melanie mikecz
Children's Illustrator
How and why did you decide to pursue illustration as your career?
I began my professional career as a graphic designer and in-house illustrator. However, I struggled to fulfill multiple roles at once. Adapting my illustration style to each unique project was challenging. I enjoyed the design work, but I missed the creativity of drawing. So, I spent my evenings and weekends developing my own illustration style and technique. Over a few years, I slowly transitioned into a full-time freelance illustrator.
Have you always loved to draw?
When I was little, my mom would buy butcher paper by the roll. She would unroll a sheet across the entire kitchen table and give me some crayons and markers, letting me go to town. I also remember always choosing to color during free time in kindergarten, doodling pandas (my favorite animal) in my notebooks in grade school, and taking art classes during summer break. So, yes, I always loved to draw. I was fortunate to have parents and teachers who supported my affinity for art throughout my childhood.
Do you have a favourite picture book or recall one of the first picture books you saw?
"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle is undoubtedly one of my all-time favorite picture books. As a child, I was captivated by the simple yet profound story of a little caterpillar's journey towards becoming a beautiful butterfly. The book's illustrations are vibrant and playful, without being overly complex. It's no surprise that young artists have been inspired by Eric Carle's childlike illustrations for generations.
What is your favourite medium to work with and why?
I use both acrylic paint and digital media to create my own artwork. I love the texture and imperfections of painting, but I also make a lot of mistakes. Digital media gives me the flexibility to experiment with different color schemes and compositions without any consequences. By using layers, I can easily iterate and modify my work, and I always have the option of going back to a previous version.
