Meet Stormi Melder | Artist & Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stormi Melder and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stormi, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
This may sound kind of odd, but having an artistic career was less of a choice and more of something I really needed to do. At first, I made art because— like many artists— it felt like if I did anything else, I would be betraying myself. It’s sort of strange when you say it out loud, but being an artist is who I am and I can’t stop being who I am. As my artistic career went on, I began to realize that as much as I loved the late nights drawing until my hand got sore and the countless hours of living in the worlds I have created in my head, art is so much more than that. It’s beyond *my* vision of who *I* am; it’s a love language that has the potential to connect and support people.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I work in a lot of different fields of art (illustration, sculpture, sewing, doll-making, etc.), but I’m best known for making comic strips. I started out making strips because a dream got stuck in my head and a joke about it just kept nagging me to write it down. Soon enough, the characters from my dream came to life when I drew them and I found myself really excited about making people laugh! Comedy is all about making people happy and I think everyone really needs something to make them smile now more than ever. I‘ve struggled with mental illness so I know what it feels like to not feel happy about anything. Getting through gut-wrenching mental illnesses is the hardest things I have ever done (and am still working on) and people like that (and all people, really!) need a laugh from time to time. A community built around supporting others surrounded by art/expression is what I strive to make around me and online. Every so often, my light humor strips will be interrupted by something a little more emotional and I think those who can resonate with that kind of art are the kinds of people who should have a community to feel safe, surrounded by supportive people all united in art. Art is a very powerful thing, why not use it to make others feel good, you know?

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would defiantly love to show my friends around the city— maybe not one place in particular, but along the sidewalks of Atlanta just exploring the city on foot is a fantastic adventure. Great conversations and striking inspiration are what really come from the energy that our artistic city has. Atlanta is unique and so strong in its art culture to the point where the creativity leaks out into the streets!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family— absolutely hands down. Specifically my two sisters who are my best friends. Sounds kind of cheesy, I know— but no less true! I would also like to send love to my wonderful friends who have encouraged me through thick and thin!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_cat_and_her_doodles/