Melissa Kelman creates sweet, bright florals for surface design and stationery from her small loft that she shares with her husband in Brooklyn, and told me she had been making cards for friends and family ever since she was small.

 

 

“Sometimes I work from inspiration, like a photo of a bridal bouquet or a vintage floral pattern.  Other times, I just let myself go and paint whatever makes me happy.  I use a mix of watercolor and gouache paints. I also do calligraphy with India ink.  When designing stationery, I create little sketches of ideas in my notebook and work from there.  I always try to be open to making mistakes and enjoy the process.”

Currently working full time as a textile designer in the fashion industry, she considers her stationery business as more of a hobby, but focusing on her own business is definitely in the plans for the future.

 

 

 

As a young girl, she counts herself lucky to have had parents that were very supportive of her artistic side.  “We had a little room in our basement with a large table and tons of art supplies. This was my favorite place in the world.  I could go down there, make a mess and experiment.  I loved to design outfits for my paper dolls, and create cards for everyone’s birthdays.”

After completing school, she studied business because she thought she wouldn’t be able to make a career in the arts. “But, I realized quickly that I needed to be creative on a daily basis, and when I found pattern and textile design I knew that was my dream job.  I taught myself Photoshop and painting, and practiced creating repeats.  I experimented with different media and eventually was able to get my foot in the door creating prints and doing graphic design at Free People.  I am very grateful for that experience, and everything I learned there. Working in the fashion industry has taught me the importance of color, working efficiently and being my own critic.  I love receiving inspiration, and then creating something new from that. It’s always an exciting challenge.”
“Now, when I see someone wearing one of my print designs it’s a really special and proud feeling.”

 

 

 

Inspiration on a design level, as well as a personal level comes from many of the iconic names in surface design – Vera Neumann, Sonia Delaunay, Collier & Campbell, and Marimekko. There are other standout people in her life too. “One of my favorite artists/designers is someone I worked with at Free People, Kris Chau, and she is an amazingly talented illustrator and fashion designer.  She was always very encouraging when I was starting out and inspired me to stick with my dreams. And of course my husband Graham. When I met him over 7 years ago, he really believed in me as an artist. At the time I was still studying business; he was studying architecture and encouraged me to draw and paint again. He made me feel confident in my skills and I am forever grateful for his support and motivation.”