Todays sees us getting to know another etsy shop owner,
Melanie is an artist specializing in digital mixed media; using original paintings and sketches before transferring them into photoshop to complete her beautiful, striking, bold artworks that she then sells in her etsy shop as canvases and growth charts.
Colourful abstract designs and animals feature in her designs and are perfect for your little ones to add some fun to their little spaces!
I'm sharing some of my favourites in this post, but head over to her shop to see more!
So, cuppa in hand, lets get to know Melanie a little more...
1. Can you tell us a bit about you and your background...
I got my start as an artist by colouring on butcher block paper on the kitchen table at the age of three.
Since then I have gravitated towards various artistic pursuits (macaroni art in kindergarten, ceramics in eighth grade, painting in high school, print making in college).
My formal training was in the Visual Communications department at the Washington University School of Art.
My first job out of school was as a graphic designer at a small firm in Boston.
I gradually made the transition from full time designer to full time, independent artist/illustrator over the course of several years.
2. Who is your design hero and how do you stay inspired?
Two of my faves are the French artist, Sonia Delaunay and American illustrator, Mary Blair.
I find social media (mainly Pinterest and Instagram) a great way to get a daily dose of inspiration/procrastination.
3. Tell us about a typical day for you…
One of the things I love about being an independent artist is that I don't have to keep office hours.
Typically I like to work a few hours in the morning (sometimes in my pjs).
Then spend some time away from the studio with my kids in the afternoon.
After the little ones are in bed, I get back at it.
Evenings are my favorite and usually most productive times to work.
4. Can you give us an insight into your creative process?
I usually start a new project with some visual research.
Then I spend a few hours with pencil to paper sketching rough thumbnails.
My more detailed sketches are done on the computer (my college art instructors would shudder at this).
I create the final art on the computer using a catalog of painted swatches that I've amassed over the years.
5. What art do you have on your wall?
I have some of my own artwork, some of my three year old daughter’s (her favorite things to draw are skulls), my husband’s music poster collection, artwork by Maria Carluccio, Jennifer Mercede and a blank spot reserved for a Sarah Giannobile original.
6. In three words, describe your work…
Vibrant, quirky, happy
7. What’s your favourite book from your childhood?
The Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
8. What are your big loves?
My family, art, chocolate chip cookies, crossword puzzles, Hawaii, sangria and sunshine
9. The colours in your artwork are beautiful, so rich and vibrant.
Where does the inspiration/ influence for this come from?
Or are they colours that you’re naturally drawn to and enjoy using?
Hmmm that’s a tough one.
I guess I’m naturally drawn to certain colors/palettes.
I obviously like bright, happy colors and I rarely use black.
10. What’s the most popular item for sale in your etsy shop? And your favourite?
The animals are the most popular, especially the hippo, zebra, and peacock.
My current favorite is my Fox in Flowers art.
We have a bit of a fox theme going on in our house at the moment.
11. What are you working on currently, any big plans for the coming year you can share with us?
I’m just coming back from maternity leave, so I’m not currently working on anything huge.
I also have some rug designs that should be available soon.
12. What’s the most rewarding thing about being a designer/illustrator?
I get to do what I love all day and (usually) someone pays me to do it.
A big thanks to Melanie for taking the time to be part of the etsy interviews!
(all images above are copyright of Melanie Mikecz/ Twoems)
You can follow Melanie here;
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