Melody Hansen
Melody Hansen
Creative Director / Illustrator / Graphic Designer / Writer
Los Angeles, CA
www.melody-hansen.com
www.becausehonestly.com
www.jumellesagency.com
instagram @themelodyh
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a multi-disciplinary artist, creative director, illustrator, graphic designer, and writer.”
I’ve been a freelance artist and graphic designer for 9 years now, and have worked on a variety of projects including music album artwork and rollouts, merch, branding and web layouts, artwork for apparel, book illustrations, and packaging. I have also launched a multi-disciplinary studio Jumelles with my sister, Gabriela Hansen, for creative direction and film work.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I was on Neopets when I was 13/14 years old, and that’s where I started designing graphics for myself and strangers. I taught myself HTML and made my own website. In high school, my sister and I would have random photoshoots in our basement for fun, we started posting photos then. in 2010, I went to Ontario College of Art and Design for graphic design only to drop out a year and a half into the program. I needed space to breathe. That’s when I decided to explore art and design the way I wanted to create it and figure out what I enjoyed about it. I began freelancing in 2012.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
Good communication and respect. Creative industries can move very fast and feel a bit chaotic and fake at times, and with so much going on, being a good communicator is important. When working on any project, I make sure to communicate well and be flexible when plans change. And I believe treating every person with respect in any work context is extremely important.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I’m currently working as creative director and content creator for a new mental health platform, The Human Condition. Mental health has been a consistent theme throughout my personal work and it’s always a pleasure to be able to combine my creativity and life perspectives with my passion for mental wellness. I’m also working with my sister to explore and produce new film work, for the intention of working on creative campaigns in the near future.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I like contrasts and bringing something bold into a minimal space. There’s something quirky and childlike about my style, especially when it comes to my personal artwork. I believe being human is messy and imperfect, sometimes chaotic and untamed, and I like embracing that humanness in my work. I also like to bring into focus the small details of everyday life and explore the uncomfortable feelings we don’t like to talk about. A few years ago, I put out a book of personal illustrations and one-line thoughts titled, “Because, Honestly”, that I think represents my current style well.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Create more large-scale work that I create by hand. I would also love to co-host workshops and events with other artists. I’ve hosted small workshops and events in the past and have always loved creating a safe space for the community.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Wanting to do a lot, but not having the brain capacity to take it all on.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Organize my schedule and help me keep up with it. E-mails. Brainstorm with me.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Elementary thru high school. To my little anxious self, I’d tell her there’s nothing to fear. And don’t hold back on sharing your ideas, because you have something valuable to say.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would sit with a director and screenwriter and talk about life and all the many ways to tell stories.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’d love to work on more campaigns in music or fashion, brands or individual artists, with a focus on the overall creative direction, storytelling and/or visuals, especially if there’s room to be weird and fun. I enjoy illustrating for publications/books, and always welcome projects involving creating artwork for merchandise or clothing.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I’ve been really enjoying collaborating with clothing brands creating artwork for apparel, and I’d love to create a clothing collection with an accompanying short film and campaign.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
E-mail me :) - info@melody-hansen.com
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Museums, watching movies and documentaries, and spending time with other artists.
This member profile was originally published in June 2017, Updated September 2021.