Smile! You Are Exactly Where You Should Be
shop updates, studio scenes, and more. read all about it.
Mel Andrel is a self taught artist and graphic designer based in Portland, Maine. Thank you so much for following along my free newsletter.
EXTRA EXTRA
Friday was my birthday. Leading up to it I felt a lot of sadness. Getting older does not scare me, however, I think as time passes it becomes easier to have unrealistic expectations for ourselves. Comparison creeps up and you wonder if you’ve done everything you could have or if you’re falling behind on some big mysterious thing.
It is easy to compare yourself to others without context and, time, like most oppressive structures, is merely a construct. Today I am here to remind you that you are exactly where you should be.
A couple lessons I’ve learned while 27:
Everything doesn’t have to happen right now.
There is enough time.
My sketchbook has been getting a lot of action lately. I used to avoid traditional drawing because the thought of scanning my art and editing it overwhelmed me. Then I remembered not all my art needs to be sold. Some of it can just live in my sketchbook and exist just for me. Crazy concept.
WORK / PLAY:
Saudade Flore opens this Friday at MECA and will carry all of my printed goods! I am so honored and excited to be a part of this shop. If you’re local, come party during first friday and treat yourself to something nice.
Speaking of flowers… I have met my goal for crop top pre-orders and they are in production! I’m overjoyed and grateful for the orders and I’m working hard to fulfill all of them over the next week. Only a few orders are needed for dad hats to get those going as well!
Another great way to support me as a full time artist is by joining my patreon community. June mailed rewards range from $5-15 and are super sweet. Each month I create exclusive postcards, stickers, and behind the scenes content like podcasts, videos and downloads for my patrons. A monthly commitment is never required, but always appreciated :>)
PS. I’m booking new clients! Slide into my inbox if you —or a friend —are looking for branding, creative direction, merch, packaging projects &/or art collaborations. I cannot wait to hear all your fun ideas! 🤹🏻
SHOW & TELL:
I’ve been watching Love Village on Netflix, which has the same hosts as one of my all time favorite reality shows, Ainori Love Wagon. It’s a Japanese dating show following sixteen singles ages 40-60 living together in a house in the mountains. If you’re familiar with the distinct style and tone of Japanese reality shows, you’ll love it. It’s very wholesome.
This bird that mimics car alarms, chain saws and babies crying…
UPCOMING EVENTS:
6/03 • Feel Good Funk Fest @ Aprés • 2-7pm
6/16 • Queer Makers Market @ Austin Street Brewery • 4-7pm
7/07 • First Friday Pop Up @ Saudade • TBA
7/29 • Coveside Market @ Coveside Coffee • 10-2pm
XOXO,
🌀Email: hello@melandrel.com