Melissa Howell

Melissa Howell is a dynamic visual storyteller, illustrator, and concept artist with a passion for world-building and character design. With over a decade of experience across the entertainment and design industries, she has brought her distinctive imagination to high-profile roles, including a 3-year stint at Disney Interactive and her current position as Professor of Illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Atlanta. Melissa earned her MFA in Visual Development from the Academy of Art University in 2009, following an early academic path in Human Development at Cornell University. Her work spans from 2D game art to creature design, and she's known for her research-driven creative process—grounding fantastical concepts in historical, narrative, and functional realities.

Melissa’s artistic journey reflects a seamless blend of technical skill and narrative depth. Whether developing immersive environments for games, crafting whimsical creatures, or mentoring the next generation of illustrators, she brings a level of curiosity and craftsmanship that sets her apart. Her professional ethos—“If Story is King, Function is Queen”—drives her to create designs that are not only visually compelling but deeply connected to the story they serve.

In addition to her entertainment work, Melissa is the founder of Howell for Joy Designs, a boutique studio specializing in custom illustrations for life’s most joyful events. Through all her roles—artist, educator, and entrepreneur—she remains committed to imagination, storytelling, and helping others find their creative voice.

• Cornell University- B.S.
• Academy of Art University- M.F.A.

• SCBWI