Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melody Abreu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Melody, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with 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?

Fortunately, I have been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work. However, this is something that didn’t happen overnight. I have been doing this for four years, and it’s been only in the past year or year and a half that I have been able to live and support my child from my creative work. and I hope I can continue to do so…

For me, the major steps were reaching out to people who were already in the industry and asking them for advice. This helped me quickly learn that the best way of achieving anything is by just doing it and trying out new things. It’s crucial not to put all of your eggs in one basket. See what different skills you have and how you could turn them into something profitable.

Initially, I diversified my work by taking on various types of projects, from graphic design to illustrations. This approach not only helped me hone my skills but also allowed me to discover what I enjoyed most and where I excelled. Networking played a significant role too. Attending and participating in creative events, helped me showcase my work to a larger audience and allowed me to connect with other creatives. It also opened up opportunities I wouldn’t have found otherwise.

Building a portfolio that showcased a range of my work was another key step. It demonstrated my versatility to potential clients and employers, increasing my chances of landing projects. Over time, as I built a reputation, I started getting more consistent and higher-paying work, which eventually allowed me to transition to a full-time creative career.

If I could have sped up the process knowing what I know now, I would have taken risks sooner. Taking risks has been crucial in discovering new aspects of my craft and finding unique opportunities. Additionally, I would have sought mentorship earlier on. Having a mentor in the industry provides invaluable guidance and can help you navigate challenges more effectively.

In summary, persistence, networking, diversification, risk-taking, and self-promotion have been key to my journey in making a full-time living from my creative work. It was a gradual process with many learning experiences along the way, but each step was essential in reaching where I am today.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Melody Abreu, a Graphic Designer and Illustration artist. Born and raised in Aruba, currently living in Gouda, NL.

I hold a degree in Communication and Multimedia Design, which paved the way for my entry into the Graphic Design industry. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in various environments, from start-ups to large corporations. Illustration has always been my true passion, but I never had the time to really dive into it until 2020.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I lost my office job as a graphic designer and had trouble finding something new. That was the push I needed to start my own creative studio and dedicate more time to my illustration work. You know how it goes—practice makes progress.

As a Caribbean Latina, I’ve seen firsthand the negative impact of lacking positive representation. This experience has profoundly influenced my work and goals. When I founded Melolelo, my primary mission was, and still is, to create a studio that emphasises inclusion, diversity, and positive representation. I love collaborating with brands that are equally committed to empowerment and highlighting the importance of inclusion and diversity.

There are two main aspects to my work:

Art-Shop: This is where I sell my art and cards, and also conduct creative workshops. It’s a space where people can not only purchase unique pieces but also engage in the creative process themselves.

Studio Services: Here, I offer graphic design and illustration services. I work with brands to create visually compelling designs that align with their missions and values.

What sets me apart is my commitment to positive representation and creating inclusive, diverse works. I enjoy collaborating with brands that share these values, making sure our projects make a real impact.

I’m most proud of the inclusive and diverse community that’s grown around Melolelo. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how my work resonates with people and helps promote a positive and inclusive narrative.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, first and foremost, thank you for being YOU.
I want you to know that at Melolelo is more than just a creative studio. It’s a movement towards a more inclusive and diverse world, and every project is a step in that direction. Your support helps me continue this mission, and I am excited to share our journey with you :)

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to create and bring ideas to life.
It’s incredibly fulfilling to transform a concept into something tangible and visually engaging.

Through my work, I get to bring stories and narratives forward in a way that can reach and connect with more people. Seeing how my art resonates with others and makes an impact is what makes it all worth it.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that the right moment to do something will magically arrive, and that I needed to wait until I felt completely ready to start anything. These were notions deeply ingrained in me, and I believe many creatives struggle with them too.

But I’ve come to realize that great moments don’t just appear out of thin air; you have to create them. It’s about taking risks, putting in the work, and definitely not waiting around for some elusive feeling of readiness to strike. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that if I have a simple idea, I already possess everything I need to bring that idea to life. Waiting for the stars to align only delays progress and stifles creativity. Unlearning this lesson has been liberating—it’s about seizing the moment, embracing imperfection, and trusting in the process.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.melolelo.store
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melolelo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melolelo-101374251597062/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abreumelody/

Image Credits
Eise Visser