grapich | Helle Gade

Please give a warm welcome to Kamayama Design

Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Melody and I’m originally from Hawai’i. I’ve bounced back and forth between Washington and the islands many times since most of my family resides there. My favorite color is red and favorite animal is a shark—yes, I’m serious. I got to see a baby one in the wild and Kamaole 3. It’s one of my favorite memories to date.

Have you always wanted to become a designer/artist?

Yes and no. I’ve always loved drawing and the arts. I do chibi commissions on the side because regular commissions are a ton of work and I want to be a in a better spot before I offer those. After a low spot in my life, I focused in on writing and was graced to become part of a community that also wanted my chibis. I then branched into designing out of necessity for my own covers. Immediately, I got positive responses from people. So, I continued and, since I had a very minor background in graphic design, it helped.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Most times, I look through unsplash.com. I know the ins and outs of licenses and I know what I can and can’t use free and paid images for. Mainly, most of my stock comes from Adobe. I don’t use shutterstock because of how restrictive they are for what you can use it for.

But back to the main question, my inspiration comes from just browsing. Sometimes and idea pops into my head and I have to search for all the components, but it’s mainly from beautiful photography.

What are you working on now?

TONS. A lot of the ones I have revolve around magic. There’s a shamaness. I have a couple fairy and fae ones. And if I’m being honest, I have a lot of ones on the backburner. Like…main image but nothing to go with it.

Do you have any quirks while working?

I either, and this goes with writing, have to have complete silence or non-stop pumped up music. Preferably no words.

What are your hopes for the futur?

I would like to have all my premades that I’ve already made, sold. Then, once that’s done, I would like to possibly open up customs to everyone. It all hinges upon my writing and the demand for the covers. If more people want customs from me, I’ll consider it. Right now, they’re on a case by case basis. I think Jodie Lynne is the only one who’s been approved.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Thanks guys! I didn’t realize I had any out there, but hi! I appreciate the support!