Since childhood, art has always been a big part of Melissa's life. From music to photography
her interests and talents prove her a well rounded artist. Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in
Jersey, she has relocated several times and finally earned her BFA in Graphic Design from
 Jersey City University in 2006. After graduation she freelanced for a photographer and soon
after relocated back to New York to work for Symphony Designs in Westbury where she     
learned more about the fashion industry and the process of textile design.                        

    Since then she has freelanced for numerous companies and clients within the New York area.
  In 2008 she became the designer for Petite Picasso, a company where preserving children's
artwork was its main focus. It's here she formed a new found love for book design.           

     Living an eco-friendly life and eating organic/natural foods plays an important role in Melissa's
    projects and her career. Since January of 2010 she has worked with Patch.com and now has
    several columns ranging from healthy living to diy design. Her personal projects Revolt, where
       she shares information on living green, animal rights and eco- friendly products, and The Design
    Inspirationalist, a collection of design and DIY tips for interiors and events, is how she shares
    her knowledge and inspiring ideas for all around better living. The artist also works alongside  
        color expert Kate Smith as her designer. You can find Melissa's handmade creations and original
photographs at her Etsy shop, Gray Star Design.                                                            

      The artist presently resides in Long Island with her fiance Dan Arena and dog Olive. Their future
plans include much success, raising a family and having a farm sanctuary.