Katie Melnick

Tell us about your career journey and how you ended up here. 

Starting my career in the Properties department at American Greetings, I was thrilled to work on some of the most beloved toy brands of all time, like Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake. After almost three years, I decided to take my career to the next level by transitioning to full-time freelance work. I continued to work in the toy industry, collaborating with iconic brands such as My Little Pony and Baby Alive. During this time, I also had the incredible opportunity to work with Lovepop Cards and contribute to some of their top-selling cards sold globally. This experience allowed me to hone my creative skills and expand my professional network, which has been invaluable in my career journey. I am grateful for every experience that has brought me to where I am today and excited for what's to come.

Describe yourself in 5-7 words - have fun with it!

Typography Lover, Traveler, Lifelong Learner, Outdoor Adventurer.

Tell us about a time when you thrived at work, and what you learned about yourself from that experience.

One of the times when I thrived at work was when I was tasked with leading a high-stakes project that required a tremendous amount of attention to detail, collaboration, and creativity. Through this experience, I learned that I am at my best when I am working in a team that values and leverages my strengths. I discovered that I have a knack for bringing people together, facilitating productive discussions, and finding innovative solutions to complex challenges. Additionally, I learned that I thrive under pressure and that I am capable of producing my best work when the stakes are high. This experience helped me grow both personally and professionally, and I continue to draw upon the lessons learned from it to this day.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Seeing my work on store shelves and at trade shows is an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience. It fills me with a great sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that the products I have designed are making an impact in the world. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and creativity that I bring to my craft, and it motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Knowing that my work is reaching and resonating with people is an indescribable feeling, and it inspires me to strive for even greater success in the future.

How about when you "turn off" and go home?

Any hobbies or fun activities you are involved in?When I'm not working, you can usually find me hiking with my adventurous German Shepherd, Saaz. We love exploring the trails in the Cuyahoga National Park and soaking up all the stunning natural scenery. When I'm not getting my nature fix, I enjoy hitting up local breweries with my husband, Jasen. Trying new craft beers is always a fun adventure, and there are a lot to choose from around Cleveland. Whether we're sipping on IPAs or stouts, we always have a great time.

Any must-read, must-watch or must-follow recomendations?

I've been reading a lot of marketing books lately (in preparation for launching my own website) and loved everything I read by Dan Miller.