Studio Mela

Last week I had the thrill of being able to interview the talented artist behind Studio Mela! Her shop is filled to the brim with classic, chic pieces of artwork. She excels at creating simple designs that charm and intrigue! There are so many favorites of mine, I'm going to have to reign myself in before I post her whole shop in this entry!

1. What do you create?
I create little works of art! I am a digital illustrator (slash) artist and create anything that happens to pop in my head at any given moment. I'm very sporadic and highly indecisive. I hardly ever settle on one specific style or subject.



2. What led you to take up your craft?
From junior high (way back when!) to this very day I am always doodling on something. Swirly fonts and bubble words...flowers and little girls...dancers with pom pom's...you name it, I drew it. I think I fell into my work or "craft" because I can't imagine doing anything else with my life, it's what makes me happy inside.
It's as if I am still in my High School English class drawing hearts on my Shakespeare play. Even back then, in those super awkward years...when I doubted everything and everyone, there was one constant and comfortable thing and that was drawing. I knew I could make someone smile with a sketch or two and I suppose nothing has really changed, well except, my audience (thankfully) is much bigger now!



3. Which part of your work do you most enjoy?
There is not one specific thing I like most! It's the entire process that makes it all worth it. I guess if you absolutely make me pick one part...I would say printing my first test print gets me pretty excited. The anticipation nearly kills me when I try out a new piece...I feel like the printer takes forever to spit it out!

4. Which part do you find most trying?
Packaging. Packaging. Packaging. (sigh) If I did not have my self-proclaimed-manager/husband I would be a complete mess. He keeps me moving and (somewhat) organized. I need everything in it's exact spot and I need to do things the same way everyday or I get seriously overwhelmed.



5. Where do you get your inspiration?
It never fails, inspiration seems to hit me just as I lay down to go to sleep. I am inspired by every little thing. Nothing is off base or off limits.

6. What is your favorite medium to work with?
Black ink pens and acrylic paint. (I love white paint more than anything right now!)



7. What is your favorite item that you have purchased off of Etsy?
Oh this is so easy! I purchased a tee from timberps and I was blown away by it. I cannot believe people like that exist. So talented and just, I dunno, perfect at what they do. His art is just incredible and you don't get the gist of it until you see it in person.
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=7377842



I am also in love with my Beastie from beastieland. That creepy little beastie makes me smile no matter what. He is so ugly you cannot help but love him! http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=6630274

8. What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
Hands down I am head over heels for my "So Very Happy" print. I feel like that one print sums up my work. Just simple, happy and uplifting!
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=7928145



9. What are your favorite top three items from other artists shops?
a. I love everything that laurageorge touches! Her shop is so great...and she has recently began posting new items after being gone for awhile. The "Mustachios" print just makes my heart melt. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10482063

b. Fifilapin's shop is always a favorite of mine! The "Contemplation" print is on my to-buy list, along with "Dressed Up in D&G"
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=6809290



c. MaKool is everything I love about Etsy! Great design & style AND all handmade! The "Stormy Sea's Petticoat Bag" is pretty without being too fru-fru and I can just see it in stores like Anthropologie. That bag is on my husbands to-buy-for-his-lovely-wife list!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10502636

10. What undiscovered artisans would you recommend the world to know?
My Mom. She puts her heart and soul in everything she does and is my true hero.
She works in graphite and pastel and can take a normal boring photograph and turn it into a gorgeous work of art! I am in complete awe of her.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5190094



And, my very favorite International Illustrator is Shinzi Katoh. He is from Japan and is quite famous over there! I recommend everyone check him out if you have not already.
http://www.shinzikatoh.com/english/online.html

11. What is the best advice you have ever received?
"Believing is receiving." It's the kinda advice I needed to hear once and now I live by it. Put positive thoughts in your head and believe the best, good things will happen!