CREATIVE
CLARITY
DESIGN
EXPERTISE
Creative Direction Sessions
WHAT I DO
I’m Melanie (referred to as Mel by most). I’ve been in the creative industry since 2010 with roles ranging from graphic + website + brand designer, content creator, digital marketing consultant, and photographer. Over the last 15 years I’ve honed in my skill toward (big picture thinking, visual systems, and ____). I’ve taken that experience and distilled it into 90 minute. . .
Creative Direction Sessions
Reach clarity for your creative project so execution feels obvious.
I review your inspiration and goals 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 custom Creative Direction Brief that breaks down:
Aesthetic themes and keywords
What to lean into and let go of
Guidance for visual cohesion
TOTAL………………………………………………$950 USD
MNSS moodboard, brief
(arrow pointing from clarity to confidence images)
Get design clarity so you can…
MNSS logo, stickers, patterns + episode thumbnails
Execute quicker, with confidence.
For Whomst These Art Direction Sessions Were Created
Designers, virtual assistants, social media managers and creatives who’d like to outsource creative 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 Creative Direction Sessions every 6 weeks. Join the waitlist to be notified when the next round opens up.
JOIN THE WAILIST
Client Examples
AIIR Professional Haircare
The Vibe: Ethereal, high-end, modern
Creative Direction: Brand concept moodboard, color palette, typography, and photo standards to define the brand’s look, feel, and visual system.
How It Was Applied: Pitch decks, packaging, website pages, Amazon storefront, social media graphics, email blasts.
Outcome: One creative direction used by multiple vendors and internal team members to produce a cohesive brand ecosystem across various touchpoints.
VAMP the Salon
The Vibe: Feminine, urban, expensive
Creative Direction: Brand concept moodboard, color palette, typography, and photo standards to define the brand’s look, feel, and visual system.
How It Was Applied: Website pages, interior design, exterior Signage, client brochures, marketing materials.
Outcome: A single concept translated seamlessly from digital to physical space.
Novum Advisory CPAs
The Vibe:
Creative Direction: Refined the brand’s logo and initial concepts for color palette, fonts, and photography; then constructed visual systems to set the tone and create cohesion.
How It Was Applied: Website, conference booth.
Outcome: Clear and confident visual direction for a traditionally ‘unsexy’ industry that sets them apart from competitors.
A Bird’s Moon Candle Company
The Vibe:
Creative Direction: Brand concept and moodboard to define the company’s look, feel, and tone.
How It Was Applied: Candle labels, Canva templates, pricing sheets, social posts.
Outcome: Direction that made it easy to create consistent assets independently.
Katrina Widener Coaching
The Vibe:
Creative Direction: Moodboard and creative brief to outline brand standards and visual language.
How It Was Applied: Logo, website, social media posts.
Outcome: A clear plan that made execution faster and more confident, with enough flexibility to support ongoing content creation.
Minnesota State Senate Photography Booth
The Vibe:
Creative 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.
Outcome: Concept-led design applied to a public, real-world environment.
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW MUCH DOES A CREATIVE SESSION COST, AND WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?
Each 90 minute call costs $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 Creative Brief to serve as your North Star.
HOW DOES THE WAITLIST WORK?
Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
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 Melanie
Integrity, creativity, and empathy shape the way we work. These aren't just words—they’re the foundation of everything we build. We believe in doing great work, building real relationships, and making it easy for you to get the results you’re looking for.
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 around your or your client’s ideas.
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 💌
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