Central MA Up + Comer: Graphic Designer Nicole Melone

Thursday, May 08, 2014

Susan Wagner, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Nicole Melone, Graphic Designer for Gallery of African Art

Nicole Melone is a graduate of Framingham State University with a Bachelors Degree, Communication Arts; Visual Communications; Graphic Design. She has served as a freelance graphic designer for a multitude of small businesses as well as served as graphic designer for Brandeis University, Elissa Traher Design and the New England Book Show where she was also the Assistant Art Director. She is currently the graphic designer for Gallery of African Art.

SW: What is a day like at the Gallery of African Art?

NM: Everyday in the Gallery is completely different. One day we will have a lively tour and drum class field trip, and another will be quiet with the handful of visitors enjoying the gallery on their own. The range of visitors we have is wide, some travel from far away to see our collection and others stumble in by chance. Either way it’s always wonderful to hear their stories and their connection to Africa and its culture, especially when it’s that very visit that has sparked their interest

SW: What led you to this career path?

NM: I have always been creative and enjoyed solving problems and have since realized the power of successful design. I now find great joy in giving this power to others with my work. By being able to stand out and be accurately represented by a visual presence is a valuable advantage to any business or organization. As a freelancer I have found myself choosing to work with individuals and small local businesses that I can be passionate about, for example businesses that focus on education, arts, humanity, community and other all-around good causes.

SW: What do you feel stands your work out?

NM: I am very driven to produce high quality work. Details are important to me in creating design and art on a deeper level. Not only is design aesthetic, but I think it has the potential to really improve the world around us, which is my main objective. Seeing my talents result in a positive impact towards an individual or a community is what I want to achieve as a designer.

SW: What is on the drawing board for Gallery of African Art for 2014?

NM: In conjunction with Crocodile River Music(CRM), also steered by our director Zach Combs, 2014 will be full of community events and concerts highlighting the energetic music and colorful culture of Africa. We also have many Residencies booked for the 2014-15 school year where CRM brings all this and more to schools in the region through our African Arts in Education programming. Find more information on these programs and events on our facebook and at http://www.galleryofafricanart.org!

SW: Any other projects that you are involved with beyond the Gallery?

NM: There are always things brewing in a creative mind. Nothing is in the works as of right now but I really hope to accomplish some community art installations this year including some environmental art/design.

SW: Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?

While being constantly inspired by the people I meet in life, it’s hard to give credit to any one person for being my biggest influence. Professionally, I would have to say my former professor and current friend, Stephanie Grey who has really opened the doors into the creative world of graphic design is always someone I turn to for advice and inspiration. Otherwise, my family, my very large family, is always influencing and inspiring me with their stories, experiences, outlooks on life and never ending love and support!

SW: How do you spend your free time?

I spend most of my free time outdoors hiking and exploring with my partner in crime, my dog, Archie. I also enjoy boxing, rock climbing, traveling and practicing mindfulness.

SW: Are you involved in the community? If so, how?

Currently, I sit on the board of a downtown merchants association in Clinton and volunteer my marketing and design skills whenever I can. I also do occasional community art installations with two of my friends from college, we call ourselves three arrows. We have created multiple installations made entirely of recycled and recyclable materials and displayed them in empty storefronts in downtown areas. Working for the Gallery, which is always hosting or participating in community events, also keeps me connected.

SW: What is your favorite quote?

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This African proverb hangs in our office here at the gallery and it’s a reminder of patience, teamwork and integrity.

SW: What is a fact that few people know about you?

By now most people know about my heritage but it still surprises some when they learn I am bi-lingual. I learned to speak English and Danish simultaneously during my upbringing from my Mother who is originally from Denmark. I am very in tune with my roots, visit family and friends in Denmark often and have a natural affinity to all things Scandinavian, especially design, go figure!

SW: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years I will be exactly where I’m supposed to be! Hopefully a little wiser, more cultured and doing what I love, which will undoubtedly be using my graphic design to give a strong visual voice and presence to organizations and small businesses who are doing good in the world.

GoLocalWorcester presents Central MA Up + Comers, a weekly profile of a member of the next generation as they are making their mark or charting new territory in the Central MA workforce and community. Join us every Thursday for a look at the careers and lifestyles of the local digital generation.

Susan D. Wagner is president of Susan Wagner PR, a boutique public relations firm invested in meeting client's goals with integrity and creativity.

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