Melissa Whitaker is a St. Louis-based illustrator known for her ability to seamlessly merge traditional media with digital techniques, creating striking and emotionally rich artwork. Specializing in portraits and figurative editorial illustration, her work is distinguished by vibrant colors, intricate textures, and a deep narrative quality.
Her creative process is both methodical and intuitive. She incorporates a unique collage technique that blends paper, books, newspapers, and layered textures—both physically and digitally. When digitized, the luminous quality of tissue paper infuses her compositions with depth and vibrancy.
Melissa has collaborated with businesses in Santa Monica, CA, and Brooklyn, NY, illustrating their company websites to bring their brand stories to life. Now, she’s eager to expand her work into the editorial world.
When she’s not creating, Melissa enjoys traveling, reading, watching films, kayaking, and capturing moments through photography.
Merit Award 3x3 Annual 41, Winner and Runner-Up for Creative Quarterly 75, Finalist for Communication Arts 2024, Winner and Runner-Up for Creative Quarterly 73