CREATIVE
CLARITY
DESIGN
EXPERTISE
Art Direction Sessions
WHAT I DO: CREATIVE CLARITY + DESIGN EXPERTISE
I’m Melanie (aka Mel 😉), and I help virtual assistants, social media managers, and designers give shape to creative ideas.
Ever been stuck in endless revision cycles? Do clients have a hard time expressing what they like and don’t like? Do you want to feel more confident in the work you’re creating for them?
I’ve worked in the creative industry since 2010 across brand and website design, content and digital marketing, and more recently, photography and showroom design. I LOVE BEING CREATIVE. And I’m really good at turning ideas into tangible design.
Most of the time the problem isn’t making or doing the thing (you’re already a pro at what you do)…it’s knowing what the thing is supposed to feel or look like in the first place.
I can offer you efficiency and precision with my 90-minute video Art Direction Sessions, where we map your vision into clear-cut design so you can take the ideas and run (in confidence).
✷ Art Direction Sessions
Clarity for your creative project so the vision can unfold.
I review your project’s inspiration, goals and friction points, then we hop on a 90 minute video call to:
Clarify the aesthetic direction of your project
Name what’s working and what isn’t
Define how to clearly move forward so visuals match the emotional tone
Then you’ll get:
A completely customized Art Direction Brief that breaks down:
Aesthetic themes and keywords
What to lean into and let go of (i.e., colors, fonts, photos)
Guidance and concepts for visual cohesion
A link to download a recording of our call
TOTAL ........................ $950 USD
Get design clarity so you can… (“what was the idea?” → moodboard, creative direction slide, flat lay of colors/type/photos)
Execute quicker, with confidence. (2-3 applied outcomes → website hero, packaging, Canva templates, signage, social thumbnails)
✷ For Whomst Art Direction Sessions Were Created
THESE SESSIONS WERE CREATED FOR
Designers, virtual assistants, social media managers and creatives who’d like to outsource the art direction and concepting for their project.
I partner with designers, VAs, and marketers who know how to execute, but want to do it more confidently, quickly, and with clearer direction.
I can help you:
Pinpoint the heart of how a brand or project should feel
Map a story and design system to work off of
Translate ideas into a concrete plan
Level up visuals and create consistency across all touch points
Create more efficiency in your project workflows
Don’t have time or the desire to deep dive into concepts? Not really your thing? That’s what I’m here for! If you need clarity on all the ideas floating around your head, or just need a plan so you can execute, I’m your girl. 🫱🏼🫲🏾
I take on a handful of Art Direction Sessions every 6 weeks. Join the waitlist to be notified when the next round opens up.
✷ Client Examples
I can help with branding and logo concepts, packaging design, website design, print design, social media templates, interior design, overall brand cohesion and more. The sky’s the limit.
One refined moodboard or concept spread (colors, type, texture, photo vibe)
AIIR Professional Haircare
Brand concept and overall art direction, used by multiple vendors and internal team members to produce a cohesive brand ecosystem across various touch points and marketing channels.
The Vibe: Ethereal, high-end, modern.
How It Was Applied: Pitch decks, packaging, website pages, Amazon storefront, social media graphics, email blasts.
VAMP the Salon
A single brand concept translated seamlessly from digital to physical space.
The Vibe: Feminine, urban, expensive.
How It Was Applied: Website pages, interior design, exterior Signage, client brochures, marketing materials.
Novum Advisory CPAs
Clear and confident visual direction for a traditionally “unsexy” industry that sets them apart from competitors.
The Vibe: Friendly, approachable, supportive
How It Was Applied: Logo updates, website, conference booth.
A Bird’s Moon
[Need summary for this project].
The Vibe:
How It Was Applied: Logo customization, candle labels, social media Canva templates
Minnesota State Senate Photography Booth
Concept-led design applied to a public, real-world environment.
The Vibe:
Art Direction: Creative concept and moodboard to define the look, feel, and tone.
How It Was Applied: Banners to welcome guests at the Senate’s MN State Fair booth.
Original salon moodboard / concept
moodboard / concept spread (fonts, colors, photos, patterns)
Testimonials
✷ Frequently Asked Questions
HOW MUCH DOES AN ART DIRECTION SESSION COST, AND WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?
Each 90 minute call is $950 USD. A deposit secures your spot and the balance is paid 2 days before the call. Before your call I’ll review the project’s goals and inspiration. During the call we clarify the creative direction and develop a concrete plan to move the project forward. After the call I’ll send you a customized Art Direction Brief to serve as your North Star 🌟.
HOW DOES THE WAITLIST WORK?
Once you sign up for the waitlist
DO YOU CREATE DESIGN ASSETS, OR WILL I NEED TO DO THAT?
“Will I still have to do the work?”
CAN I USE THIS FOR CLIENT WORK, OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE FOR MY OWN BRAND?
“Is this a personal investment or something that directly supports my income?”
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SESSION?
Will I be left hanging, or will I know what to do next?
WHO IS THIS NOT A GOOD FIT FOR?
“Am I the kind of client she actually wants?” —NO HAND HOLDING, JUST GIVING YOU THE PLAN SO YOU CAN EXECUTE
HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM A FULL BRAND STRATEGY OR BRAND GUIDE?
Clarifies scope + prevents comparison shopping.
HOW PREPARED DO I NEED TO BE BEFORE BOOKING?
Reassure they don’t need everything figured out.
WILL THIS WORK IF I ALREADY HAVE A BRAND BUT IT FEELS MESSY?
Speaks to people who aren’t starting from scratch.
About Mel
Over my 15 years in the creative industry, I’ve worn a few distinct hats: brand, website and graphic designer; content creator; photographer; and showroom designer. I can concept under pressure and translate ideas into visuals with impact.
My clients range from single-person businesses, those with teams or multiple-partners, and startups. Industries have included creative, beauty, real estate, finance, government, personal brands, and beyond. I believe every industry should have taste, style and be able to evoke an emotion.
My strength lies in giving clarity and direction, and yours should lie in execution. When we work together, we’ll take a holistic view to really see and understand the vision, along with the big goals behind your project. You’ll leave with a clear path forward so you can work confidently, efficiently, and creatively.
[Testimonial from jenny or lindsay]
✷ Join The Waitlist
I open a small number of 90 minute intensives every 6 weeks. We’ll create a clear direction and develop design language and concepts around your project.
Join the waitlist to be notified when the next round of intensives open up.
Please visit the FAQ if you have questions, or email me at hello@melanielea.com 💌
Get Notified When Spots Open Up