Melissa Whitaker is an illustrator based in St. Louis who loves creating images that tell stories and connect with people. Her work blends expressive portraiture, vibrant color, and thoughtful detail—capturing the emotion behind every character and scene.
She has collaborated with businesses in Santa Monica and Brooklyn, illustrating their websites to help share their stories through art. Now, Melissa is focusing her creative energy on the world of books and editorial illustration, where her love of storytelling and human expression can shine.
When she’s not at her drawing table, Melissa enjoys traveling, reading, watching movies, kayaking, and photographing the small moments that often inspire her next illustration.
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