About Melissa....

So this is the story.....after graduating from the University of Michigan School of Art in 1992 with a BFA in Graphic Design, I entered the advertising field and worked as an Art Director at J. Walter Thompson in Chicago for 3 years. It was ok for a while, but I began feeling very creatively stifled and unfulfilled. I returned to the School of The Art Institute of Chicago to receive my elementary art teaching certificate. One year later, I entered the Chicago Public School system and for the next 4 years I taught Art to 1st through 8th graders at Lincoln Elementary School in Lincoln Park, Chicago. It was the perfect marriage of my creativity and need to see my ideas come to fruition. I left teaching to start my family but I knew it wouldn't take long for my creative juices to flow again.....It took exactly 2 years. August of 2001, I designed my daughter Haley's 2nd birthday invitation using her picture. Everyone asked where did you get this done? My response became the name for my very own business called...I Made This! Then it just grew from there...I specialize in creating custom invitations, announcements, holiday cards and gifts using photographs. It became the perfect venue for utilizing my creativity, advertising knowledge and working with kids (well sort of) ...all at the same time. I found a niche and have reaped the benefits of a growing business for the past seven years. I love making the cards, invites and brainstorming for new innovative ideas. The best part for me though is... all of the new friends I have made as a result of this business. I love watching your kids grow up.....thank you to all of my loyal customers....you know who you are....keep taking pictures! Todd, Haley & Bradley....thanks for letting me have this in my life...."I'll be right up!"