The illustrations of Mélanie Johnsson

Mélanie Johnsson is a graphic designer, illustrator and letterer from Margate, UK. In issue 31 she tells us a bit more about her work. 

How did your career develop?

After graduating from art school in Paris, France, I started doing little graphic design jobs as a freelancer while traveling around the globe for nearly a year. I loved traveling, but I was itching to settle somewhere. I got a job as a junior graphic designer in London, UK. That really helped me grow and develop some of the skills I have today. While in London, I had lots of free time to explore new things: I got into lettering and refined my illustration work. I left my job after a year because I wanted to make it on my own. Going freelance is the best move I ever made.

Describe your creative process…

I love to experiment as I believe that’s how the magic happens. If I need to work on a big project and have to come up with many ideas, I make sure I have a full day ahead of me free of anything else in order to work. I also usually start working very early in the morning, as that’s when I’m the most creative. The work I do is a huge part of who I am, and I simply couldn’t do anything else. I’ll always create because I need it to feel alive and happy.