We are so excited about our latest collaboration with Melissa Donne!

We asked her a few questions about her work and process. Check out our interview in full below..

Introducing yourself...

I'm an illustrator and surface pattern designer who is obsessed with colour! I design bright and playful artwork which aims to spread joy and make people smile.

Have you always been an illustrator, and if not, how did you get into the career you have now?

I graduated in fashion design (almost 20 years ago!) but decided I didn't want to pursue a creative career at that point so went on to study for a Masters degree in Film Theory. I absolutely loved the academic life and continued to study for a PhD, however after a couple of years I was itching to return to my creative roots. Sadly this didn't happen straight away and it wasn't until I had my son 9 years go that I started to think of ways to get back to more creative pursuits. I began to study for a PGCE and my plan was to teach Art at college. Again it turned out to be the wrong decision! However it was the push I needed to start my own business. I bought an Ipad in 2019 and started to learn to draw. I began selling prints and cards I had designed on Etsy and my business really started to take off from there. Recently I've pivoted more towards undertaking commissions and licensing my work. It's been a long journey but I'm so glad I took the leap and now work as an illustrator full-time.

Where are you based? What’s it like, and how does the city inspire you?

I'm based in Southampton, but I'm originally from Portsmouth. I'm often torn between staying in Southampton or returning to Portsmouth mainly because I miss the seaside! Southampton is quite a large city and it's cultural scene has definitely improved since I moved here 25 years ago. There are a number of art galleries and creative events and I'm part of a creative collective that put on makers markets in Southampton. This has really helped me to feel connected to the culture there and I love seeing the variety of talent we have in the City - it's so inspiring.

What’s your creative process? What tools to do you use to create your images?

I tend to go straight in and draw digitally in Procreate on my Ipad. A lot of my work has an abstract feel and I rarely draw from life, it's all cooked up in my head! Because of this I tend to experiment quite a lot and revise a lot of my work until I'm completely happy with it. Digital artwork suits my perfectionist side thanks to the handy undo gesture! I still sometimes work in a sketchbook when I have time and I'm also learning new programmes at the moment such as Illustrator and Indesign. I love learning new skills and it all feeds into my creative process to constantly try new things.

What are you mostly inspired by when creating work?

I am obsessed with all things botanical and food related - these are the two main themes most present in my work. I like to make them different from traditional illustration related to these themes, so I often choose bold and clashing colour palettes or add intricate details to make them unique to me.

Do you WFH, or have a studio space?

I work from home in a small space that I recently reorganised and I have to say its become my happy place! I have everything I need and am surrounded by amazing artwork by some of my favourite illustrators. I have often toyed with renting a studio space but to be honest I feel so comfortable at home that I think I'll stay put. I try to remain sociable by connecting with other creatives online since WFH can be quite isolating.

What do you listen to when you make work?

I have the same two playlists on repeat! My husband is always teasing me that I need to listen to new music but I'm very much a creature of habit so I always return to my favourites - including Slowdive, Wolf Alice, Lana del Rey and Angel Olsen.

What is your dream collab?

Well Rumble Cards was very much on my list! I was so happy to collaborate on a collection for a brand that places artist collaborations at the heart of what they do. Additionally I would have to say a collection with Baggu - I am obsessed. They have the most playful and fun patterns and I can attest to the quality (since I own countless bags and accessories by them!).

What's your favourite design you've created for our collab?

I love the fruit card because the colour palette is dreamy and the composition works so well. I'm also very fond of the border which really frames the illustration. I also like that it would work as a mini-print as well as an all-occasion card.