Melanie Reim contacted me the other week and I’m so glad she did! Her sketched illustrations from places all over the world instantly drew me in. From markets in Asia, to iconic buildings in London and Paris – I guarantee you won’t have seen the world in a better way!
Your sketches have a lovely, unique freehand style to them. How did this develop?
A “style” is like a handwriting- it is yours and while we can work to hone it, to clarify, to shift it, one’s “given” hand is pretty well inherent to the way that you draw. Looking back over my work, I was always somewhat stylized and most definitely linear. And finally, I own it that way!
Let’s talk about process. What steps do you take when creating each piece?
I draw on location, and my sketchbook is never far from my side. It is important for me to familiarize myself with my environment and be very conscious of what speaks to me about where I am.
That being said, if possible, I return multiple times, for the stories change for me. Though I also photograph where I am, some of the time, those pictures are used for specific information.
The design and composition rules the picture. The drawing emerges from there.
Aside from travel, what inspires your sketches?
Slices of ordinary life become extraordinary to me. I love to draw people who are in the midst of doing something. It is not only interesting to me, but also, a challenge and helps to heighten observation.
But, it is more than drawing my sketches. I teach – As the chair of the MFA in Illustration program at FIT in NY and a professor in the undergrad illustration department there, and I teach a great deal in the Dominican Republic, too, I am always on my “draw on location” soapbox 
– and when I see my students get the “bug”- that feeds a fire in me that is a combination of excitement and just, pride. To see them start and grow and do, well, it makes me fall in love with drawing all over again – every day.
What do you hope your sketches tell viewers about the places they depict?
Just to tell a story of what I have experienced.
Where or what has been your favourite place or thing to sketch and why?
I love the beach – any beach, any where. Along with that comes the nuances of where I am, culturally. I also love being in markets of any kind – the chaos, the crowds of people and all that body language!
If you could travel anywhere in the world and sketch, where would it be and why?
I feel fortunate to have been to many wonderful places. I do feel that those who draw see it in a much different way – it is an emersion that is very special. I would love to go to Vietnam and Indonesia next. I imagine the beaches and the markets are really special there!
Finally, do you have any tips for readers who might be interested in sketching whilst they travel?
It is your story to tell of your journey – whatever strikes, you, whatever style, how long you would like to spend, make it yours!
You can see more of Melanie’s work on her blog.
