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Hello, and Welcome!

Hi, I’m Mel! Illustrator, Surface Pattern Designer & Creative Educator based in Wellington, New Zealand (the coolest capital in the world).

I illustrate children’s books, design playful patterns for fabric, stationery, and kids’ products—and teach surface pattern design to hundreds of thousands of students around the world.

Join my community of 75k Artists today.

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    HOW I WORK WITH ARTISTS

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    FREEBIES

    Dive into my ever-expanding library of FREE resources, available to you anytime! You'll find a treasure trove of tutorials, practical printables, inspiring digital downloads, curated color palettes, and so much more. Whether you're looking to learn a new technique, find design inspiration, or simply add a creative boost to your day, these resources are designed to support your journey.

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    EXPLORE MY COURSES

    Let's create something amazing together! My courses on Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, and Adobe Photoshop are designed to guide you through mastering essential tools, crafting stunning patterns, and exploring the magic of illustration. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, you'll find inspiration and support to bring your creative visions to life.

    EXPLORE COURSES
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    JOIN MY COMMUNITY

    Are you looking for a community to support and guide you? My member-based community provides mentorship and resources for surface pattern designers at all stages of their careers. Connect with other surface pattern designers who speak your language and share your passion for creating and licensing patterns.

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    FREE 30 PAGE EBOOK

    4 ESSENTIAL STEPS TO GROW YOUR SURFACE PATTERN DESIGN CAREER (NOW)

    Nurture your creative dreams by learning how to setup your creative surface pattern design business for success.

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      Hello, I’m Mel

      Illustrator & Surface Pattern Designer

      Hi there! I'm Mel, and while I'm originally from beautiful New Zealand, I've spent much of my professional life immersed in the vibrant creative scene of Australia. As an illustrator and surface pattern designer, I've had the incredible opportunity to see my art featured on products around the world.

      In 2018, I followed my passion for storytelling and ventured into children's illustration. I was absolutely thrilled when my debut picture book, "A Home for Luna," received the 2020 Rubery Book Award.

      Sharing my knowledge and connecting with fellow creatives is something I truly love. I'm a top teacher on Skillshare, where I've had the pleasure of guiding over 75,000 students. And through my own learning platform, Learn with Mel, I've been fortunate enough to inspire the careers hundreds of talented artists and surface pattern designers in my signature course, ‘The Art & Joy of Surface Pattern Design.’ I'm so excited to continue sharing my love for design and helping others bring their creative visions to life!"

      Learn more

      Latest on YouTube

      Checkout my latest YouTube videos

      How Children’s Illustration and Surface Pattern Design compliment each other

      How to Make Cool Herringbone Patterns in Illustrator!

      How to Make $10,000 a Month Licensing Patterns!

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      Get tips, news and class announcements from Mel delivered to your inbox.