About Me

Hi! I'm Mel Schroeder, a freelance Illustrator and college grade Concept Art teacher to animation students.

I have a degree in Animation and Digital Arts and I've worked on all sorts of Illustration and children book collaborations as well as covers and editorial pieces.

I live with my husband, our three beautiful dogs (German Shepherds Kala and Porthos and our Rough Collie Pan) and a chubby squirrel (Totoro).

I've been moved by art and literature since I can remember, my favorite books are the ones which make you travel to whimsical worlds so good that you forget real life for a while.

Working Process & Influences

I like using a variety of media while working, specially during the early stages of a project.

I love sketching and developing concept art traditionally, mainly with pencil and gouache, and then bringing everything together digitally at the end.

My art is strongly influenced by what I read and what I love. Some of my passions and interests revolve around pop culture, science fiction, and fantasy novels.

My favorite author of all time is Jules Verne, while others like Dr. Seuss, Tolkien, Frank L. Baum, Lewis Carroll, George R. R. Martin, Stephen King, and Laura Gallego hold a very special place in my heart.

publications & collaborations

Charli Explores STEM Series

Vicki Scott Burns

Inside illustrations