,” Barnes said.
Today, Barnes’ work is seen by millions. Her visual storytelling is emotionally rich, cinematic, and unapologetically original. Barnes balances the demands of commercial and music video directing with ongoing personal projects that keep her grounded as an artist.
“It's not really about whether it's directing or whether it's photography; it’s about whether I’m being an artist,” Barnes said.
Perhaps her most talked-about project to date is Sabrina Carpenter’s “Feather” music video, which stirred both admiration and controversy. As of the date of publication, the official “Feather” music video on YouTube is up to a massive 138 million views and counting. For Barnes, it was a moment that tested her integrity as an artist, and she passed with flying colors.
“It didn't bother me,” Barnes said. “I kept quiet because I don't need to fan those flames. I know what I set out to do, and I stand by what I set out to do, but that was pretty interesting and very unexpected.”
Foundation & Fortitude: Fueling the Future
As Barnes continues to make waves in the industry, from shooting album covers to collaborating with some of music’s biggest names, she hopes her story encourages CCS students to chase their dreams.
“I would absolutely tell anyone to [pursue their dreams] because it’s totally possible, but nothing is going to fall into your lap,” she said. “You have to become comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
For young Columbus creatives dreaming of a career in the arts, Barnes’ journey is a powerful example of what’s possible.
“Start as early as you can because you have to go through the artistic process of figuring out what you’re good at and what you like, and then making it better,” she said.
Barnes’ story is one of determination, community, and unyielding belief in the power of creativity. As she continues to direct stunning visuals for the biggest names in entertainment, she carries a bit of Columbus in every frame she captures and hopes future CCS graduates will do the same.
Follow Mia’s journey and see more of her work at www.mia-barnes.com.
