Artist Talk by Former Student Victor Melendez Visits Campus

Victor Melendez at his artist talk on May 8, explained his journey with graphic design.

Before coming to the United States, Melendez lived in Mexico City where he learned most of his English through American TV shows. After relocating he had to work very hard and do several jobs to attend college. But, despite all that Melendez succeeded.

Melendez chose to attend Green River where he originally majored in Engineering. Art Director, Cindy Small encouraged him to pursue. “I did encourage him to pursue the arts…” Small said. After delving more into the art field Melendez decided to pursue graphic design.

Small like Melendez focused on graphic design. “I started out as a graphic designer, then taught digital design as a part time instructor, to finally become a [full-time] art instructor in 2000, focusing on drawing.” Small said. Small noticed Melendez’s skill stood out among the other artist at the school. 

Once Melendez decided on graphic design as a career he transferred from Green River to Cornish College of the Arts. There he learned valuable information on graphic design.

Although, Cornish provided valuable information, the most useful experience was the one he received through his internship at Starbucks. His time at Starbucks changed how he approached graphic design. The job provided him with real projects that provided him with real world experience. Something many schools struggle to provide for their students.

The Starbucks building Melendez worked at was the corporate office in downtown Seattle. Its infamous appearance of the Mermaids eyes and crown can be clearly seen on any side of the building.

During his time at Starbucks, Melendez created several designs for the company. His artwork is featured on Starbucks coffee bags. His work can also be seen on other Starbucks products such as one of the Fall coffee cups.

Melendez incorporated color on one of his projects. Before, Starbucks’ Anniversary Blend was shades of brown and other dark colors. Melendez began with sketches he produced by hand. “I like things that make you work with your hands.” he said on why he first manually sketches his designs rather than staring digitally. His designs were seen in every Starbucks store and on Starbucks’s website.

Melendez spoke about his design on one of the fall coffee cups. “[It’s] really rewarding [to see] people connecting with my work” Melendez said. He also showed images of customers with his coffee cup and got their take on it. One interesting example he saw was his design on a person’s nails. “[They] cut them up and put them on nails…” Melendez said.

Melendez is no longer working for Starbucks and has become a freelance artist. Melendez enjoys being a freelance artist because he is  his own boss and likes working by myself.

Other projects Melendez does are posters, prints, and murals. “I love doing posters and prints” he said. Although, currently Melendez has a fix for murals. One of his murals, with help from Urban Artworks, can be seen at a restaurant called Casco Antiguo. His other murals can be seen in two Starbucks locations; White Center and Tec de Monterrrey campus Santa Fe in Mexico City.

Melendez is currently designing a mural for the campus. The mural will be located on the wall next to room 273 in Salish Hall. Out of all his work Small said, “I really liked seeing his mural work. Really beautiful. Dynamic. Love the cultural influences.”

Melendez’s inspiration for his work comes from several different areas. Some of it is from his childhood, different cities, food, and public art. But, he gets most of his inspiration from local markets.

Small hopes students will learn from Melendez. “I hope that students got an understanding that you can make it work for yourself if you want it badly enough and are willing to work for it,” she said. “Here he is now in his career, self-employed with many wonderful connections in the art/design field, working on projects he enjoys.”

For students pursing graphic design, “Be open to new experiences,” Melendez said. “I think graphic design is a great foundation [to have].” Melendez’s work can be found on his website at victormelendez.com and on his Instagram at hellomelendez.