Melsy’s Illustrations is a one-woman show run by Jamel Saliba herself. The idea for her new found company came about in the summer of 2013. Who would have thought an astray idea one late night could lead to a successful Esty shop? Some of her artwork has recently been featured at Bloomingdales and has been recognized by Sarah Jessica Parker – NBD. She is also working on a collaboration with Hallmark. Since Melsy’s Illustrations has become Jamel’s full time job, she hopes a shop at Winter Village in Bryant Park will bring the attractions that her artwork so willingly deserves. I had the pleasure of conducting a Q and A with Ms. Saliba, so lets jump right in!
How has your brand evolved since you started?I remember my mom and I trying to think of a name for my Etsy shop at 3am. Since 2013, I have worked really hard in trying to build my brand. I attended craft fairs around Boston, grew my online business, and now I am able to attend Bryant Park Holiday Shops as a new vendor!
I have also done freelance work with Bloomingdales, and am currently working with Graphique De France, the TJX companies, and Hallmark. My work has also been noticed my Sarah Jessica Parker and the Tone It Up girls (Karena and Katrina), which is still so surreal!
What do you expect out of your shop at Bryant Park? I can’t wait for Bryant Park! I’m going to have my own little space will decorate it as if it’s a boutique. I’m expecting a lot of holiday traffic and hopefully some good exposure! :) I heard a few celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Lady Gaga attended the market last year, so I’m hoping to see a celeb purchase their own Melsy’s!
How often do you create new artwork?I create new artwork on a daily basis.
Where is your current office space?I used to work from my home for a couple of years (this includes illustrating in my bedroom, living room, basement, I was everywhere!), but now I have a studio space.
Where do you get your inspiration?I get my inspiration from all over! I love looking on Pinterest and fashion blogs.
“Illustrating is more of an escape, I get lost in the world of drawing.”
Where do you see your brand in 5 years? 10?I would love to see my line in high-end retail stores, like Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Saks. I’d also love to illustrate for CHANEL, Vogue, Dior, etc! That’s my dream.. I’m hoping I can make it a reality!
Do you plan to stay in Boston? Eventually I would love to reside in NYC, or even PARIS! But we will see how that goes :) haha
“When you have a passion for your job, you don’t really think of it as work.”
Out of everything you draw, how much do you keep to sell vs. throw away?Usually everything I illustrate becomes a print and I sell out of it! :)
Describe your work schedule.As a business owner, my schedule varies. I work crazy hours, sometimes until 2 am. Because I LOVE what I do, I’m always working. When you have a passion for your job you don’t really think of it as work. Illustrating is more of an escape, I get lost in the world of drawing. In addition to illustrating, I’m also responsible for completing customer orders, emailing, answering Etsy messages, conversing back and forth with clients, following up with clients, advertising, attending craft fairs, purchasing art supplies, and running all of my social media networks.
Who are the girls in your illustrations? What do they represent?Some of the girls are actual fashion bloggers and others are girls that I create from my imagination. I normally don’t show faces in my illustrations because I feel like it’s more relatable to my audience. I LOVE illustrating hair, so a lot of the times I make that my focal point. I also like to add a lot of movement to my illustrations instead of illustrating the standard fashion illustration, I feel like it adds a little something special and creates a story for each one.
Anything else you would like to add?Do what you LOVE! It makes a world of a difference :)
Like what you see? Connect with Melsy’s Illustrations on social media!
Instagram: Melsysillustrations
Snapchat: Melsysillust
Facebook: Melsy’s Illustrations
Twitter: @Melsymelsys
Pinterest: Melsysillust