Today we’d like to introduce you to Melly Rodriguez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It all began with the need to adapt and find my community.
It had only been a couple of months since I had immigrated from Mexico to the United States to begin my married life. I had left behind my job, my support network, and even my independence. I felt the need to rebuild everything I had left behind.
I spent my days searching through Facebook groups and pages where I could connect with other artists, galleries, and local events. Then, one night, while I was venting my feelings to a good friend in WhatsApp, she invited me to the place where she and her husband were playing this card games called Magic: The Gathering.
I didn’t think twice, and grabbed my backpack with my sketchbook and headed out. Without a car and with little sense of direction, I walked and walked until I reached what felt like an oasis, my destination. I had arrived at Legacy Comics, and that’s where it all began.
A dear friend, J.J. Torres, saw my sketches and shared them with another friend, Oscar Gomez. These two wonderful people introduced me to the wondelful world of Comic Cons and gatherings with local artists. And that’s how I had found the doorway to my new community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has been made easier by the people who believed in my work and supported me as I adapted to a new life. Even so, the hardest part was learning to believe in myself. For a long time, I was my own biggest obstacle.
I was born in Nuevo Laredo, a small border city deeply affected by drug-related violence, and later moved to Monterrey for college, where I had to learn to navigate life on my own.
For many women, life in Mexico means facing sexism, insecurity, and limited institutional protection. After graduating, my main priority was staying independent and safe. I spent years living in survival mode, and without realizing it, I lost touch with my dreams.
Through therapy, and the unwavering love and support of my family and the community I’ve built around me, I learned to trust myself again. Little by little, I found the confidence to dream again.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My artwork has been exhibited at conventions, expos, and galleries in some Mexico cities like Monterrey and Nuevo Laredo, as well as in Texas cities such as Laredo, Austin, and New Braunfels. One of the most significant milestones in my career was exhibiting at LightBox Expo in Los Angeles, California.
The piece I am most proud of is Infinite Dream, which was purchased by Ryan Meinerding, Head of Visual Development at Marvel Studios, for his daughter’s bedroom.
My work is distinguished by its magical atmosphere, vibrant color palette, and the sense of warmth and wonder it evokes, inviting audiences to reconnect with a childlike sense of imagination.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m open to collaborating through commissioned work, service exchanges, workshops, exhibitions, or collaborative projects.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mellyrodriguez.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melly.rdz_illustration
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melly-rdz-illustration
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/IslasMowin
