👋 Hey Creatives!

Happy Holidays! As we wrap up an absolutely incredible 2025, CatalystEcho and I wanted to take a moment to look back at the journey we’ve taken together.

This year, we launched Art & Inquiry, the “art” podcast that not just another art podcast. Art & inquiry is a creative haven dedicated to curiosity, conversation, and exploring the arts and creative process both from the inside out and outside in. We’ve explored everything from the psychology of color to the preservation of endangered crafts, met incredible artists, and challenged ourselves (and you!) to create something new.

Whether you are looking to catch up on an episode you missed during the holiday break, or want to revisit a favorite moment, we’ve compiled the ultimate Season 1 gift guide just for you. Grab a cup of Mocha Mousse (hot cocoa works, too!), get cozy, and dive into the creative space with us one last time in 2025.

🎥 Art & Inquiry Season 1

We’ve wrapped up every single episode, bonus video, and artist prompt from our incredible first season. Dive back into your favorite creative conversations with direct links to watch, listen, and explore the detailed companion guides.

But wait, there’s more! You still have a chance to share your artwork for any of the 2025 #ArtInqMe artist prompts. Tag @art_inq and use #ArtInqMe for a shot at being featured in the Art Show and sharing your unique art and story with our community!

🎄 The Official Podcast Trailer

The mission statement that started it all.

• Hosts: MELOGRAPHICS & CatalystEcho

☕ Episode 2501: Mocha Mousse — Color of the Year 2025

Diving deep into Pantone’s choice for 2025 and its influence on design.

• Inside the Episode: 2501 Companion Guide
• #ArtInqMe Artist Prompt: “Mocha Mousse Mastery” — Create something using the Pantone Color of the Year 2025 Mocha Mousse.
• Hosts: MELOGRAPHICS & CatalystEcho

🖋️ Episode 2502: Art of the Letter: From Calligraphy to Typography

Exploring the evolution of text as art, from historical manuscripts to modern design.

• Inside the Episode: 2502 Companion Guide
• #ArtInqMe Artist Prompt: “Be Bold” — Create text-based art that makes a statement.
• Hosts: MELOGRAPHICS & CatalystEcho

✂️ Episode 2503: Collage: Layers of Creativity

The history of collage and discussions on analog vs. digital techniques.

• Inside the Episode: 2503 Companion Guide
• #ArtInqMe Artist Prompt: “Cut. Paste. Create.” — Create your own traditional or digital collage.
• Hosts: MELOGRAPHICS & CatalystEcho

🎁 BONUS Ep 2503: Creator Collab Collage Challenge ft. Vex & Carter

Creator Collab Collage Challenge ft. Vex & Carter

• Hosts/Guests: MELOGRAPHICS & CatalystEcho with Vex & Carter

🧠 Episode 2504: Overcoming Art Block ft. Amber

Actionable advice on breaking through creative barriers and illustrating children’s books.

• Inside the Episode: 2504 Companion Guide
• #ArtInqMe Artist Prompt: “D.I.Y. O.C.” — Create your own original character.
• Hosts/Guests: MELOGRAPHICS & CatalystEcho with Amber

🎁 BONUS Ep 2504: Sneak Peek: Amber’s Book

Inside look at Amber’s upcoming book, Winston & Friends

• Hosts/Guests: MELOGRAPHICS & CatalystEcho with Amber

🤍 Episode 2505: Art, Identity, & Authenticity in the Digital Age ft. Keyah

A powerful conversation on vulnerability, Kintsugi, and emotional art.

• Inside the Episode: 2505 Companion Guide
• #ArtInqMe Artist Prompt: “Empowerment” — Create or share something you made that makes you feel powerful.
• Hosts/Guests: MELOGRAPHICS & CatalystEcho with Keyah

🍋 Episode 2506: Lemons & Lines: Mixing Mediums, Making Art ft. Barbara

Discussion on branding, using AI for workflow, and refreshing your creativity.

• Inside the Episode: 2506 Companion Guide
• #ArtInqMe Artist Prompt: “Mixing Mediums” — Try a new medium or technique, and add a lemon to your art for a creative twist.
• Hosts/Guests: MELOGRAPHICS & CatalystEcho with Barbara

🧵 Episode 2507: Stitches & Stories: Endangered Crafts & Costumes ft. Katrine

Exploring historical costumes, art dolls, and preserving Norwegian textile heritage.

• Inside the Episode: 2507 Companion Guide
• #ArtInqMe Artist Prompt: “Enchantment” — Make and share something that brings you joy.
• Hosts/Guests: MELOGRAPHICS & CatalystEcho with Katrine

🎶 Episode 2508: Off the Charts: Redefining Creativity ft. J Mack Ent.

Multidisciplinary art, living in Japan, “The Artist’s Way,” and deconstructing music.

• Inside the Episode: 2508 Companion Guide
• #ArtInqMe Artist Prompt: “Speak from the Heart” — Share something from the heart without saying or using words.
• Hosts: MELOGRAPHICS & CatalystEcho with J Mack Ent.

🌈 Episode 2509: Decoding the Rainbow: The Art & Science of Color

The Season 1 finale — color theory, harmonies, and accessibility in design.

• Inside the Episode: 2509 Companion Guide
• #ArtInqMe Artist Prompt: “Beyond Your Comfort Colors” — Use your favorite color paired with one you don’t usually use (based on color harmony).
• Hosts: MELOGRAPHICS & CatalystEcho

🎉 Cheers to the New Year!

Thank you for being an essential part of our community this year. Your inquiries, your comments, and especially your incredible #ArtInqMe submissions have made Season 1 more rewarding than we ever imagined.

As we move into the break, we encourage you to rest, reflect, and keep creating in whatever way brings you joy. CatalystEcho and I are already hard at work planning an ambitious Season 2 for 2026, featuring new guests, deeper inquiries, and even better bonuses.

Stay connected with us over the holidays, share your art, and get ready for a brand-new season kicking off next year!

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a creative New Year.

Keep Creating,

❤️ MELO

MELOGRAPHICS

Art & Inquiry | #MadeByMELO

Art & Inquiry | Connect with MELO & Cat

• Catch Up: YouTube Season 1 Playlist
• Explore More: Podcast Episode Companion Guides
• Share Your Art: Tag #ArtInqMe on Bluesky or X!
• Website: art-inquiry.com
• Episodes & Videos: Spotify | YouTube | Podcast App

The 12 Days of Art & Inquiry was originally published in #MadeByMELO on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Spark creativity and explore art and design through this curated collection of books, full of indispensable instruction, guidance, and inspiration. Whether your a freelance artist looking for actionable advice about making a living from your creative work or a typophile who’s fascinated by the ins-and-outs of compositions and typography showcased by top design houses and ad firms — this collection of must-read books is for you. No experience needed, just a curious mind and passion to develop your skills and grow as a creative.

23 Must-Read Books for Creatives

1. “Grid Systems: Principles of Organizing Type” by Kimberly Elam

• Explores the principles of organizing type within the grid system with helpful insights on how to effectively structure and organize typography within a creative work.

2. “Extra Bold” by Ellen Lupton, Jennifer Tobias, Josh A. Halstead, Kaleena Sales, Leslie Xia, and Valentina Vergara

• A comprehensive examination of the important role of typography and layout in graphic design.

3. “How to Be a Rule-Breaking Letterer” by Martina Flor

• Provides guidance on unconventional and innovative approaches and techniques that break traditional rules in lettering.

4. “Graphic Design Theory: Readings from the Field” by Helen Armstrong

• Features a collection of readings, texts, and theoretical evaluations of the multiple aspects of graphic design

5. “Time to Draw Deck” by Sarah Walsh

• A collection of drawing prompts and tools to inspire creativity and expression.

6. “Just Enough Design” by Don Norman

• A fundamental guide to essential aspects and principles of design.

7. “Baseline Shift” by Julie Anixter

• Uncovered the significance of baseline shift in graphic design and aesthetics.

8. “Thoughts on Design” by Paul Rand

• Presents the thoughts and insights of renowned designer, Paul Rand — full of valuable design principles and aesthetics with though-proviking reflections.

9. “How to Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul” by Adrian Shaughnessy

• Provides advice and guidance for aspiring graphic designers on maintaining authenticity in their work with emphasis on balancing creativity and commercial aspects in graphic design.

10. “The Business of Design” by Keith Granet

• Provides a practical advice, resources, and tested approaches to surviving and thriving in the business of design.

11. “Pink Flamingos and Yellow Pages: The Impact of Color on Marketing” by Judy Scott-Kemmis

• Evaluates the influence of color in marketing and its impact on consumer behavior with interesting examples of the psychological effects of color in marketing strategies.

12. “Making the Movement: A Practical Guide to Graphic Design Activism” by Bonnie Siegler

• Provides a practical guide for graphic designers engaging in activism through design with insights and strategies for using design as a tool for social change.

13. “The Senses: Design Beyond Vision” by Ellen Lupton and Andrea Lipps

• Explores design beyond the visual aspects, focusing on the role of other senses in design its impact on user experience.

14. “Graphic Design Rules: 365 Essential Design Dos and Don’ts” by Peter Dawson, John Foster, and Tony Seddon

• Presents essential design dos and don’ts for graphic designers forming a set of practical guidelines and tips for effective graphic design.

15. “Never Use Futura” by Douglas Thomas

• Explores the use of the Futura typeface in design and its impact wuth clever considerations for the use of the Futura typeface in design projects.

16. “Printmaking Bible, Revised Edition” by Ann d’Arcy Hughes and Hebe Vernon-Morris

• Provides a comprehensive guide to printmaking techniques and principles includes practical insights and techniques for printmaking in graphic design.

17. “Creative Business Handbook” by Lisa Congdon

• Explores the intersection of creativity and business in the design industry offering valuable tips to manage the business aspects of a creative career.

18. “The Rules We Break” by Steven Heller and Gail Anderson

• Explores the concept of breaking traditional design rules and conventions through examples of innovative approaches to design.

19. “New Rules Next Week: A Guide to Future-Proofing Your Design Work” by Stefan Sagmeister

• Provides a guide to adapting design work to future trends and changes. Featured helpful guidance on future-proofing design projects and creative strategies.

20. “How Design Makes Us Think: And Feel and Do Things” by Sean Adams

• Explores the psychological and behavioral impact of design on individuals with rich insights into the cognitive and emotional effects of design.

21. “The Art of Ruth Carter: Costume Design for Film and Television” by Ruth Carter

• Showcases the art of costume design by Ruth Carter in film and television. Explored the creative process and artistry of costume design.

22. “Black, Brown + Latinx Design Educators: Conversations on Design and Race” by Kelly Walters

• Features conversations on design and race with Black, Brown, and Latinx design educators. Provides insights into the intersection of diversity and design education.

23. “Type on Screen: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Developers, and Students” by Ellen Lupton

• Offers a critical guide for understanding type in digital design contexts. Provides insights and guidance for effectively using type in digital design.

Growing as a creative requires more than just creating art and finding inspiration. Hope you find the time to embrace the enriching words of wisdom and foundational knowledge these top graphic design books have to offer artists of all skill levels. Happy Creating!

#MadeByMELO Creative Life Giveaway — March 2024

Want a chance to win the entire 23 ebook collection?

Now through 3/31/24, enter for the #MadeByMELO Creative Life Giveaway for your chance to win the entire curated collection of graphic design ebooks — a $450+ prize value*

⭐️ ENTER NOW ⭐️

23 Must-Read Graphic Design Books & Giveaway | #MadeByMELO Creative Life Contest 3/1-3/31/24

Additional Notes

ABOUT THIS ARTICLE: This post was originally published in the #MadeByMELO Creative News & How-tos Blog by MELOGRAPHICS. CLICK HERE to read the original article, get a secret code to unlock bonus entries in the contest and preview the books.

GIVEAWAY: #MadeByMELO Creative Life Giveaway Contest Period: 3/1/24–3/31/24. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Must by 18yo+ with valid email address to enter. Sponsored solely by MELOGRAPHICS. Not endorsed by or affiliated with the book publishers, authors, Medium, or social media platforms. Trademarks, images, and logos belong to the respective copyright holder. See official rules for details: melo.graphics/creativelife.

23 Must-Read Graphic Design & Artistic Inspiration Books for Creatives was originally published in #MadeByMELO on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

December 11, 2023

Ready to make it snow this season?

Draw a perfect snowflake in Procreate then turn it into a custom Procreate Brush Stamp with my new FREE DIY KIT AND EASY TUTORIAL!

❄️ DIY PROCREATE SNOWFLAKE STAMP BRUSH KIT | #MADEBYMELO

CLICK HERE to sign up for the #MadeByMELO NICE LIST (email) and get more holiday gifts for free this season!

❄️ GET THE FREE KIT ❄️

👉CLICK HERE

Create the perfect snowflake stamp brush with the #MadeByMELO Procreate DIY Snowflake Stamp Brush Kit featuring the Snowflake Procreate file (.procreate), Powder N Pine Color Palette (.swatches), and Signature MELO OUTliner Procreate Brush (.brushset) featured in the Easy Snowflake & Stamp Brush Tutorial . This custom Procreate Brush Kit, professionally crafted by MELOGRAPHICShas everything you need to draw the perfect snowflake and create a custom Procreate Stamp Brush in minutes! Checkout the titorial and post with all the info and easy step-by-step instructions!

CHECK OUT THE EASY TUTORIAL

👉 Tutorial & Instructions

Join the MELO CREW to get this brush and more custom Procreate Brush Sets and digital graphics for FREE. JOIN NOW>

Happy Creating!

❤️MELO

MELOGRAPHICS

#MadeByMELO Artist Shop | MadeByMELO.art

Easy Procreate Snowflake Tutorial + FREE DIY Stamp Brush Kit was originally published in #MadeByMELO on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.