Hi! I’m Angela—a scientific illustrator and interpretive planner with 10+ years of experience working with museums, design firms, and scientists of all disciplines. My work takes me on unexpected adventures—into the depths of soil, the archives of letterpress lovers, and the minds of scientists working on their latest book. My job is to translate the realms my clients know so well into compelling visuals and experiences that create new entry points for their audiences.
How can I help you tell your story?
Scientific Illustration - Want to interpret your research through stunning visuals? I make hand-painted and hand-drawn, scientifically accurate art for printed and digital applications.
Interpretive Planning and Writing – I love helping small museums and other scrappy operations connect with their visitors through strategic storytelling. Big Ideas, learning goals, and a cohesive narrative emerge through visitor research, content research, and conversation.
Exhibit and Graphic Design – With a narrative in place, I partner with designers and builders to create navigable, beautiful, durable interpretation.
Murals – What better way to illuminate the extraordinary than by incorporating a giant painting into your site’s architecture?
Who We Are
Angela Mele - Principal, Interpretive Planner, and Illustrator
I was fortunate to grow up in two of the most biodiverse areas of the U.S.—western NC and northern Florida. I was fascinated by teeming forest floors, cryptic spore-filled things, churning insect lullabies. I documented the lesser-known aspects of my environment, drawing and collecting fungi and bugs as a kid and later exploring caves and abandoned plantations. I discovered that by illustrating my adventures, I could easily engage my neighbors in our local history and natural history. My love of interpretation led me to study scientific illustration and exhibit design and to work with design firms and museums around the country.
In fall-winter 2021, I’m thrilled to be moving from St. Louis back to the Seattle area where I work as an Interpretive Planner for The Watershed Company.
Amity Femia, Exhibit & Graphic Designer
I am a graphic designer with over 15 years of experience in the exhibit world and a passion for clear, playful learning opportunities. From concept boards to complete digital files, I have created graphics for clients nationwide, including museums, national parks, and discovery centers. Addressing the unique needs of exhibit teams has made me an efficient and flexible super-collaborator.