The Designer Scrapbook: A Graphic Design Insider Blog by Melody Elizabeth

Welcome to The Designer Scrapbook; a blog where I spill all the secrets of graphic design and give you an insider's perspective of the industry. 👀

Now, before we get into the tea-spilling and need-to-know's that is this blog, you should probably know who I am and what this blog is. 🤔

What is The Designer Scrapbook all about?

This blog is really going to be about anything and everything graphic design! It's a true inside look at life as a young graphic designer who, let's face it, has a lot to learn BUT also a ton to share.

It's all in the name, The Designer Scrapbook. I'll be sharing all my genuine thoughts, ideas, insights, and personal experiences under the wide umbrella that is design. 

If you are interested in learning about my personal experience of studying graphic design for three years, are a graphic designer who wants to utilize their skills and make extra income, are a business that needs some advice on how to implement their branding on social media, or are just curious about the general design principles, you've come to the right place! 🤩

Me, myself, and Melody Elizabeth

Onto the fun part, I want to introduce my brand and, well, me, Melody Elizabeth.

Yes, the brand is my name, but more importantly, an authentic representation of myself as a designer, human being, and Gen Zer who is eager to educate AND learn.

As a woman in business, a creative designer, and a normal person who has feelings, it is important to me to be authentic in how I portray myself, my brand, and my interactions with clients. How you see my brand portrayed and communicated online, and in person, is how I am! I believe it's SO important to be genuine with people to make that personal connection and maintain integrity.

Let's face it, we're tired of brands being fake, right??

I love seeing real human emotions portrayed on social media because I relate. 😌

The backstory

It's not an introductory blog without a backstory, is it!? You may be wondering (or not, I'm not offended) how I came to be a graphic designer or even decide on this creative path. Well, let's just say it was an impulse decision towards the end of my last year of high school.

Granted, there was some reasoning behind the decision but, at the time, I never even considered a career in graphic design before.

Originally, I planned to pursue business marketing because I've always been entrepreneurial. Growing up, I tried out many business ideas that you'd expect from an 8-year-old; a neighbourhood lemonade stand, a bake sale at church, and selling Christmas cards to the family, among other short-lasting side hustles. In high school, my side hustles lasted a little longer and were a wee bit more thought-out. We're talking about a greeting card and sticker shop on Etsy and a Poshmark closet where I sold clothing.

So, my path was set on a business-related career, right?

Wrong. 😬

Looking at the list of side hustles I've tried out over the years, you may notice a bit of a creative theme. Mainly, my Etsy shop where I sold all sorts of cards and stickers using my Cricut machine and printer. Clearly, I've always had a bit of a creative side.

However, I NEVER thought I would actually go to college to study in an art-related field. Cause, let's be real, for most people it's not the most financially rewarding career. 🫠

When I heard about this program called 'Graphic Design' in grade 12, I thought it couldn't be true. Turns out that being a graphic designer is a real career that could actually be sustainable, who knew? 

...And so it begins.

Fast forward to today

After three years of study and a year of working as a graphic designer, here I am studying social media marketing!

'Wait, what happened?', you may ask.

Well, I still love graphic design, except I want to learn more and gain marketing experience so I might reach other brands who want to market themselves as well. Plus, as a Gen Zer, you can guess that I use social media a lot.

Social media is a great tool for engaging with so many different communities and reaching people of all backgrounds, cultures, and areas of life.

I hope you tag along on my journey with The Designer Scrapbook! Let's learn new things together. 🤝

~ Mel