Interview with Anna Melcon

One of Orlando’s most prolific designers  gives us a little insight into the world of local gig posters and what it’s like being a integral part of the music scene.

REAX:  Would you design a poster for a band you just are not into? In other words… if the pay was right, would you design a poster for Nickelback?
AM:  Ha, Nickelback. They might be one of the few bands I'd have a hard time justifying promoting even if the money was right. But for the most part I'm all about designing for bands that are into my work and willing to let me be creative. Of course it's even more enjoyable to make something for a band I really love and respect.

REAX:  Where do you get your ideas from when it comes to designing a poster?  Do you just take your own approach in hopes that it translates into what the band is about, or do you listen to the music and use that for inspiration?
AM:  A lot of inspiration lately has come from the 15th century Dutch painter Bosch, children's books, dark fairy tales, Native American art, and old postage stamps. I like to be familiar with the band's music so I'll spend some time listening to them, visiting their website and seeing what kind of tastes they have. Sometimes I end up going a completely different route but I like to at least start there and hope that the band ends up enjoying the design and is proud that their name is on it.

REAX:  What about the music scene in Orlando still excites you enough to make posters for the independent venues and local musicians?
AM:  I've only been in Orlando for a year and a half now so it's still pretty new for me. I really had no idea what to expect as far as an indie music scene but it's really surprised me. There's a great community here and some awesome bands that work incredibly hard to make their music known. I've enjoyed working with them and am incredibly grateful that they've given me opportunities to design and get my stuff out there.

REAX:  What was the most difficult poster for you to make? Why?
AM:  Probably the most difficult poster was one of the first I did in Orlando, for FMF last year. I knew I was trying to get more work doing posters so I just really stressed myself out trying to make it as good as I could.

REAX:  Have you been commissioned by bands after they see your work on their flyers?
AM:  I have. Most of the work I've done this past year has been local bands or local promoters that I've met personally but lately I've had more bands get in contact with me after just seeing a flyer or the album art I did for Band Marino.

REAX:  Do you have any plans in the near future of showing your work in a gallery setting?
AM:  I recently had some posters up for FMF's Rock Walk show at City Arts Factory in Orlando which was a lot of fun to be a part of. I'm also planning on spending some time away from design to create a series of paintings that I'd like to show in the next 6 months to a year. And I'll also be working on some affordable art projects and art prints to sell online in the next few months.

REAX:  How else are you connected to the local music scene?
AM:  Beyond just enjoying shows and designing, I'm dating Nathan Bond of Band Marino. He's introduced me to a lot of people, but more importantly has shown me the value of being involved with your local community of artists. So at this point I'm trying to branch out and become just as connected and involved with the local art and design scenes.

To see more of Anna’s work, please visit: www.annamelcon.com .