The Artist
Melissa Solley
Melissa Solley is a life-long artist and creative professional residing in Seattle, Washington. She recently graduated from the Academy of Art University, majoring in Illustration with Comic Emphasis. . Melissa began showing her artwork with Red Door Studio Gallery in 2017, when she was discovered by owner (and talented mixed media artist) Mary Lecker. Her work has been featured both on stage and in independent films. Her first illustrated children's book, "Disco Loves to Dance" by Brian Barlics, was published in Spring of 2020. Melissa's primary career goal is to remove the word "or" from her life, seeking to fully commit to a mentality of abundance and inclusion -- by embodying "and."
Charcoal & Graphite
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Paintings
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Concept Art, Ideation, and Comics
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Game Design Elements
Summary
The common thread across which ties together Melissa Solley's artwork is a love for beauty, emotional intensity, and an appreciation for spiritual authenticity. As a professional artist, she seeks to do (and share) her vision that business, art, and integrity are essential to achieving life-long joy and fulfillment.
Experience
Freelance Illustrator & Graphic Designer
Develops decorative and design focused imagery for clients, including children's books.
Disco Loves to Dance by Brian Barlics.
Featured Artist with
Red Door Art Studio Gallery
A featured artist on the digital location Red Door Art Studio Gallery, contributing as both an author and visual artist with the gallery.
Group Show at Red Door Studio Gallery
One of several artist selected to display in a mixed media showcase in Sacramento, California.
Education
Illustration (A.A.)
- Comic Emphasis
Academy of Art University
Originally a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) student, Melissa Solley transferred to the Associate of Arts (A.A.) program so she could obtain her A.A. on her journey to her B.F.A.
Skills & Proficiencies
Adobe Creative Cloud
Proficiency and understanding of the following programs for illustration.
Illustration (Traditional Media)
Primary subjects include portraiture, concept art, and comic illustration in the following media:
Graphite
Charcoal
Gouache
Watercolor
Illustration
(Digital)
Creates visual imagery to convey concept, story, and aesthetic beauty using the following tools:
Wacom Cintiq
iPad Pro and Apple Pencil.
