Coming out of the dark COVID times, the AIGA Pittsburgh Chapter is fiercely in reinvigoration mode, starting with assembling an ambitious new set of directors and board members. Melissa is now proudly serving as Volunteer Director, and is also actively contributing as a member of the AIGA PGH Education Board.Melissa, who also goes by the name Marshall, is an inquisitive, award-winning designer known for her explorative portfolio. She has passion for color, smells, culture, the real and the surreal, the known and the unknown. Her artistic journey mirrors her dedication to a methodical approach, wherein she skillfully melds digital and analogue technologies, resulting in captivating designs that offer unforeseen and thoughtful experiences.
Having resided in Boston for a decade, Marshall has embarked on a recent career shift. She transitioned from her role as a full-time designer at MIT to become a dedicated CTE (Career & Technical Education) Instructor. In this new role, she is reimagining the Graphic Design curriculum at Wheeling Park High School in her hometown of Wheeling, WV. Her classes in the WPHS Career Center’s Studio 235 encompass graphic design, illustration, and photography, with the aim of preparing students for the workforce or guiding them toward further studies in design upon graduation.
Beyond her professional commitments, Melissa remains open to selective freelance opportunities. Additionally, she's passionately involved in designing and crafting intricate "cobweb" cards and other distinctive gifts and keepsakes, available at PapercutApothecary.com.
Outside of her professional and creative endeavors, Melissa shares her life with Moira Rose Marshall, her two-year-old Australian Shepherd, and the newest addition to the family, the endearing Paper Moon Marshall. Together, they cherish their residence in a charming, century-old home nestled in Wheeling and look forward to celebrating the house's centennial in 2024!
Email Marshall, connect on Instagram, or connect on Linkedin.
Education
Boston University
Master of Fine Arts, Graphic Design
September 2013—May 2015
Thesis: There is Magic in Letting Go: Encouraging Improvisation in the Design Process
Boston, Massachusetts
West Liberty University
Bachelor of Science, Graphic Design
September 2003—May 200
West Liberty, West Virginia
Experience
The Career Center at Wheeling Park High School
Career Technical Education (CTE) Instructor of Graphic Design
January 2021 to Present
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Graphic Designer, Resource Development Communications
December 2017 to January 2021
Cambridge, MA
metaLAB at Harvard
Designer in Residence
May 2015 to September 2016
Cambridge, MA
Boston University
Adjunct Professor of Web Design
January 2016 to May 2016
Boston, MA
Boston University
Graphic Design Curriculum Development and Instructor for Boston University's Visual Arts Summer Institute
June 2015 to July 2015
Boston, MA
Boston University
Graphic Designer, College of Fine Arts, Marketing Department
September 2014—May 2015
Boston, MA
Boston University
Teaching Assistantships: Web Design, Junior Typography, Sophomore Design Studio
September 2013—May 2015
Boston, MA
Charles Ryan Associates
Graphic & Web Designer/Developer
March 2013—September 2013
Richmond, VA
West Liberty University
Adjunct Professor of Advanced Typography
January 2013—May 2013
West Liberty, WV
Beyond Marketing
Graphic & Web Designer/Developer
January 2009—March 2013
Wheeling, WV
Direct Results Marketing
Graphic & Web Designer/Developer
September 2008—April 2009
Columbus, OH
Shirts 'N More, Inc.
Graphic Designer
June 2007—September 2008
Wheeling, WV
Lamar Outdoor Advertising
Graphic Design Intern
May 2006—August 2006
St. Clairsville, OH
About
Studio Skiffle, shorthandedly referenced here as §, is the playful and improvisational award-winning design and art practice of M. Marshall. Marshall has passion for color, smells, culture, the real, the surreal, the known and the unknown. The work of § reflects the curious and processual methods embraced while exploring and improvising with both digital and analogue technologies.
Studio Skiffle, shorthandedly referenced here as §, is the playful and improvisational award-winning design and art practice of M. Marshall. Marshall has passion for color, smells, culture, the real, the surreal, the known and the unknown. The work of § reflects the curious and processual methods embraced while exploring and improvising with both digital and analogue technologies.
What’s a Skiffle?
The name of § was influenced by the music genre, Skiffle. Familiar to few, Skiffle music is often played using improvised spirit and music instruments alike. When happening upon the word and musical world of Skiffle, Marshall felt a great kinship between the essence of Skiffle and her own design processes which often involve improvising, playing and exploring different mediums and techniques.
The name of § was influenced by the music genre, Skiffle. Familiar to few, Skiffle music is often played using improvised spirit and music instruments alike. When happening upon the word and musical world of Skiffle, Marshall felt a great kinship between the essence of Skiffle and her own design processes which often involve improvising, playing and exploring different mediums and techniques.