What’s your business name and what do you do?
My name is Mel Andrel, I’m a graphic designer and mixed media artist. I primarily create stationery products, which I wholesale in stores across the world. I also design brand identities, merch, websites, packaging and paper goods for businesses of all sizes. My most recent focus has been working with brands in the food, beverage and hospitality space and with creative individuals on small projects like logos, illustrations, and paper goods.
How did you learn your craft?
I have been making things as long as I can remember. I have always enjoyed being by myself and creating transported me to my own little world where I felt safe during times when I didn’t always feel understood. I didn’t go to art school (I studied Cultural Anthropology at Drew University in New Jersey) and I credit a lot of creatives for inspiring me to pursue art as a career. I’ve taken a lot of classes and workshops, collaborated within my community, and have watched hours and hours of tutorials or artist’s content on Youtube.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
What I enjoy the most is connecting with people and the community I’ve built in Maine!! I know most of my stockists by name and can probably tell you the city each is located in. I love that I’ve built a job for myself that will always be changing and challenging me. I think it’s really cool that I’ll always be learning and continuing to develop my style as an artist.
What do you enjoy least?
What I enjoy the least is that running a successful business involves a lot of math — and emails.
What’s one thing you wish people knew about your work?
I wish people knew that I say no often. No to the wrong client, no to the wrong customer, no to going out when my body needs rest or my chronic illness is flaring up, no to opportunities I may not have the time for. Saying no and setting good boundaries is really hard but can feel really liberating and create so much space for joy.
What’s one artist you look up to?
I’m not going to pick just one. Apologies to everyone on this thing that has followed the rules. Dusen Dusen, Leigh Ellexson, Lorien Stern, and Natasha-Elle Verify, are all huge influences for me in color and style!
What do you do when you’re not creating?
I am quite literally always working but I’ve really been enjoying “junk journaling” lately. I collect a lot of design ephemera and packaging and stuff and it’s been fun to compile all of it into a place I can return to later. I am also currently a member at Handful Ceramic Studio in Portland- which is still technically creating, but I consider any form of art-making without monetization a personal win. You can usually find me at Smalls or Little Tandem, taking big walks around the West End, or moonlighting in midcoast whenever I have free time.
Night owl or early bird?
I am actually more of an afternoon person. I find myself really locking in on projects and my most energized self between like… 10 and 2. I really value my sleep schedule.
What's your favorite place in Maine?
Favorite place in Portland would be Micucci's — best selection of Italian pantry samples, and my favorite snacks & pickled things.