We recently connected with Melanie Bell and have shared our conversation below.

Melanie, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

From the beginning, I have felt a strong urge to create, which has led me to where I am today.

In 2011, I made a radical decision to pursue a full-time creative path, despite the doubts of others about my ability to sustain myself from home, which was not the norm just yet. Although I was still developing my skills and lacked the financial means to pursue formal education, I found a wealth of knowledge from talented creators on YouTube and began my digital journey into computer design and art.

Melanie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Creativity has always been a part of my identity. I started painting at the age of nine, encouraged by an exceptional middle school art teacher who nurtured my talent. By the time I was eleven, I had already received my first award for painting, and I continued to explore oils and watercolors throughout my teenage years. I also participated in school theater, where I found joy in every aspect of production, including music, costumes, and set design.

In my mid-twenties, I became involved in the music scene in Washington DC, collaborating with various producers as a vocalist and picking up music production skills along the way. Through my involvement in the Baltimore/DC music and entertainment community, I began to form my path as a full-time creative.

I began my career creating marketing materials and digital assets for individuals in the music industry, connecting with my peers to build my portfolio. This effort led to my first full-time job as a graphic designer in direct mail marketing, primarily serving the real estate sector. I delved into web design and crafting custom portals for real estate agents while expanding my expertise in print design through extensive use of Adobe applications. This experience served as my crash course in design, and I relished every moment of it, continuously learning new skills and updating my portfolio with each job.

The progression of my career was far from linear, presenting numerous challenges along the way. As a freelancer and artist, I began to navigate the landscape of social media, I seized the opportunity to showcase both my artistic endeavors and design work.

Over time, my approach to securing creative projects has evolved and refined, recognizing the importance of establishing a streamlined workflow and intake process to avoid burnout from demanding clients and small-scale projects. Through trial and error, I have developed a systematic approach that has attracted numerous large clients, primarily focusing on startups and nonprofits as a Brand Image developer.

My services extend beyond creativity, forming the foundation of my client’s online presence and also acting as a backend developer. This often involves direct collaboration with founders and CEOs, offering comprehensive package services. One day I am designing a Shopify website, while the next I am crafting brand guidelines and curating social media content calendars, all aimed at executing strategic campaigns. I’m very proud of my current projects with a nonprofit organization, The Eleven-Eleven Foundation. We focus on art therapy & alternative treatments for trauma survivors. A cause that is close to my heart.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Definitely! I focus on working with nonprofits, holistic start-ups, and alternative medicine. I feel it is important for me to work with ethical companies that shape better industries and carve out new markets of their own.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Over the past 12 years, I’ve built a strong online presence through social media, crucial to shaping my career.

For budding creatives, understanding your audience is key—knowing who they are, what they love, and where they hang out online. Engage with groups and don’t hesitate to connect with influencers for collaboration.

Make what you love and share it! I look at my art as my way of showing people my talents. Using my digital art and animations like an advertisement, if you will. Through direct messages on social media, I will be asked about my work and this is when you want to share your skill highlights and portfolio link. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

Keep showing your work. Keep talking about your projects.

Success isn’t just about numbers; my consistency on social media has led to daily recommendations for work. This organic endorsement is invaluable. Always have a brief intro about yourself and share your best.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://melaniexr.gfx.work/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaniexrtist/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Madeofstarsnstuff/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-bell-design/

Image Credits
Melanie Bell