Today we’d like to introduce you to Melinda Alcala.
Hi Melinda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello! My name is Melinda Alcala and I am an Armenian Mexican Illustrator based in the LA/OC area. My passion for creativity sprouted from an early age- in kindergarten, my free time was filled with watching children’s shows such as “Cailou,” “Little Bill,” “Dragon Tales,” and “Berenstain Bears,” with my grandmother and twin sister. The styles and narratives of each show stuck with me and subconsciously inspired me to now pursue a future in illustration for animated children’s shows.
All throughout elementary, middle, and high school my love of the arts blossomed as I took art classes on the weekends, enrolled in art electives in middle school, and created the first animation club in high school. Upon senior year of high school, as most of my classmates were looking into medical and business schools, I prepared my portfolio, looked for figure drawing classes to better my work, and attended Art Center College of Design in the Summer to embark on my journey as an artist.
Currently, I am a senior pursuing my BFA in Illustration at California State University, Fullerton and am the Vice President of the largest Animation/Illustration club there: The Pencil Mileage Club! It has truly been such a great privilege learning from renowned professors and meeting the greatest group of friends I could’ve ever asked for. I have grown and learned so much from my wonderful professors, friends, and club-mates, and thank them all for their continued support and love. I cannot wait to see where life takes us from here, and look forward to working aside my friends in the near future.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Just as for many creatives, the decision and commitment to pursuing art as a profession has not always been a smooth road. In the beginning, there are many unknowns: What will my future look like as an artist, what do art classes look like, what is it specifically I would like to focus on as an artist, will I be financially stable to enjoy art and life, and many other questions that you cannot help but think of especially as visual artists. Although these thoughts may come and go, and other hardships may come along during college, working with clients, or when applying to artistic opportunities, it is all a part of the learning process as an artist. Rather than looking at hard times as negatives, I look at them as opportunities to reflect and grow. In the end, I chose this path because it is what I sincerely love to do no matter the difficulties that arise from time to time. The hard days will pass, and timing and persistence will open new doors I never expected.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Towards the end of 2020, I created an online shop called Little Shop of Colors to sell my artwork in the form of stickers and future prints and apparel! Aside from running my store, I also work with businesses for logo branding, illustrations, and other fun projects. One of my most recent collaborations includes working on an orchestral animation for the beloved children’s story “The Little Prince” with Directing Conductor Nina Crecia as a part of her Master’s thesis project. I am excited to continue telling original stories through my senior portfolio, to tell my cultural story through created characters and designs, and look to create an original children’s book very soon!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
As a child, I was always daring- I loved seeking adventure even if lead to injuries. I was creative, curious, and extremely silly. I always enjoyed the time I spent with my sister (and still do until this day), drawing without care, putting on small plays for our parents! It is my goal now to keep that child-like wonder alive through my work to spread heartwarming and fun stories to all who come across my work.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://vintagemelinda13.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art.bymelinda/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/vintagemelinda_
- Other: https://littleshopofcolors.bigcartel.com
