A spoonful of Mel

Hello! My name is Melissa Santos, and I’m an illustrator and creative writer from Boston, Massachusetts. As a first-generation Brazilian American, my branding comes from the nickname my mom gave me: “Melzinha” or "Little Honey”.

My journey as an artist and creative writer began with my love of fantasy novels and movies with daring knights, powerful wizards, and mythical beasts. Although I can go on and on about my inspirational roots from the many novels on my reading list, the desire to put to paper the wonderful and imaginative worlds that built themselves in my head was my biggest motivator.

When I realized in high school that I can share and create my own fantasy worlds with other people, I knew it was my calling to be an author-illustrator. I also found that the more I grow, as both a person and creator, the more I wanted to help younger generations who fit the shoes I once wore. So what better place to help teach these valuable life lessons than through literature and art?

For my illustrations, I work both digitally and traditionally with watercolors and colored pencils. I love diving into worldbuilding, narration, and bigger world concepts that help guide young people through the world, even if it’s just a little bit.