Melissa Guido is a multidisciplinary printmaker and illustrator whose work draws inspiration from fashion and costume design of the 1920s, as well as Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Bauhaus, pattern design, and religious iconography. Currently, her creative pursuits focus on traditional textile arts, including natural dyeing, embroidery, weaving, and knitting, in Iceland. Melissa is the recipient of the prestigious Student Fulbright Open/Study Research Grant for 2024–2025, supporting her nine-month exploration of Iceland’s sustainable textile practices and unique plant sources for natural dyeing.
A graduate of the School of Visual Arts, she earned a BFA in Illustration in 2013 and completed the Illustration as Visual Essay master’s program in 2022. With over a decade of professional printmaking experience, she has collaborated with numerous businesses and artists. Melissa is proficient in all major printing techniques—including screen printing, letterpress, etching, lithography, and relief printing—and has worked on print editions for exhibiting fine artists alongside master printer Jennifer Mahlman at Ribuoli Digital. Additionally, she spent nine years as a Printmaking Assistant in the Fine Arts department at the School of Visual Arts.
As the co-founder of Sourwood Press, a design and printing studio established with Brittany Emerson, Melissa leads a female-run business specializing in designing, producing, and selling products such as bandanas, stationery, and tote bags. Sourwood Press also collaborates with designers and businesses to create bespoke printed goods and products.
Throughout her career, Melissa has cultivated a wide range of tactile skills and continues to explore furniture restoration, woodworking, textiles, bookmaking, and her enduring passion for printmaking.
CV
2023
”Limited Supply Print Fair” - Supply Projects Space, Bangor, PA
”Count Your Lucky Stars” - ChaShaMa Gallery, Matawan, NJ
2022
”Thesis Exhibition” - MFA Illustration as Visual Essay, Curated by David Sandlin, SVA Chelsea Gallery, New York NY
”The Book Show” - MFA Illustration as Visual Essay, Curated by Marshall Arisman & Anna Raff, SVA Gramercy Gallery, New York NY
2020-2021
”The Circular Ruins” - MFA Illustration as Visual Essay, Curated by Viktor Koen, Online show
2018
“Fifth Floor” - SVA Flat Iron Project Space, New York NY
2017
“Paisley” - SVA Flat Iron Project Space, New York NY
2015
"Pagina" - Rome, Italy
2014
"Prints and Drawings Salon" - Mehu Gallery, New York NY
"The Degenerate Craft Fair" - New York NY
"I Live Here" - Harold B. Lemmerman Gallery, Jersey City NJ
"Celebration of the Mare's Spirit" - Pepper Jack Grill, Staten Island NY
2013
63rd Annual Fence Show - Staten Island Museum, Staten Island NY
"Switch off Your Device for a Moment and Try This!" - The School of Visual Arts Gramercy Gallery, New York NY
"Prints and Drawings at Mehu" - Mehu Gallery, New York NY
"The Degenerate Craft Fair" - New York NY
2012
"Man Made Monster" - School of Visual Arts Gallery, New York NY
Want to collaborate with Melissa?
She has had the privilege of collaborating with numerous artists and businesses on a wide range of printed projects. She takes pride in working closely with her clients to bring their creative visions to life through print. Melissa particularly enjoys the problem-solving aspect of printmaking, often embracing challenges that require innovative and creative solutions. Examples of her work are showcased below.
Clients: Peter Hirstoff / Ladoru / Catalog Press / Sylvain Labs / Lindsey Adelman Studio / Reags Studio / Kayla Gibbons / Dominick Rapone / Rudin Studio / Viktor Koen / Memo Productions / Center for Book Arts / Nadia Fediv / Brooke Pelcynski / Maharam / Reed & Water / Lili Arnold Studio / Tourterella / Amour Vee / Arif Qazi
Follow Me on Instagram @_mgprints
