Hey there, I'm MELISSA
Why freelance art?
Art has been a part of who I am ever since I could hold a pencil - that's the story I'm often told anyways. So it goes without saying that art has been an integral part of my life since then. I recall loving to draw or do anything crafty as early as my preschool years. Any in-class art project required my utmost attention to detail and had to be perfect, whether it was pin hole-punching a bunny shape out of construction paper, stringing a necklace in a colorful pattern of pasta, or following the teacher's example "to the T."
Being born and raised in Hawai'i, I was blessed with a colorful and natural art canvas to capture, emulate, and manipulate in whatever medium I desired. Still-life drawings, landscape photography, and paintings were a few among them. Elementary and intermediate school classes developed my traditional art skills, and high school classes honed the basics and introduced professional presentation and digital art - I even designed shirts for clubs, homecoming, and my senior class. I have since then utilized what techniques I have learned or self-taught myself, and adapted my skill sets to flow with the ever-changing technology of today. As a result, I have been dabbling in photography and graphics and web design since my early years of high school.
And although a far cry from an art school, I studied Information Technology at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York for a couple of years (before deciding to continue studies in Computer Information Systems and Business Management elsewhere). However, I did continue to use art as an escape from the routine military life and took advantage of the uniquely historic campus and the area's seasonal colors. I also found ways to inject my penchant for art into my graduate studies at USC by opting to create infographics in lieu of writing or presenting my TESOL research.
I guess you could say I grew up wanting to be an artist in some capacity and that I've lived the majority of my life doing exactly that through freelance art. I picked up projects no matter what my surroundings were or where I found myself, and I'm still doing that today. It's pretty neat because I never thought I'd ever have published artwork or see people wearing my designs.
What projects do you do nowadays?
I primarily do logo design, but will occasionally take on a print design project. Overall, my artwork ranges from pencil sketches, inked drawings, and other forms of traditional art to graphics design, digital rendering, and photography. And although I have built a few sites in the past, I prefer to stay away from such projects for the sake of keeping things simple. More recently, I have endeavored to attempt illustrating books as well as freelance work - alas, that is why this site is here now. I hope you'll enjoy and have a look-see. If you like my work or know of someone who may benefit from my unique style, please remember and consider referring them to me.
Art has been a part of who I am ever since I could hold a pencil - that's the story I'm often told anyways. So it goes without saying that art has been an integral part of my life since then. I recall loving to draw or do anything crafty as early as my preschool years. Any in-class art project required my utmost attention to detail and had to be perfect, whether it was pin hole-punching a bunny shape out of construction paper, stringing a necklace in a colorful pattern of pasta, or following the teacher's example "to the T."
Being born and raised in Hawai'i, I was blessed with a colorful and natural art canvas to capture, emulate, and manipulate in whatever medium I desired. Still-life drawings, landscape photography, and paintings were a few among them. Elementary and intermediate school classes developed my traditional art skills, and high school classes honed the basics and introduced professional presentation and digital art - I even designed shirts for clubs, homecoming, and my senior class. I have since then utilized what techniques I have learned or self-taught myself, and adapted my skill sets to flow with the ever-changing technology of today. As a result, I have been dabbling in photography and graphics and web design since my early years of high school.
And although a far cry from an art school, I studied Information Technology at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York for a couple of years (before deciding to continue studies in Computer Information Systems and Business Management elsewhere). However, I did continue to use art as an escape from the routine military life and took advantage of the uniquely historic campus and the area's seasonal colors. I also found ways to inject my penchant for art into my graduate studies at USC by opting to create infographics in lieu of writing or presenting my TESOL research.
I guess you could say I grew up wanting to be an artist in some capacity and that I've lived the majority of my life doing exactly that through freelance art. I picked up projects no matter what my surroundings were or where I found myself, and I'm still doing that today. It's pretty neat because I never thought I'd ever have published artwork or see people wearing my designs.
What projects do you do nowadays?
I primarily do logo design, but will occasionally take on a print design project. Overall, my artwork ranges from pencil sketches, inked drawings, and other forms of traditional art to graphics design, digital rendering, and photography. And although I have built a few sites in the past, I prefer to stay away from such projects for the sake of keeping things simple. More recently, I have endeavored to attempt illustrating books as well as freelance work - alas, that is why this site is here now. I hope you'll enjoy and have a look-see. If you like my work or know of someone who may benefit from my unique style, please remember and consider referring them to me.
MELON WAVES, the art company
Melon Waves™ is a freelance graphic design company where the creative process is infused with personal care and attention to create the perfect logo or design my clients seek. The Hawaiian word "aloha" means love, compassion and peace. And the concept behind doing anything "with aloha" can be conveyed in the act of offering the very best and wholehearted efforts in the greater interest of someone other than yourself; this is also known as the “The Aloha Spirit” or “The Way of Aloha.” So here at Melon Waves™ you'll find "Fresh ideas designed with Aloha."
The driving concept of my work is the same, but the re-brand came about from the vision to show why my work stands apart from others. I may draw from styles I like, but my work is original and comes straight from the good ole melon. I spun the new name from a combination of an old nickname and the idea of brain waves to capture the "fresh ideas" part of my tagline. It helps that the word "waves" and "melon" give a tropical vibe, which tie to my origins in Hawaii, while melon is also an interchangeable word for your noggin. Notice how the melon in my logo looks like a brain now?
The company was created in December of 2011 and is owned by freelance artist Melissa Andres. She has over a decade of previous experience designing various graphics for family and friends, and is now endeavoring to create a professional career out of her passion for art and design.
The driving concept of my work is the same, but the re-brand came about from the vision to show why my work stands apart from others. I may draw from styles I like, but my work is original and comes straight from the good ole melon. I spun the new name from a combination of an old nickname and the idea of brain waves to capture the "fresh ideas" part of my tagline. It helps that the word "waves" and "melon" give a tropical vibe, which tie to my origins in Hawaii, while melon is also an interchangeable word for your noggin. Notice how the melon in my logo looks like a brain now?
The company was created in December of 2011 and is owned by freelance artist Melissa Andres. She has over a decade of previous experience designing various graphics for family and friends, and is now endeavoring to create a professional career out of her passion for art and design.
ALOHA DRIVEN, the merchandise
Aloha Driven™ is the original product line of Melon Waves™ and a lifestyle brand. The product line was originally established in 2011 as Me Ke Aloha Designs™, but was re-branded in 2012 as Aloha Driven™ and is geared towards sharing the Aloha Spirit with others across the country and around the world. Wear Aloha. Share Aloha. Live Aloha.
