Welcome!
Hi, I’m Melinda (but most people just call me Mel)—a designer and creative director obsessed with clever details, bold storytelling, and creating brand experiences that stick. From packaging to retail environments to small business branding, I love turning ideas into visuals that people actually connect with.
Projects
Here you’ll find a collection of projects that reflect my love for thoughtful, intentional design. Each one is rooted in creativity, functionality, and a drive to create work that truly connects.
Projects
Here you’ll find a collection of projects that reflect my love for thoughtful, intentional design. Each one is rooted in creativity, functionality, and a drive to create work that truly connects.
Projects
Here you’ll find a collection of projects that reflect my love for thoughtful, intentional design. Each one is rooted in creativity, functionality, and a drive to create work that truly connects.
A complete overhaul of the Hydro Flask packaging system to prioritize recyclability and sustainability.

Hydro Flask Sustainable Packaging Redesign
Feb 25, 2022
A complete overhaul of the Hydro Flask packaging system to prioritize recyclability and sustainability.

Hydro Flask Sustainable Packaging Redesign
Feb 25, 2022
A complete overhaul of the Hydro Flask packaging system to prioritize recyclability and sustainability.

Hydro Flask Sustainable Packaging Redesign
Feb 25, 2022
An elevated branding upate

Metolius Tea Rebrand
Jan 24, 2024
An elevated branding upate

Metolius Tea Rebrand
Jan 24, 2024
An elevated branding upate

Metolius Tea Rebrand
Jan 24, 2024
The retail launch of Athleta Girl

Athleta Girl Launch
Mar 9, 2016
The retail launch of Athleta Girl

Athleta Girl Launch
Mar 9, 2016
The retail launch of Athleta Girl

Athleta Girl Launch
Mar 9, 2016
A gift set solution strong enough to hold up

Hydro Flask Wine Gift Set
Oct 20, 2021
A gift set solution strong enough to hold up

Hydro Flask Wine Gift Set
Oct 20, 2021
A gift set solution strong enough to hold up

Hydro Flask Wine Gift Set
Oct 20, 2021
An instructional video series geared towards baristas

Metolius Tea Instructional Video Production
Sep 20, 2024
An instructional video series geared towards baristas

Metolius Tea Instructional Video Production
Sep 20, 2024
An instructional video series geared towards baristas

Metolius Tea Instructional Video Production
Sep 20, 2024
A logo and branding package for an astrophotographer

Grant Tandy Photography Branding
Oct 22, 2021
A logo and branding package for an astrophotographer

Grant Tandy Photography Branding
Oct 22, 2021
A logo and branding package for an astrophotographer

Grant Tandy Photography Branding
Oct 22, 2021
Floral design for weddings and events

Wedding Floral Design
Jun 14, 2025
Floral design for weddings and events

Wedding Floral Design
Jun 14, 2025
Floral design for weddings and events

Wedding Floral Design
Jun 14, 2025
A campaign highlighting limited edition teas with all profits benefiting tea families in Nepal

Metolius Tea—Tea For Good Campaign
Jan 5, 2024
A campaign highlighting limited edition teas with all profits benefiting tea families in Nepal

Metolius Tea—Tea For Good Campaign
Jan 5, 2024
A campaign highlighting limited edition teas with all profits benefiting tea families in Nepal

Metolius Tea—Tea For Good Campaign
Jan 5, 2024
Brand design for a law office

Law Office of Joel E Fleck Branding
May 13, 2020
Brand design for a law office

Law Office of Joel E Fleck Branding
May 13, 2020
Brand design for a law office

Law Office of Joel E Fleck Branding
May 13, 2020
Pattern featuring Jeff Probst for custom pants

Neal Gottlieb Survivor Pants
Sep 23, 2016
Pattern featuring Jeff Probst for custom pants

Neal Gottlieb Survivor Pants
Sep 23, 2016
Pattern featuring Jeff Probst for custom pants

Neal Gottlieb Survivor Pants
Sep 23, 2016
Experience
I take ideas from concept to reality by crafting designs that not only look good, but actually work hard. Smart strategy + solid execution = design that matters.
Experience
I take ideas from concept to reality by crafting designs that not only look good, but actually work hard. Smart strategy + solid execution = design that matters.
Experience
I take ideas from concept to reality by crafting designs that not only look good, but actually work hard. Smart strategy + solid execution = design that matters.
Retail & Environmental Graphics
Designing signage, toolkits, and retail experiences that bring a brand to life in physical spaces.
01

Retail & Environmental Graphics
Designing signage, toolkits, and retail experiences that bring a brand to life in physical spaces.
01

Retail & Environmental Graphics
Designing signage, toolkits, and retail experiences that bring a brand to life in physical spaces.
01

Packaging Design
Crafting thoughtful, sustainable packaging that balances beauty, clarity, and functionality.
02

Packaging Design
Crafting thoughtful, sustainable packaging that balances beauty, clarity, and functionality.
02

Packaging Design
Crafting thoughtful, sustainable packaging that balances beauty, clarity, and functionality.
02

Creative Direction & Storytelling
Leading projects with a clear vision and weaving brand stories through every detail.
03

Creative Direction & Storytelling
Leading projects with a clear vision and weaving brand stories through every detail.
03

Creative Direction & Storytelling
Leading projects with a clear vision and weaving brand stories through every detail.
03

Collaboration & Production
Working side-by-side with teams and vendors to turn big ideas into real, polished outcomes.
04

Collaboration & Production
Working side-by-side with teams and vendors to turn big ideas into real, polished outcomes.
04

Collaboration & Production
Working side-by-side with teams and vendors to turn big ideas into real, polished outcomes.
04

Typography & Systems
Building scalable type and design systems that keep brands consistent and sharp.
05

Typography & Systems
Building scalable type and design systems that keep brands consistent and sharp.
05

Typography & Systems
Building scalable type and design systems that keep brands consistent and sharp.
05

About Me
About Me
About Me
Melinda McVay
I’m a creative with 10+ years of experience shaping retail graphics, packaging, and brand storytelling for global and small brands. I love bringing ideas from concept to reality—designing packaging that tells a story, creating retail environments that connect with people, and weaving brand consistency across every touchpoint. Beyond design, you’ll often find me up to my elbows in flowers designing weddings and events, exploring colorful coral reefs as a divemaster, channeling good energy as a Reiki Master, running around backstage at the local live music venue, baking a sweet treat, or off on an adventure with my furry soulmate, Scout. I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves—whether that means hauling gear, arranging flowers, or digging into the details of a campaign.
Marketing Manager/Creative Director
Metolius Tea
2023 - 2025
Senior Floral Designer
Summer Robbins Flowers
2023 - Current
Packaging Design Manager
Hydro Flask
2018 - 2022
Freelance Designer
ThredUP
2017 - 2018
Retail Graphic Designer
Athleta
2015 - 2017
Senior Signage Leader
Restoration Hardware
2012 - 2015
Packaging Production Artist
Restoration Hardware
2011 - 2012
Marketing Manager/Creative Director
Metolius Tea
2023 - 2025
Senior Floral Designer
Summer Robbins Flowers
2023 - Current
Packaging Design Manager
Hydro Flask
2018 - 2022
Freelance Designer
ThredUP
2017 - 2018
Retail Graphic Designer
Athleta
2015 - 2017
Senior Signage Leader
Restoration Hardware
2012 - 2015
Packaging Production Artist
Restoration Hardware
2011 - 2012
Marketing Manager/Creative Director
Metolius Tea
2023 - 2025
Senior Floral Designer
Summer Robbins Flowers
2023 - Current
Packaging Design Manager
Hydro Flask
2018 - 2022
Freelance Designer
ThredUP
2017 - 2018
Retail Graphic Designer
Athleta
2015 - 2017
Senior Signage Leader
Restoration Hardware
2012 - 2015
Packaging Production Artist
Restoration Hardware
2011 - 2012
What People Say
Don't take it from me—here are some things colleagues have said about working with me
What People Say
Don't take it from me—here are some things colleagues have said about working with me
What People Say
Don't take it from me—here are some things colleagues have said about working with me
Being around her feels like sunshine."
Jackie Judge
Senior Copywriter
Mel is the type of leader every team needs. Decisive yet open, supportive yet empowering. Whether she's troubleshooting a stubborn PDF or launching global design systems for the world's biggest OEMs, she embodies what true creative leadership looks like. It was a joy and privilege to learn from her.
Denise Lutz
Art Director
Partnering with Mel is like having a design GPS that also cracks jokes. You'll always know where you're headed, and the journey is going to be brilliant. She brings out the best in the project and the people."
Karyn Brumbaugh
Byrd & Rose
Her strengths and skills speak for themselves, but this gem of a human made my time working together a memorable part of my career.
Amy Renalds
Executive Assistant
Melinda is a powerhouse designer, bringing thoughful concepts, refined styling and seamless follow-through. In high-stakes environments her presence is steady, her taste discerning, and her craftsmanship exacting. She is who you want when exellence is non-negotiable.
Summer Robbins
Summer Robbins Flowers
Being around her feels like sunshine."
Jackie Judge
Senior Copywriter
Mel is the type of leader every team needs. Decisive yet open, supportive yet empowering. Whether she's troubleshooting a stubborn PDF or launching global design systems for the world's biggest OEMs, she embodies what true creative leadership looks like. It was a joy and privilege to learn from her.
Denise Lutz
Art Director
Partnering with Mel is like having a design GPS that also cracks jokes. You'll always know where you're headed, and the journey is going to be brilliant. She brings out the best in the project and the people."
Karyn Brumbaugh
Byrd & Rose
Her strengths and skills speak for themselves, but this gem of a human made my time working together a memorable part of my career.
Amy Renalds
Executive Assistant
Melinda is a powerhouse designer, bringing thoughful concepts, refined styling and seamless follow-through. In high-stakes environments her presence is steady, her taste discerning, and her craftsmanship exacting. She is who you want when exellence is non-negotiable.
Summer Robbins
Summer Robbins Flowers
Being around her feels like sunshine."
Jackie Judge
Senior Copywriter
Mel is the type of leader every team needs. Decisive yet open, supportive yet empowering. Whether she's troubleshooting a stubborn PDF or launching global design systems for the world's biggest OEMs, she embodies what true creative leadership looks like. It was a joy and privilege to learn from her.
Denise Lutz
Art Director
Partnering with Mel is like having a design GPS that also cracks jokes. You'll always know where you're headed, and the journey is going to be brilliant. She brings out the best in the project and the people."
Karyn Brumbaugh
Byrd & Rose
Her strengths and skills speak for themselves, but this gem of a human made my time working together a memorable part of my career.
Amy Renalds
Executive Assistant
Melinda is a powerhouse designer, bringing thoughful concepts, refined styling and seamless follow-through. In high-stakes environments her presence is steady, her taste discerning, and her craftsmanship exacting. She is who you want when exellence is non-negotiable.
Summer Robbins
Summer Robbins Flowers
Being around her feels like sunshine."
Jackie Judge
Senior Copywriter
Mel is the type of leader every team needs. Decisive yet open, supportive yet empowering. Whether she's troubleshooting a stubborn PDF or launching global design systems for the world's biggest OEMs, she embodies what true creative leadership looks like. It was a joy and privilege to learn from her.
Denise Lutz
Art Director
Partnering with Mel is like having a design GPS that also cracks jokes. You'll always know where you're headed, and the journey is going to be brilliant. She brings out the best in the project and the people."
Karyn Brumbaugh
Byrd & Rose
Her strengths and skills speak for themselves, but this gem of a human made my time working together a memorable part of my career.
Amy Renalds
Executive Assistant
Melinda is a powerhouse designer, bringing thoughful concepts, refined styling and seamless follow-through. In high-stakes environments her presence is steady, her taste discerning, and her craftsmanship exacting. She is who you want when exellence is non-negotiable.
Summer Robbins
Summer Robbins Flowers
Being around her feels like sunshine."
Jackie Judge
Senior Copywriter
Mel is the type of leader every team needs. Decisive yet open, supportive yet empowering. Whether she's troubleshooting a stubborn PDF or launching global design systems for the world's biggest OEMs, she embodies what true creative leadership looks like. It was a joy and privilege to learn from her.
Denise Lutz
Art Director
Partnering with Mel is like having a design GPS that also cracks jokes. You'll always know where you're headed, and the journey is going to be brilliant. She brings out the best in the project and the people."
Karyn Brumbaugh
Byrd & Rose
Her strengths and skills speak for themselves, but this gem of a human made my time working together a memorable part of my career.
Amy Renalds
Executive Assistant
Melinda is a powerhouse designer, bringing thoughful concepts, refined styling and seamless follow-through. In high-stakes environments her presence is steady, her taste discerning, and her craftsmanship exacting. She is who you want when exellence is non-negotiable.
Summer Robbins
Summer Robbins Flowers
Being around her feels like sunshine."
Jackie Judge
Senior Copywriter
Mel is the type of leader every team needs. Decisive yet open, supportive yet empowering. Whether she's troubleshooting a stubborn PDF or launching global design systems for the world's biggest OEMs, she embodies what true creative leadership looks like. It was a joy and privilege to learn from her.
Denise Lutz
Art Director
Partnering with Mel is like having a design GPS that also cracks jokes. You'll always know where you're headed, and the journey is going to be brilliant. She brings out the best in the project and the people."
Karyn Brumbaugh
Byrd & Rose
Her strengths and skills speak for themselves, but this gem of a human made my time working together a memorable part of my career.
Amy Renalds
Executive Assistant
Melinda is a powerhouse designer, bringing thoughful concepts, refined styling and seamless follow-through. In high-stakes environments her presence is steady, her taste discerning, and her craftsmanship exacting. She is who you want when exellence is non-negotiable.
Summer Robbins
Summer Robbins Flowers
Being around her feels like sunshine."
Jackie Judge
Senior Copywriter
Mel is the type of leader every team needs. Decisive yet open, supportive yet empowering. Whether she's troubleshooting a stubborn PDF or launching global design systems for the world's biggest OEMs, she embodies what true creative leadership looks like. It was a joy and privilege to learn from her.
Denise Lutz
Art Director
Partnering with Mel is like having a design GPS that also cracks jokes. You'll always know where you're headed, and the journey is going to be brilliant. She brings out the best in the project and the people."
Karyn Brumbaugh
Byrd & Rose
Her strengths and skills speak for themselves, but this gem of a human made my time working together a memorable part of my career.
Amy Renalds
Executive Assistant
Melinda is a powerhouse designer, bringing thoughful concepts, refined styling and seamless follow-through. In high-stakes environments her presence is steady, her taste discerning, and her craftsmanship exacting. She is who you want when exellence is non-negotiable.
Summer Robbins
Summer Robbins Flowers
Being around her feels like sunshine."
Jackie Judge
Senior Copywriter
Mel is the type of leader every team needs. Decisive yet open, supportive yet empowering. Whether she's troubleshooting a stubborn PDF or launching global design systems for the world's biggest OEMs, she embodies what true creative leadership looks like. It was a joy and privilege to learn from her.
Denise Lutz
Art Director
Partnering with Mel is like having a design GPS that also cracks jokes. You'll always know where you're headed, and the journey is going to be brilliant. She brings out the best in the project and the people."
Karyn Brumbaugh
Byrd & Rose
Her strengths and skills speak for themselves, but this gem of a human made my time working together a memorable part of my career.
Amy Renalds
Executive Assistant
Melinda is a powerhouse designer, bringing thoughful concepts, refined styling and seamless follow-through. In high-stakes environments her presence is steady, her taste discerning, and her craftsmanship exacting. She is who you want when exellence is non-negotiable.
Summer Robbins
Summer Robbins Flowers
Being around her feels like sunshine."
Jackie Judge
Senior Copywriter
Mel is the type of leader every team needs. Decisive yet open, supportive yet empowering. Whether she's troubleshooting a stubborn PDF or launching global design systems for the world's biggest OEMs, she embodies what true creative leadership looks like. It was a joy and privilege to learn from her.
Denise Lutz
Art Director
Partnering with Mel is like having a design GPS that also cracks jokes. You'll always know where you're headed, and the journey is going to be brilliant. She brings out the best in the project and the people."
Karyn Brumbaugh
Byrd & Rose
Her strengths and skills speak for themselves, but this gem of a human made my time working together a memorable part of my career.
Amy Renalds
Executive Assistant
Melinda is a powerhouse designer, bringing thoughful concepts, refined styling and seamless follow-through. In high-stakes environments her presence is steady, her taste discerning, and her craftsmanship exacting. She is who you want when exellence is non-negotiable.
Summer Robbins
Summer Robbins Flowers
Being around her feels like sunshine."
Jackie Judge
Senior Copywriter
Mel is the type of leader every team needs. Decisive yet open, supportive yet empowering. Whether she's troubleshooting a stubborn PDF or launching global design systems for the world's biggest OEMs, she embodies what true creative leadership looks like. It was a joy and privilege to learn from her.
Denise Lutz
Art Director
Partnering with Mel is like having a design GPS that also cracks jokes. You'll always know where you're headed, and the journey is going to be brilliant. She brings out the best in the project and the people."
Karyn Brumbaugh
Byrd & Rose
Her strengths and skills speak for themselves, but this gem of a human made my time working together a memorable part of my career.
Amy Renalds
Executive Assistant
Melinda is a powerhouse designer, bringing thoughful concepts, refined styling and seamless follow-through. In high-stakes environments her presence is steady, her taste discerning, and her craftsmanship exacting. She is who you want when exellence is non-negotiable.
Summer Robbins
Summer Robbins Flowers
Being around her feels like sunshine."
Jackie Judge
Senior Copywriter
Mel is the type of leader every team needs. Decisive yet open, supportive yet empowering. Whether she's troubleshooting a stubborn PDF or launching global design systems for the world's biggest OEMs, she embodies what true creative leadership looks like. It was a joy and privilege to learn from her.
Denise Lutz
Art Director
Partnering with Mel is like having a design GPS that also cracks jokes. You'll always know where you're headed, and the journey is going to be brilliant. She brings out the best in the project and the people."
Karyn Brumbaugh
Byrd & Rose
Her strengths and skills speak for themselves, but this gem of a human made my time working together a memorable part of my career.
Amy Renalds
Executive Assistant
Melinda is a powerhouse designer, bringing thoughful concepts, refined styling and seamless follow-through. In high-stakes environments her presence is steady, her taste discerning, and her craftsmanship exacting. She is who you want when exellence is non-negotiable.
Summer Robbins
Summer Robbins Flowers
Being around her feels like sunshine."
Jackie Judge
Senior Copywriter
Mel is the type of leader every team needs. Decisive yet open, supportive yet empowering. Whether she's troubleshooting a stubborn PDF or launching global design systems for the world's biggest OEMs, she embodies what true creative leadership looks like. It was a joy and privilege to learn from her.
Denise Lutz
Art Director
Partnering with Mel is like having a design GPS that also cracks jokes. You'll always know where you're headed, and the journey is going to be brilliant. She brings out the best in the project and the people."
Karyn Brumbaugh
Byrd & Rose
Her strengths and skills speak for themselves, but this gem of a human made my time working together a memorable part of my career.
Amy Renalds
Executive Assistant
Melinda is a powerhouse designer, bringing thoughful concepts, refined styling and seamless follow-through. In high-stakes environments her presence is steady, her taste discerning, and her craftsmanship exacting. She is who you want when exellence is non-negotiable.
Summer Robbins
Summer Robbins Flowers