Available to hire
Melissa Blair is an illustrator and designer specializing in playful, character-driven work for the gift and children’s markets. She currently works for Penguin Random House, where she creates illustrations for greeting cards and gift products.
Her work focuses on building expressive, cohesive character systems and adapting seamlessly to established visual styles. She has experience developing artwork across full product lines, with work carried by retailers including Target, Barnes & Noble and World Market.
Melissa works in Adobe Creative Suite and Procreate, and brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to collaborative projects.
Portfolio: melbeedraws.com
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Graphic Designer at Report Footwear
October 1, 2008 - February 28, 2009Created print collateral for a high-fashion footwear brand, including catalogs, trade show materials and signage. Supported photography, pre-press, and vendor needs.
Sr. Graphic Designer at Alere Wellbeing
February 1, 2013 - September 30, 2015Served as the primary graphic designer for a mobile coaching company. Projects ranged from infographics and web assets to icons, layouts, logos, and video editing. Created presentation decks, email campaigns, and original illustrations for the company’s blog and social media channels.
Sr. Graphic Designer at Mazlo
September 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016Contract graphic designer for the Visual Merchandising department. Responsible for designing in-store signage for the fashion retailer with a focus on creating patterns for use on printed signs throughout their stores. Created posters, window clings, transfers and canvas coverlets for racks and displays.
Graphic Designer at Nordstrom
November 1, 2016 - January 31, 2017Lead designer for catalogs, trade show booths and marketing campaigns across print and digital. Created infographics, advertisements, and direct mail for both retail and wholesale audiences. Responsible for booth merchandising and visual storytelling for trade shows. Illustrator for Target-exclusive product line including journals, greeting cards, and gift items. Art directed and styled biannual editorial photoshoots for product use across showrooms, web, and catalog.
Sr. Graphic Designer at Mobile Coaching Company
October 1, 2014 - September 30, 2015Served as the primary graphic designer for a mobile coaching company. Projects ranged from infographics and web assets to icons, layouts, logos, and video editing. Also created presentation decks, email campaigns, and original illustrations for the company’s blog and social media channels.
Graphic Designer at Nordstrom
November 1, 2016 - January 31, 2017Lead designer for catalogs, trade show booths and marketing campaigns across print and digital. Created infographics, advertisements, and direct mail for both retail and wholesale audiences. Responsible for booth merchandising and visual storytelling for trade shows. Illustrator for Target-exclusive product line including journals, greeting cards, and gift items. Art directed and styled biannual editorial photoshoots for products used across showrooms, web and catalog.
Graphic Designer at Report Footwear
October 1, 2008 - February 28, 2009Created print collateral for a high-fashion footwear brand, including catalogs, trade show materials and signage. Supported photography, pre-press, and vendor needs.
Associate Graphic Designer at Alere Wellbeing
March 1, 2009 - February 28, 2011Designed a wide range of print and digital marketing materials promoting healthy behavior programs. Projects included e-newsletters, icons, posters, direct mail, and brochures. Collaborated closely with the Creative Director and Client Services team to deliver tailored solutions for national clients. Created the majority of the company’s social media content and developed custom illustrations for campaigns, recruitment efforts, and internal initiatives.
Graphic Designer II at Alere Wellbeing
February 1, 2011 - February 28, 2013Continued to design print and digital materials with increasing responsibility, collaborating with creative leadership and clients to advance marketing goals.
Sr. Graphic Designer at Alere Wellbeing
February 1, 2013 - September 30, 2015Served as the primary graphic designer for a mobile coaching company. Projects ranged from infographics and web assets to icons, layouts, logos, and video editing. Also created presentation decks, email campaigns, and original illustrations for the company’s blog and social media channels.
Sr. Graphic Designer at Mazlo
September 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016Contract graphic designer for the Visual Merchandising department. Responsible for designing in-store signage for the fashion retailer with a focus on creating patterns for use on printed signs throughout their stores. Created posters, window clings, transfers and canvas coverlets for racks and displays.
Graphic Designer at Nordstrom
November 1, 2016 - January 31, 2017Lead designer for catalogs, trade show booths and marketing campaigns across print and digital. Created infographics, advertisements, and direct mail for both retail and wholesale audiences. Responsible for booth merchandising and visual storytelling for trade shows. Illustrator for Target-exclusive product line, including journals, greeting cards, and gift items. Art directed and styled biannual editorial photoshoots for products used across showrooms, web and catalog.
Graphic Designer at Compendium
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2019Created for a variety of both small and large brands including Barnes & Noble, World Market and Ricicle Cards. Illustrator of everything from greeting cards and tea towels to packaging and book covers. Crafted custom logos, branding, and illustration systems for a range of emerging brands.
Sr. Graphic Designer at Compendium
December 1, 2019 - June 14, 2024Continued leading design projects including illustration and branding across print and digital media for varied clients, focusing on greeting cards, packaging, and branded products.
Illustrator at Mel Bee Draws
August 1, 2008 - PresentIllustrator focusing on screen printing, letterpress, photography, and photo editing for personal brand Mel Bee Draws.
Assoc. Director of Art/Design at Penguin Random House
January 1, 2017 - PresentOversees art direction and design for multiple projects; leads branding, book covers, and editorial shoots.
Graphic Designer at Penguin Random House
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2019Graphic design work for a range of publishing projects including book covers, internal branding, and marketing materials.
Sr. Graphic Designer at Penguin Random House
December 1, 2019 - August 1, 2025Led high-visibility design projects; created logos, branding systems, and illustration assets for various brands.
Sr. Graphic Designer at Alere Wellbeing
March 1, 2009 - September 1, 2015Created print collateral, supported photography, pre-press, and vendor needs for health-oriented campaigns.
Associate Graphic Designer at Alere Wellbeing
October 1, 2008 - February 1, 2009Education
Bachelor of Arts at Western Washington University
September 1, 2004 - June 30, 2008Bachelor of Arts at Western Washington University
September 1, 2004 - June 30, 2008Bachelor of Arts at Western Washington University
September 1, 2004 - June 30, 2008Bachelor of Arts in Design (Minor in Art History) at Western Washington University
September 1, 2004 - June 1, 2008Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts in Design (Minor in Art History)
September 1, 2004 - June 1, 2008Industry Experience
Retail, Consumer Goods, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Healthcare
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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