hello@melissadesignstudio.nl
© melissadesignstudio_
Based in the Netherlands,
working with clients worldwide
who we are
who I am
Hi I'm Melissa, and I make things look like they mean it. There's no such thing as too much or too little, only the right amount for your brand to communicate effectively. That's what I've spent the last 5+ years figuring out, one brand at a time.
I started designing at 16. Not professionally, just obsessively.
THE STORY
I'd spend hours rearranging things, choosing fonts, making spaces feel like something. I didn't have a name for it yet. I just knew I couldn't stop.
I went on to study architecture in Peru. And while I loved the discipline of it, the way structure and beauty have to coexist. I kept being drawn back to brand, to identity, to the visual language that makes people feel something before they understand why.
When I decided to make the transition into graphic design, I ran into a wall.
Studios in Peru told me I wasn't qualified- no graphic design degree. Or I was overqualified - I had an architecture degree. Nobody wanted to take a chance on someone who didn't fit the mold.
So in the middle of a pandemic, I started looking online. And one company, based in Canada, gave me the vote of confidence nobody in my own country would. That was the beginning of everything.
Since then I've worked with over 50 businesses across four countries.
Between cafés, product brands, beauty bars, coaches, e-commerce brands, restaurants, and studios. I moved to the Netherlands, where I've been based since then.
All the places I've lived have shaped how I perceive every project. Peru gave me my relationship with color-rich, unafraid, culturally layered. Architecture gave me my obsession with structure and the belief that form and function are never separate. Canada gave me my first real clients and the confidence to charge for my perspective. The Netherlands gave me the distance to see how much I actually have to offer.
That every business, no matter how big or small, how bold or quiet, deserves a brand that communicates exactly what it is. Not a watered-down version. Not a safe version. The real one.
I built Melissa Design Studio on one belief:
What I believe about branding
(that most people miss)
Looking professional isn't about looking expensive. It's about looking intentional.
I can make things feel elevated and trustworthy, not by making them pretend to be something, but by making every detail communicate the exact message your brand wants to.
There's no such thing as too much or too little.
Only the right amount for your brand. A tequila brand should feel like a cultural movement. A horse-human coaching practice should feel like stillness and open landscapes. A nail bar should feel like somewhere you want to spend your whole afternoon. The measure is always: does this communicate who you actually are?
Strategy before aesthetics. Always.
Pretty doesn't convert. Pretty doesn't build trust. Pretty doesn't tell someone why they should choose you over everyone else. I don't open a design file until I understand who you are, who you're for, and what your brand needs to say. That's what makes the work land.
Your brand should make people feel something before they read a word.
The best brands work before the copy does. Color, shape, texture, weight- these communicate trust, warmth, boldness, or elegance before a single word is processed. That's the level I work at.
Through her branding support, she dives into my brain and untangles the visions and dreams I have for my business.
Melissa has this jaw dropping ability to take what’s trendy and cool but apply it to your brand in unique ways that make you feel so special, SEEN and Understood.
★★★★★
– Erika Eileen
Confidence Coach | Social Media Manager
My experience with Melissa was amazing! She truly listened to me and understood my vision immediately. I never questioned her direction and trusted her all the way. She listened to me and didn’t make me feel confused or like I was asking for too much, and created a brand that genuinely feels like me. I’m so excited to grow my business with my new branding and it’s all thanks to Melissa!
★★★★★
– Avery
AVRY Beauty Bar
EVERYONE considering a rebrand should ABSOLUTELY work with Melissa. Even if you’re not 100% sure what you want, her process is so streamlined, yet personal, that you will for sure get exactly what you’re looking for.
★★★★★
– Heather
Holistic & Wellness Coach and Center
This is the investment I needed to make for my business because I can now share my website with pride knowing that my message, my purpose, services & offerings are clearly presented and beautifully displayed. Thank you Melissa!
★★★★★
– Kyla Clark
Nervous System & Mindset Coach
If you’re looking for a website/branding facelift, I can’t recommend Melissa Design Studio enough! Melissa is so talented and detail oriented and brought the perfect touch to elevate my website design and user experience. I look forward to working with her again in the future!
★★★★★
– Mel Grauds
CEO Melrose Training
Melissa is the best designer! She is authentic and very professional. She listens to you, asks the right questions, and truly understands your expectations. She carefully analyzes everything and delivers the rebranding you’ve always dreamed of. I love her work and I’m so happy with the results of my new brand.
– Lourdes
Nurse | Dermoaesthetic
★★★★★
I’m Melissa
A LITTLE MORE about me
Originally from Lima, Peru, where color isn't decoration; it's communication.
Trained as an architect before becoming a designer, which means I think in systems and structures even when I'm making something beautiful.
Based in the Netherlands, where I've learned that restraint and boldness aren't opposites; they're a conversation.
Currently studying Dutch (B1), I have a garden I'm slowly learning to keep alive, a partner who tolerates my very strong opinions about fonts, and a deep belief that a well-designed brand can genuinely change the trajectory of a business.
How we work together
E-commerce
For when your store needs to sell and stop looking like a template.
MORE INFO HERE
Three ways I can help your brand show up the way it deserves.
Website Design
For when your website isn't doing your business justice.
MORE INFO HERE
Brand Identity
For when your business has outgrown its brand.
MORE INFO HERE
☺︎
– Kyla
Kyla Soul | Nervous System & Mindset Coach
This is the investment I needed to make for my business because I can now share my website with pride knowing that my message, my purpose, services & offerings are clearly presented and beautifully displayed. Thank you Melissa!
☺︎
– Heather
Holistic & Wellness Coach and Center
Not only did this project meet my expectations, it exceeded them ten-fold. Melissa’s discovery, design delivery and review process at every step got me something better than I could have imagined. PLUS at the end of the process, she told me EXACTLY HOW to use all of the assets. There was zero room for confusion with this delivery and process.
☺︎
– Erika Eileen
Confidence Coach | Social Media Manager
She has been able to effortlessly capture not only my values and beliefs as a business owner, but more importantly as the person I am and continue to evolve into.
Melissa has this jaw dropping ability to take what’s trendy and cool but apply it to your brand in unique ways that make you feel so special.
☺︎
– Kyla
Kyla Soul | Nervous System & Mindset Coach
This is the investment I needed to make for my business because I can now share my website with pride knowing that my message, my purpose, services & offerings are clearly presented and beautifully displayed. Thank you Melissa!
☺︎
– Mel Grauds
Melrose Training
Great!! I appreciate your expertise and attention to detail. I am super happy with the final version and it was the perfect “facelift” for my website and executed my vision perfectly! Very glad to have stayed on Squarespace to preserve SEO and so that I can continue to update/edit myself as needed. You’re the best!
☺︎
– Erika Eileen
Confidence Coach | Social Media Manager
She has been able to effortlessly capture not only my values and beliefs as a business owner, but more importantly as the person I am and continue to evolve into.
Melissa has this jaw dropping ability to take what’s trendy and cool but apply it to your brand in unique ways that make you feel so special.
☺︎
– Lourdes
Loulou Dermoestetica
I would recommend her services. Melissa is very professional and honest with what she proposes. She knows how to find exactly what your brand needs to shine and stand out with a meaningful difference.
☺︎
– Mel Grauds
Melrose Training
Great!! I appreciate your expertise and attention to detail. I am super happy with the final version and it was the perfect “facelift” for my website and executed my vision perfectly! Very glad to have stayed on Squarespace to preserve SEO and so that I can continue to update/edit myself as needed. You’re the best!
☺︎
– Erika Eileen
Confidence Coach | Social Media Manager
She has been able to effortlessly capture not only my values and beliefs as a business owner, but more importantly as the person I am and continue to evolve into.
Melissa has this jaw dropping ability to take what’s trendy and cool but apply it to your brand in unique ways that make you feel so special.
☺︎
– Lourdes
Loulou Dermoestetica
I would recommend her services. Melissa is very professional and honest with what she proposes. She knows how to find exactly what your brand needs to shine and stand out with a meaningful difference.
☺︎
– Mel Grauds
Melrose Training
Great!! I appreciate your expertise and attention to detail. I am super happy with the final version and it was the perfect “facelift” for my website and executed my vision perfectly! Very glad to have stayed on Squarespace to preserve SEO and so that I can continue to update/edit myself as needed. You’re the best!
☺︎
– Heather
Holistic & Wellness Coach and Center
Not only did this project meet my expectations, it exceeded them ten-fold. Melissa’s discovery, design delivery and review process at every step got me something better than I could have imagined. PLUS at the end of the process, she told me EXACTLY HOW to use all of the assets. There was zero room for confusion with this delivery and process.
☺︎
– Lourdes
Loulou Dermoestetica
I would recommend her services. Melissa is very professional and honest with what she proposes. She knows how to find exactly what your brand needs to shine and stand out with a meaningful difference.
☺︎
– Heather
Holistic & Wellness Coach and Center
Not only did this project meet my expectations, it exceeded them ten-fold. Melissa’s discovery, design delivery and review process at every step got me something better than I could have imagined. PLUS at the end of the process, she told me EXACTLY HOW to use all of the assets. There was zero room for confusion with this delivery and process.
☺︎
– Kyla
Kyla Soul | Nervous System & Mindset Coach
This is the investment I needed to make for my business because I can now share my website with pride knowing that my message, my purpose, services & offerings are clearly presented and beautifully displayed. Thank you Melissa!
☺︎
– Kyla
Kyla Soul | Nervous System & Mindset Coach
This is the investment I needed to make for my business because I can now share my website with pride knowing that my message, my purpose, services & offerings are clearly presented and beautifully displayed. Thank you Melissa!
☺︎
– Erika Eileen
Confidence Coach | Social Media Manager
She has been able to effortlessly capture not only my values and beliefs as a business owner, but more importantly as the person I am and continue to evolve into.
Melissa has this jaw dropping ability to take what’s trendy and cool but apply it to your brand in unique ways that make you feel so special.
☺︎
– Erika Eileen
Confidence Coach | Social Media Manager
She has been able to effortlessly capture not only my values and beliefs as a business owner, but more importantly as the person I am and continue to evolve into.
Melissa has this jaw dropping ability to take what’s trendy and cool but apply it to your brand in unique ways that make you feel so special.
☺︎
– Heather
Holistic & Wellness Coach and Center
Not only did this project meet my expectations, it exceeded them ten-fold. Melissa’s discovery, design delivery and review process at every step got me something better than I could have imagined. PLUS at the end of the process, she told me EXACTLY HOW to use all of the assets. There was zero room for confusion with this delivery and process.
☺︎
– Mel Grauds
Melrose Training
Great!! I appreciate your expertise and attention to detail. I am super happy with the final version and it was the perfect “facelift” for my website and executed my vision perfectly! Very glad to have stayed on Squarespace to preserve SEO and so that I can continue to update/edit myself as needed. You’re the best!
☺︎
– Heather
Holistic & Wellness Coach and Center
Not only did this project meet my expectations, it exceeded them ten-fold. Melissa’s discovery, design delivery and review process at every step got me something better than I could have imagined. PLUS at the end of the process, she told me EXACTLY HOW to use all of the assets. There was zero room for confusion with this delivery and process.
☺︎
– Lourdes
Loulou Dermoestetica
I would recommend her services. Melissa is very professional and honest with what she proposes. She knows how to find exactly what your brand needs to shine and stand out with a meaningful difference.
☺︎
– Mel Grauds
Melrose Training
Great!! I appreciate your expertise and attention to detail. I am super happy with the final version and it was the perfect “facelift” for my website and executed my vision perfectly! Very glad to have stayed on Squarespace to preserve SEO and so that I can continue to update/edit myself as needed. You’re the best!
☺︎
– Lourdes
Loulou Dermoestetica
I would recommend her services. Melissa is very professional and honest with what she proposes. She knows how to find exactly what your brand needs to shine and stand out with a meaningful difference.
☺︎
– Kyla
Kyla Soul | Nervous System & Mindset Coach
This is the investment I needed to make for my business because I can now share my website with pride knowing that my message, my purpose, services & offerings are clearly presented and beautifully displayed. Thank you Melissa!
