SHARING IS CARING
Do you have that person on instagram that you follow and,
although you’ve never met, you just want to be friends with them? They inspire you with every post and
something about them just feels familiar.
For me, this is Jamel of Melsy’s Illustration.
At a friends wedding I had made an instagram but didn’t use it
for a year after. I’m not really a
selfie kind of person so I didn’t really see the point. Then, I came across Jamel’s work one day—one
of her characteristically chic and fabulous ladies—and had that light bulb
moment that this is what instagram is about—sharing what you love with others.
Soon, I started posting my work too. Although, Jamel had no idea who I was,
through following her and her work, I kind of felt like I knew her. When I decided to take things to the next
level and start selling prints in my shop, Jamel was the first person that came
to mind to ask. So this stranger (i.e.
me) sent her a message on etsy about where she got her prints printed and what
kind of paper she printed on. I figured
that being such a well-known artists it would take a while to hear back from
her, if I heard from her at all. But you
know what? I think she responded back
that day. And, although she lives in
Boston (which, coincidentally, is also where my mom is from and where my
grandpa lives) and I live in California, she graciously answered all of my
questions and gave me the information I needed to start selling prints. Additionally, besides being surprisingly kind
and helpful, she also started following me on instagram and commenting on my
artwork!
To me, her story is a modern day fairytale. But it’s her story so I’ll let her tell
it. It is my honor to introduce my
mentor, Melsy. (Sound the parade and
fireworks now).
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MELSY'S ILLUSTRATION
BACKGROUND INFO
Name:
Jamel Saliba aka Melsy
Age:
29
Job Title: Fashion Illustrator/Owner of Melsy's
Education Background: Bachelor's
Degree in Communication Studies/Minor in Psychology
Etsy
Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/melsys
QUESTIONS
1.
Who is “Melsy” and how did you come up with Melsy’s illustration
as the name of your business?
I am Melsy! My mom called me Melsy as a little girl, so that's
how the name of my business, "Melsy's Illustration" came to be!
2.
Did you always know that you wanted to be an artist? If not, what did you think you would be when
you “grew up”?
NEVER. My passion was to work for a magazine and live in NYC! :)
3.
Are you a full time Maker/Artist? If so, how did you make that transition/what
was the “tipping point”?

4.
You’ve been so popular on social media—I know I am inspired by
(and look forward to seeing) your chic illustrations on Instagram—who inspires you? Who do you follow on social media?
Honestly, EVERYTHING inspires me! I love looking at different
fashion blogs like atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com and pinterest for inspiration.
5.
How important do you think social media and/or being a part of a
community of other artists/makers, has been to your success? What is your favorite social media
outlet?
Instagram is by far my favorite social media outlet. It allows
you to connect with so many different people and showcase your artowrk in a
different light. I credit instagram for most of my success! Without instagram,
my work wouldn't have been as visible to so many viewers as it is now.
6.
What is the best part of your job? And what is the toughest part of it?
The best part is being your own boss. The advantages of having
your own business is that you don't have to really answer to anyone and the sky
is the limit. The most challenging part is being a one woman show. I do
everything my myself, so it's definitely a struggle but I absolutely love it
and wouldn't have it any other way!
7.
What is the best advice you have for budding
artists/makers/entrepreneurs?
Practice makes perfect and DO NOT EVER GIVE UP or let anyone
tell you that you can't do it. Because you CAN! If I can do this anyone can! I
had a lot of people tell me not to leave my full time job and have illustrating
be a "side job". But I knew I wanted to give it my all and wouldn't
have been as successful if I were juggling something else at the moment.
8.
What’s next for Melsy’s illustration?
Right now I'm in NYC and will continue to do this every year at
Bryant Park. I'm also hoping to open up a little boutique on day!
9.
What is something that we don’t know about you?
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