Hi. I’m Mel: Pale northwest native, cheese platter lover, owner of a cat-dog,
and all around easygoing, hardworking lady.

I am a passionate designer in love with the beauty of the world through design’s eyes. I am wholly infatuated with every process of design and the way that designers use these processes to create. This infatuation extends to the intangible aspects of design as well, such as the incredible subconscious effect that thoughtful design can have on the viewer’s perception and experience. I currently have a vast range of experience in production, design, and illustration, as well as extensive knowledge using the Adobe Creative Suite. I am an enthusiastic partner and a hard working individual—but above all I am a creative mind that truly finds joy in all that is design.

STRENGTHS; empathy, strategic, analytical, adaptability, individualism

say hello

SKILLS

DESIGN—Strong knowledge of color theory, typography, print and packaging, production, digital marketing, branding, illustration, 3D environmental. Thorough understanding of the design process, collaborating with clients, brainstorming ideas, executing concepts, and the final stages of packaging and releasing print or digital files.

SOFTWARE Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, basic understanding of HTML/CSS.

ARTISTIC Illustration; vector, charcoal, pencil, ink

PERSONAL—Friendly and positive nature, hard working and reliable, good at communication and collaboration, organized and attentive to details, excellent time management.

experience

STE. MICHELLE WINE ESTATES
Graphic Designer 
March 2020–Present

Lead consumer-facing marketing initiatives for a variety of brands within the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates portfolio. From concept to completion, ideate and execute forward-thinking, on-brand creative solutions across a variety of print and digital media. Working on multiple projects and competing timelines in a fast-paced environment, projects spanning packaging, 3D environmental, events, digital marketing and more. Art direct both internal and external design resources in collaboration with the Associate Creative Director. Present to clients and advocate for creative concepts and solutions.  

NORDSTROM
Graphic Designer 
July 2015–March 2020

Responsible for the creation and execution of multi-channel marketing materials and printed communications. While working efficiently with multiple projects and people to meet tight deadlines. Designing, proofing, preparing and press checking all print media on a nationwide scale, but also designing for multiple online platforms. Creating and designing new campaigns, gift cards, bag artwork, newspaper ads, magazine ads and digital for Nordstrom Corporate.

SEATTLE MET MAGAZINE
Design Intern
May 2014–February 2015

Responsibilities included doing photo research, photo editing, and page design/layout. Also a handful of illustrations ranging from vector work to traditional drawings.

education

CORNISH COLLEGE OF THE ARTS
Bachelor of Fine Arts
September 2011–May 2015

Graduated from design department with a focus in visual communication and illustration.

SCHOOL OF VISUAL CONCEPTS
Adobe After Effects Certificate
January 2019–February 2019

Learned the primary tools of Adobe After Effects and how to perform basic motion graphics and video manipulation effects.

SCHOOL OF VISUAL CONCEPTS
Branding for Food Class
October 2021–November 2021

In this intensive workshop, I re-branded an existing brand and created a new concept, analyzing competition, devising an identity and palette of brand assets, and applying these to appropriate collateral materials. 

honors

2021
Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Limited Release Midsummer’s White label concept chosen

2018
Nordstrom Dream Team Award

2016
Neenah Paper spoke to my design
’Ala Moana Gala Notecard Set’
at the ‘Luxe Pack Design Conference’

2015
Two pieces featured in the
123 Design show

2014
Cornish 2014 Kreielsheimer Scholarship

2011-2012
Cornish Design Department
Scholarship

2011
Foundation Scholarship Award:
Partial tuition based on merit