MEET MELISSA
This questionnaire goes back to a popular parlor game in the early 1900s. Marcel Proust filled it out twice. Some of our questions were altered from the original to gain more insight into the hearts and minds of our illustrators. We hope you enjoy this way of getting to know everybody.
1. Your present state of mind?
Relaxed, with an
undercurrent of anxiety because we’re days away from April 15 and my taxes
aren’t done yet. (See question 15.)
2. What do you
do best?
Smile.
3. Where would
you like to live?
There are so
many fantasy places, but really, having lived away from them, I prefer to live
close by family and friends. I like living in Michigan.
4. Your favorite
color?
I don’t have
one!
5. Three of your
own illustrations:
6. Your music?
Very eclectic. I
listen to everything (except rap and heavy metal). In my studio I usually go
for singer/songwriter or modern folk.
7. Your biggest achievement?
Hmm. That’s a
toughie. The thing I’m most proud of, I think, is being known as a kind &
friendly person. No awards or accolades or successes mean more than being kind.
8. Your biggest
mistake?
That’s not so
tough! Back when I started freelancing, I wish I’d had the confidence to negotiate
for something near the going rate for illustration instead of taking whatever
was offered. But we all have to start somewhere and I learned from it.
9. Your favorite
children's book when you were a child?
The Monster at
the End of This Book starring loveable, furry old Grover. It’s a great book.
10. Your main
character trait?
Cheerful.
11. What do you
appreciate most in a friend?
Honesty and
authenticity.
12. What
mistakes are you most willing to forgive?
When someone
gets it wrong but they tried their best.
13. Your
favorite children's book hero?
Anne Shirley.
Probably because I identified with her so strongly. Just like Anne, I was
always dreaming, using extravagant words, and leaping before I thought it
through.
14. What moves
you forward?
A great idea.
And more practically, the need to pay my bills is great incentive!
15. What holds
you back?
Procrastination.
It’s always in the background waiting to strike.
16. Your dream
of happiness?
Right now, it’s
a whole week of doing nothing but going for hikes with the poodles, reading,
writing, drawing, and sleeping as late as I want to. Can we make it two weeks?
It’s been a crazy, hectic year.
17. The
painter/illustrator you admire most?
There are too
many! One of my favorite illustrators is Erin Stead. Her work is brilliantly
expressive, gently detailed, full of heart.
18. What super
power would you like to have?
The ability to
make time stand still. Or time travel. Either would come in handy.
19. Your motto?
“Always look on
the bright side of life.” (Borrowed from Monty Python.)
20. Your social
media?
Instagram:
@melissa.bailey.illustrates
