Melanie Ryan
Q What do you do?
“I build relationships, help you land projects, and make collaborator introductions.”
Consider me your wing-woman to show up with you, pitch, research and discover new leads and hone in on the right fit. *sales, but it's a longer game and bigger return*
I specialize in working with professionals in the architecture / design and public art industries, and the culture that orbits them. I enjoy teaming with PR agencies in this space as well to curate panels, create content and make introductions with our clients. PR guarantees you press - I guarantee you meetings, source RFPs, and opportunities.
I also host gatherings under good-form.net which is an IRL network (sometimes involving a net) at significantly designed locations with an activity, sport, or playful component to help keep the creative mind in motion. It's a great way for professionals and design enthusiasts alike to connect. I'm passionate about improving the world with design and collaborating with other innovators in the industry. I'm always on the hunt for sustainable material solutions, greening our cities, and improving public space. I'm looking to open a space that showcases that and also develop another residential project, an eco-retreat to rent out in nature. Location TBD, stay tuned!
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I've been consulting for about a decade. Before that, I was in-house doing marketing with a real estate developer and before that, I was with a creative agency overseeing primarily architecture, interior design, and home builder client accounts, and before that, I was directing the events at a contemporary art gallery. All of those opportunities and experiences led me here now, literally combining all of my interests and built a robust network from it.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I'm good with names. No seriously, that's a big chunk of my work and I recommend everyone to get better at remembering people or even more importantly remember what they care about. Whether it's your employer, your clients, or your event sponsors. If you need something from someone, understand what they care about. We are all so distracted with so much to read and check, that people generally aren't thinking about you. So it's my job to remember them, and remember to follow up. The special sauce is in my follow-up. Another big tip is to study the guest list/speakers/sponsors before I attend an event (preferably attend alone or with 1 other person), determine my top 3 people I want to introduce myself or my clients to, and aim to offer value, not just an ask. I make it seem seamless when there is a lot of behind-the-scenes research and preparation. Good conversation is a skill and I can talk to most people about many things.
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm working on finding projects and collaborators for:
ODAA — Architecture + Design Firm
UAP — Public Art Curation + Fabrication
Makers of Sustainable Spaces — Interior Plant + Rooftop Design
Lemon Yellow — Branding + Creative
Q What’s your style?
My personal design style is modern/utilitarian. I enjoy discovering sustainable materials and projects that incorporate greenery. I designed my house to express this.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I'd like to expand my consultancy and scale. I'd like to open a showroom/gathering space and also develop a multiple dwelling eco-project out in nature. I'd like to improve and become more active with hobbies that are social, including golf. A lot of business gets done on the course. I play tennis, and that has been a good one for meeting people in an organic way. Anyone that can help me with any of these, that I'm all ears :)
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Updating my own decks, website, and accounting of course.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Private driver and someone to guide in-person morning mediations for me. (I live in LA)
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
It's the things I didn't do enough of: seek out more mentors, even in my 30's. Build an email list earlier and keep it up to date with tags (I do this now and it's so so important!). Ask for more referrals and reviews before too much time has passed.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Psychology. How to improve cities. Futurism.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
PSYCHICAL SPACE (real estate developers, brokers, people + brands opening creative offices, hospitality projects, retail, etc)
I'm looking for those seeking design for their space, commercial and residential developments.
Art for their public and private space. Artists that need art fabrication.
Those that want to improve urban life and incorporate more parks, greenery, and nature.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
A real estate developer with an aesthetic and vision that incorporates thoughtful architecture with public art and nature.
A technology company that wants to create an office space, that employees want to spend time in (even hybrid time) that builds company culture and inspiration.
An elevated bike path that connects downtown LA with Santa Monica (think the Highline) and there is greenery, a coffee shop, and art along the way (a dream, but here's hoping!).
Q: What is your rate?
I am open and flexible when it comes to working on select cultural and community-minded projects that propel design for the greater good. I've worked as a 'west coast point person' for certain A+D events for x(3) month capacity for example to help with sourcing vendors and participants. It's a brave new world of hybrid work and my adaptability reflects that. Typically, I work under x(6)month - 1-year contracts.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email or let's chat over a glass of orange wine
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Erika and Julian w/ Lemon Yellow for branding/creative output, especially for cultural and built environment professionals.
instagram @lemonyellowstudio
*Nailed the logo for good-form.net ;)
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Finding time for play keeps the creative mind in motion.
This member profile was originally published in March 2022.