Mel is our Print design Queen, and one half of rogue duo 'Team Shmel' (that's Shaun & Mel to those who don't know)

I managed to locate Mel under a pile of textured GF Smith paper, and grabbed 10 minutes to pick her brains about her role here at Absolute. 

What is it about Absolute which made you want to come here?

I came for a placement here in 2012, and loved it! Unfortunately there wasn’t a place for me at the time. A couple of years later I was approached to come and join the new team, and I couldn’t refuse! It gave me the opportunity to be a part of a great agency. I’ve learnt so much from my first year here it’s unbelievable! I love it, and no, I’m not just saying that because I know the boss will be reading this.

Where did you work before?

Diagram, which is a design studio in Warrington. I was mainly working for their biggest clients Revolution, Revolucion de Cuba and Warrington Wolves

What does an average day involve in the design team?

A day here can range from anything from web projects, working up shot lists for the photography team, advertising campaigns or branding, it all depends on what work we have on in studio at the time. We are a pretty tight bunch, and so I often find myself in the War room, discussing new ideas that we can bring to life with the other members of the team. Every day is different.

What has been your favourite project at Absolute so far?

As each project goes by it becomes my new favourite project. I am working on an e-commerce site at the moment, which is a great, including art directing a photoshoot, so it’s challenging me in more than one way.

However I did enjoy working with our client Incorez on the marketing for their big annual exhibition.

Did you always know you wanted to be a designer?

I always knew I wanted to be a creative. I studied art and graphic design at GCSE and i just knew from then.

I was good at it (not to blow my own trumpet) but that meant i tried harder to get better at it. Studying it at degree level taught me a lot and I was keen to get into the real world once I had donned my cap and gown.

What’s on your playlist at the minute?

We have a collaborative Spotify playlist for the studio (but I’m the only one who contributes really!) It’s a varied mix and includes artists like Basement Jaxx, Jungle, Beastie Boys, Arctic Monkeys and Alt J. It’s definitely worth a listen, Absolute Collaborative.

Best gig you’ve ever been to?

I don’t get to as many gigs as I’d like to, but Ed Sheeran at The Academy was very good!! I’m off to Leeds Fest this year, where I’ll be hoping to catch Alt-J.

Something we don't know about you…

I have a very weird crush on Freddie Mercury! I love that man! I also used to be a cheerleader for BWFC when they played in the premier league, we didn’t get to do the victory dance too often!

Favourite TV Show at the minute?

Game of Thrones. It had me hooked from the off, I like the fact that you can never be sure who will live to see out the next season!

Where do you go for inspiration? 

I try and keep on top of things and use an RSS reader called Feedly, if not that I usually go to Pinterest. I have a few choice books I go to too, but I’m still building my collection. Paul Arden’s: It’s not how good you are, it’s how good you want to be, is one I keep going back to.

Mel Stats

Cups of Tea per day: 2-3

Pets: A Labrador called Jensen

Karaoke song: Estelle, American Boy