Elisa: Illustrated Melanin

July 18, 2023

Elisa is a visionary artist and entrepreneur who founded her business, Illustrated Melanin, with a passion for creating exquisite artwork that combines the beauty of representation with purposeful messages. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, her work is infused with meaningful messaging, centering on themes of wellness and intention. Each illustration meticulously crafted by Elisa serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-love, mindfulness, and embracing one's joy. Through her art, Elisa aims to inspire and uplift others, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting holistic well-being.

How did you discover your passion for illustration?

Art has always been a driving force in my life, and my passion for it only grew stronger as I pursued a college education with a concentration in graphic design. However, it was during my time in graduate school that I truly found my purpose through illustration. As I worked on my final project—a children's book centered around a young, Black girl with natural hair—I experienced a newfound sense of freedom and self-expression. Illustration became a powerful tool for me to convey the thoughts and emotions that resided deep within me. It allowed me to translate my ideas directly onto a digital canvas and bring them to life visually.

Through my business, Illustrated Melanin, I have the opportunity to exercise complete creative control, crafting compositions, selecting colors, and exploring themes that truly speak to my heart. Illustration has become my ultimate creative outlet, enabling me to not only express myself authentically but also promote representation and diversity in the world.

Are there any specific artists or illustrators who have influenced your style or approach?

Absolutely! There used to be a time when seeing someone who looked like me was far and few between. Now, #blackgirlmagic is entering the chat and it’s beautiful. There’s been a lot more representation over the years from artists like Reyna Noreiga, Eeni Edit, Addie Rawr, and the like!

Can you describe your creative process when starting a new project?

It’s hard to claim any one process because, as a creative, my mind is everywhere all of the time. Inspiration can hit in the middle of the night or a random Tuesday while I’m out running errands. I usually make a list first! Lists are my best friend. They settle everything that is going through my mind into a more concise, manageable formation. From there I sketch out an idea, determine a color palette, and get to work. I’m usually sketching on my couch while letting a tv show watch me draw. I love it when I iron out all the kinks and let the composition reveal itself.

Can you talk about a project or artwork that you're particularly proud of, and what makes it meaningful to you?

There’s so many, but one that still stands out for me is a project I did with DivaCup for their BIPOC Creator Fund. I was able to create a three part illustration that centered around women’s health. More specifically—periods. For those that don’t know, I struggle with endometriosis and for the past four years I’ve dealt with horribly painful cycles and equally hurtful doctor experiences. As a Black woman living with endometriosis, my artistic journey has been profoundly influenced by the struggles I've faced in finding advocates who genuinely listen and believe in my pain. Through this project, I aimed to be a visual voice, representing not only my own experiences but also providing solace and understanding to others who may be enduring similar challenges.

By shedding light on the intersectional barriers faced by Black and Brown women in healthcare, I aspire to create awareness and foster empathy, promoting the importance of understanding our bodies and advocating for better healing resources. My artwork on this project became a medium for empowerment, unity, and education, urging society to recognize and address the disparities faced by marginalized communities in their journey towards well-being. It’s a starting point to keep the conversation going and I hope to continue pushing it forward.

In your opinion, what role does illustration play in society? How can it communicate messages or evoke emotions effectively?

Illustration has long played a significant role in society, from iconic magazines like TIME and The New Yorker to local newspapers featuring comic strips. It has served as a visual medium, offering understanding, satire, historical context, and moments of laughter amidst chaos, all while providing aesthetic pleasure. Effective illustration holds immense power, and I harness this power to evoke joy. Through my illustrations, I aim to showcase representation, highlighting the vibrant diversity of melanin in a world that often seeks to obscure it. My driving force is to portray Black and Brown women in a positive and beautiful light, using art as a means to express love and celebrate their existence.

What advice would you give aspiring illustrators and visual artist who are just starting their creative journey? Is there anything you wish you had known when you first started?

Congrats to you for starting! It’s not easy to put yourself out there, but that’s the hardest step. Everything else is a piece of cake. Ok, maybe not a piece of cake, but you’re now creating a new future for yourself. Have fun with it and do the hard work now so that you can reap the benefits later. If you’re making this a business, do not skip the legal parts; those are important! Get your EIN, your business license, and your trademarks in order. Register in your town/state, set up your business insurance, and set up your business bank account.

I really wish I knew a lot of this when I first started. It’s fun for a while when you call it a hobby, but once you start making money Uncle Sam will know and you need to be prepared. I also wish I knew how to ask questions. We’re all learning as we go and it’s very helpful to have a support system. If you have a community of artists, lean on them. We all offer something different!

What message or impact do you hope to leave on people?

Through Illustrated Melanin, I hope to build a legacy for my family. I want the art that I create to also display who I am. I hope my life and the choices I make and the way I treat others is evident of who God created me to be. I hope people feel seen, heard, loved, accepted, represented. My art is a reflection of who I am and it’s also a reflection of a beautiful culture. All of this #blackgirlmagic deserves to be seen and celebrated.

Are there any upcoming projects or future aspirations you'd like to share? What can we expect to see from you in coming months or years?

My ultimate dream is to own a small brick and mortar that is home to other Black and Brown owned creative businesses. There are creators all over this country that I would love to give space and opportunity to showcase their work and sell their products. That may be jumping ahead a few years, but it will be a reality one day.

In the meantime, I’ve been pretty quiet getting back to the root of why I started Illustrated Melanin. Coming up on three years in business I will definitely have a new drop coming soon so stay tuned!

What's your endgame? What do you ultimately hope to accomplish in the future?

My endgame is joy, peace, and love. It’s the recipe for all my work. It’s my purpose in life. No one knows what the future holds, but if I can change the trajectory of just one person’s perspective, that’s a good start.

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