Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisa Summiel.
Elisa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I think from a young age, art has always been a passion of mine. I was never a Picasso or anything, but I had an eye for design and I could not shy away from any creative outlet; It was life for me. Growing up in NJ, in a pretty diverse area, our school-age education of art/artists were always represented by images of a white man or woman. There were rarely any images that represented me, a Black woman. That is until I attended a HBCU— Historically Black College and University— (Hampton University) and pursued a BA in Art/Graphic Design. Here, I quickly learned there was so much more to who I could become in my field.
While attending Graduate school in the UK, however, I noticed a quick change where there was such a lack in diversity and inclusion. From the classroom, to the staff, to the subject matter. While I was able to grow and learn a lot, it pushed me to want to further ensure who and what I represented. I wanted to shout it from the rooftops. I wanted my nieces and nephew to be able to see themselves everywhere they went and never have to question their existence in this world.
Eventually, as I developed my craft and grew in my purpose, I felt moved to pursue other avenues and quit my job in NJ to move across the country to LA and now San Diego. I’ve stopped and started and let life take over with full-time work, but now I’m back to pursuing my passion of art. I hope to bring light, joy and color to all those around me.
Has it been a smooth road?
Oh my goodness, no. I wish there was an easy button for business. With any entrepreneurial goals, life happens. You find yourself in a whirlwind of excitement where you’re creating non-stop, developing your website and content, then announcing to the world what you have to offer. At first, it’s an influx of congrats and support and then comes the lull. The hype has died down and what you imagined paying off your student loans becomes having to go back to the drawing board and solidifying your why. You why is so important.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been discouraged just off the sheer notion of “imposter syndrome.” There are other women and men out there creating similar goods and thriving in their business’. Sometimes it’s all a bit overwhelming; knowing you’re capable, but feeling like you’re way behind in the game. Especially when trying to juggle full time work, freelance, and living with Endometriosis. That’s a whole other topic.
I’ve realized though, that you have to keep going. Just start somewhere. There’s always going to be others similar to you, but you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are unique and there is literally no one else like you in this world. With that motivation, bring on the bumpy road. I’m ready.
Illustrated Melanin – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Illustrated Melanin was birthed from a desire to show more representation of Black women in their shades and colors. Focusing on wellness and inspiration, my art prints and goods bring affirmations and purpose to life through illustration. It is important to speak life into everything you do because we MATTER and so do our goals and aspirations. Our skin is beautiful, our hair is magical, and we are worthy to be praised.
With a background in Graphic and Communication design, I specialize in visually conveying a message. Over the past couple of years, I’ve designed illustrations for journals, art prints, and other products such as tote bags. I strive to uplift other Black women and girls and show that we, too, can take up space. It’s always been a desire of mine to bring joy to those around me. Most importantly, to ensure POC are represented within every day art and design.
I’m most proud of never giving up. I believe in what I’m doing and that’s enough to keep going. As I mentioned before, I’m unique in every way. Whether it’s my illustration style, the colors and hues that I choose to use, and most important, my delivery and purpose. Each viewer will see themselves and feel good about what they represent through my art. Each young woman or girl will see that they matter and that they can do anything they set their heart to do. I may have a niche audience, but the message can relay to anyone. Joy is universal.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
With the current climate, I can imagine most products and goods will remain or move to a digital space. Which luckily for me, I can always adapt. Since I’m also a graphic designer, trends are changing daily. That’s what I love about art, the fluidity. One day we’re letter-pressing on a machine and the next we’re digitally lettering on a computer or iPad. In 10 years we may be speaking text and color to a virtual screen that does it all for us. You just never know. That’s the beauty of art and design, you have to be ready to adapt and find your space within new methods and then keep creating. It’s exciting, and scary, but it will never go out of style. I think a world without art wouldn’t nearly be as fulfilling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elisamichelle.com/shop
- Email: hello@elisamichelle.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/illustratedmelanin
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/illustratedmelanin
- Other: https://linktr.ee/illustratedmelanin
Image Credit:
Elisa Summiel
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