We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Enriquez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I think learning the craft is multifaceted. Everyone has different ways of absorbing information and creating their own paths that work for them. For me, I went to school for art with an emphasis on graphic design. I then interned at a skateboard company to learn different aspects of product design. I grew to be very fond of the relationship between artwork and product and worked for several apparel companies at different experience levels. My eagerness to learn within companies helped me dip my toes into various job functions relating to my craft. I’m 17 years deep into my career and I’m still learning. The industry is constantly changing and I learned being resilient really helps keep you afloat.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Melissa Enriquez and I’m a creative generator. I suppose I could be considered an enigma because of the many layers that make up my entity. However, if there were one major value that would define me, it would be my enthusiasm for creativity. It’s passion that drives me to do what I love for a living and I’m just having fun every step of the way. ​
In 2006, I earned a bachelor’s degree in art with an emphasis in graphic design. Since the first time I turned on a computer, my love for art led me to explore the world of graphics. It was the turn of a digital age and of course, I knew I wanted to learn more about new tools in creating art. After college, I geared my focus towards working with apparel companies. Being able to create art and use fabric as my canvas seemed to naturally power my creativity.
​
I thrive on gaining knowledge through experience so I can become a better artist, graphic artist and designer. I’ve worked for many reputable companies and through my experience I’m able to provide services to various clients as an independent contractor. I provide mainly art support in the form of t-shirt graphics, textile design, logos, packaging, web and social media based graphics etc. Within these services, I also offer creative direction and product development.

I’ve been an independent contractor for about 3 years now and what I enjoy most is the variety of projects I get. It really helps me exercise all sorts of techniques and use different parts of my brain on the daily.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think the fact that I’ve worked at so many different companies in my career could be of putting to some people. I understand it could come off as unstable to see that the longest I’ve stayed at a company was 2 years. My main reason for jumping around is that I was so curious to learn and gain different types of experiences. I was drawn to the fact that every single company operates differently and what you can gain from working with them wouldn’t be exactly the same as your previous employer. I don’t really believe that being at one company for many years is better than being at multiple companies for smaller amounts of time. I think what’s most important is what you’re doing, learning and gaining within those years.

As a creative, clockwork definitely is not my friend. I don’t think doing the same thing every single day is fulfilling. I think moving around within the industry really worked for me to later become independent and take on any type of project a client has. Whether I’ve had experience with the type of project or it was a new endeavor, I’m confident I can deliver and have happy clients.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There are a couple. The initial one is seeing my artwork out in the wild. My heart is so full if let’s say, I see someone wearing a t-shirt with a graphic I created on it . It’s a humbling experience to be able to connect with someone through your artwork in that sense. It never gets old.

The second would be when clients are very content with your work. Creative services is very subjective so it’s just an overall rewarding feeling when you and your client are both very stoked on the final product.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @melisscious