About

Melissa Rachel Black is an illustrator living in Portland, OR with her cat Oreo Pie, currently creating prints to help folks heal and feel well, for its own sake and because when we feel well, we can help others and our world.

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I studied Fine Art at the University of California Santa Cruz from 2006-2010, with a study abroad year for graphic design at the University of Leeds in England in 2009.

I worked as a graphic designer of wedding invitations in Berlin, Germany in 2010, where I also began my own company for the first time selling vector illustrations.

I've operated as a letterpress printer for a greeting card company.

I started my own greeting card company, where I wholesaled in 50+ stores around the globe.

I created a deck of inspiration art cards called "Clarity Cards", to help ease anxiety and gain clarity and inspiration throughout our days.

I've been happily drawing pet portraits since 2013, and have now expanded to family and house portraits. I am absolutely and wholeheartedly obsessed with animals and it is a huge passion to create these keepsakes for folks.

My latest project, "Notes to Self/Healing Art" is a collection of photography+design aimed to help us heal. I believe that when we feel good, we can help others too, and the world needs us right now. 

I've also spent a huge portion of my life with chronic physical and mental disabilities, and am extremely passionate about helping others feel their best, primarily through art and words.