Inspiration: African Textiles and Patterns

Nov 20, 2017 | Creative People, Creative Process, Fine Art, Painting, Surface Design

I’ve admired African textiles, patterns, and artwork for a while. Recently I saw these images and quote from Margaret Courtney-Clarke on the Art, Craft, and Architecture page on Facebook. I can’t wait see all of the images from African Canvas: The Art of... Read More

Melanie Biehle for Hunt+Gather Studio at Patternbank

Jul 30, 2017 | Client Work, Graphic Design, Surface Design

Many of you may not know this, but last summer I began working with Hunt+Gather Studio to develop textile print designs for fashion and interiors clients. Since Hunt+Gather Studio is now releasing some of their designs on Patternbank, I wanted to share some of the... Read More

Breaking the Cycle

Jun 23, 2017 | Creative People, Creative Process, Creative Strategy, Illustration, Mindfulness, My Creative Journey, Painting, Storytelling, Surface Design

I’m going through a turning point. A few weeks before the upheaval (that ended with a crying/rambling session on my staircase), I started feeling like I’ve been on autopilot – doing things the same way just because that’s what I’ve done... Read More

I Have This Thing With California

Jun 12, 2017 | My Creative Journey, My Life, Painting, Places, Storytelling, Surface Design

Once upon a time in a land just over a thousand miles away from Seattle, I lived in one of these small yellow bungalows a short bike ride from the Pacific Ocean. This magical place was called California. The beach town that I lived in was Santa Monica. As you may or... Read More

Why I Quit the 100 Day Project…Again

May 2, 2017 | Creative Process, Creative Projects, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Hand Lettering, My Creative Journey, Painting, Storytelling, Surface Design

Let me start off by saying that this is not a sad story. Nor is it an, “Aw, Melanie! You can’t finish what you start!” guilt trip sort of thing. Because I don’t believe in guilt trips. Or “guilty” pleasures. I LIKE Pretty Little... Read More

Bright Geo + An Awesome Interview

May 1, 2017 | Creative Process, Creative Projects, Graphic Design, My Creative Journey, Painting, Storytelling, Surface Design

You guys! I was so excited to see that Redbubble used my Mood Swing a-line dress in one of their banner ads last week! It was so cool to see my dress at the top of the home page for a few days and I love the ad they created. There are so many talented and creative... Read More

Creating Your Own Path Podcast Interview

Apr 13, 2017 | Client Work, Creative People, Creative Process, Graphic Design, Hand Lettering, Illustration, My Creative Journey, My Life, Painting, Storytelling, Surface Design

You guys…today’s the day. My first Creating Your Own Path podcast episode is live! Jennifer Snyder interviewed me about my long, winding path to becoming an artist, my creative process, and why I’m not hung up on choosing a side in art versus design.... Read More

#The100DayProject 2017: 100 Days of Paper Design

Apr 8, 2017 | Creative Process, Creative Projects, Illustration, Mixed Media Collage, My Creative Journey, Sketchbook, Surface Design

I am SO excited to kick off this year’s #The100DayProject! My goal for the next 100 days is to experiment with the interaction of patterns, color palettes, and paper types while I create patterns and designs on paper whose primary purpose is (usually)... Read More

Are You An Artist or A Designer?

Mar 30, 2017 | Client Work, Creative Projects, Creative Strategy, Fine Art, Graphic Design, My Creative Journey, Painting, Surface Design

Spoiler alert: I’m both. I thought that when I traveled down my twisty creative path and finally figured out that I really wanted to be an artist, that my days of “are you this or are you that” were done. Nope. Not done. Just different questions. In... Read More

Art Journey: From Sketchbook to Product

Mar 16, 2017 | Creative Process, Creative Projects, Graphic Design, Mixed Media Collage, Painting, Sketchbook, Surface Design

Have you ever wondered what the art on your cute little pouch looked like before it ended up on that accessory that always seems to find it’s way to the bottom of your huge bag? Have you seen an artist’s abstract paintings and wished you could have her... Read More