Honestly, it was never my plan to become a graphic designer. I thought I wanted to be an interior designer, so I busted my butt in a demanding three-year program, pulling all-nighters on the regular, and then eagerly jumped into a “career”. I thought I had made it.

At the same time, I started doing small side jobs for family and friends, designing wedding and baby shower invitations, logos for blogs, party themes and decorations. I’d spend hours figuring out all the tricks in Illustrator and InDesign, experimenting with layout, learning to trust myself and my skill set. When my employer started handing me projects that cashed in on my newly-acquired skill sets, I knew it was time to step it up, and I enrolled in a graphic design course.

After graduating, I landed a full-time job with the City of Ottawa in graphic design and communications, and at the same time started building my side-hustle clientele. I can honestly say that now, a decade after having graduated that Interior Design program, I am living my dream with Melissa Dawn Design.

When I’m not captivated by design and piecing together a new brand, I’m with the other loves of my life, my incredible partner Dave and our son, Colton. We can usually be found in our veggie garden, sitting around a campfire with family and friends, or aimlessly exploring the woods around our log home!