Esprit: Where My Inspiration and Design Obsession Began

Jun 14, 2017 | Creative People, Creative Process, My Creative Journey, Storytelling

The very first time I remember being inspired by color, pattern, and graphic design was when I met Esprit. I remember the early-mid 80s color palettes like it was yesterday – watermelon + lemon, turquoise + purple, red + orange. I remember wearing bold striped... 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

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

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