Conversations with Gregg W. Mello

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gregg W. Mello.

Hi Gregg W., thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hello there!
Professionally, I throw people for a loop, and use my pen name, G. Wayne Mello, but just call me Gregg!

I grew up in the coastal town of Dartmouth, Massachusetts where I attended the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, and earned my Bachelors in Illustration.

I moved to Sandusky, Ohio 10 years ago now (time flies!) where I have been involved with many community arts programs including the Sandusky Cultural Center and the City of Sandusky Public Arts & Culture Commission.
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I freelance various design services, and work out of my home-studio. I also volunteer my artistic talents to nonprofit organizations within the city, collaborate with area schools (as well as ones from my hometown!) with art workshops, demonstrations and seminars.

Art and literature are my passions, and I am fortunate to meld those interests in being a children’s book illustrator and author — I have been on a little hiatus with my books, and currently searching for a new publisher, however being a front-facing community advocate for the arts has been very rewarding in the meantime!

When I am not creating, I love reading, cooking and gardening; my favorite color varies with my mood!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has be pretty bumpy… between balancing my full-time job at a law office, restoring a Victorian home with my partner, my community involvement, freelance work AND a pretty large garden, things are never smooth!
My biggest struggle recently (besides time management, and the elusive work-life balance) has been the crusade against AI-generated imagery being used as “art” or “design”.

This has been an issue in many ways, but the biggest stance I have taken regarding this was walking away from a large nonprofit organization in my community who use it for their marketing.

It was very hard for me, because this organization does a lot of good for the community, however, I can’t be talking out against AI media, and then promoting the organization with their choice of AI marketing.

This is all new territory for all of us navigating this path: some people need to use AI media to reduce costs, but I had to be true to my heart, and what I believe in. It’s taking away from peoples’ Craft that they’ve worked so hard to perfect.

Art doesn’t come from a computer chip: it comes from your HEART, and through your hands.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I like to call myself a Jack of all trades! Company rebrands, marketing, merchandise, children’s books, gallery pieces… I do it all!

I am most proud of the work I do for shows for the Sandusky Cultural Center: I take each show as a clean slate where I can create new art, get into a new zone and throw myself into my research and skill. Each show is different and it’s a place to explore new techniques and themes I want to focus on.

The best part of the SCC is that it’s attached to Sandusky High School, open and free to the public, and showcases so many artists not only across our community and Ohio, but nationally as well! It’s so wonderful to be at a gallery opening and see the excitement on patron’s faces where they are able to see new artwork and potentially purchase a piece of REAL art from a REAL gallery.

I feel like my personality sets me apart from others. People always remember how they are treated, so taking the time to talk to students, the community and people who are interested in art, or have questions about getting started, is really important to me.

During the summer, I participate in a public event called “Chalk it Up!” where the community is invited to create chalk art in our downtown area, and professional artists are spread out among the participants. I play music, I sing and dance, and just have an amazing time talking with the community about my process and passions: engaging and inspiring others in my superpower! You’d be surprised how much a good attitude can change someone’s day!

How do you define success?
Not in dollars, that’s for sure!! It’s great, don’t get me wrong, and unfortunately, it’s a necessity to live, and for supplies… but, being recognized within the community for the good and color you bring into the world is the greatest feeling.

Walking into a classroom and having kids cheer your name and genuinely get excited for a workshop, or the sound of silence with pencils scratching because they are so focused, THAT is success.

Singing Part of Your World with a 6 year old girl while you’re creating a Little Mermaid chalk mural, and having them recognize you at the grocery store, THAT is success.

Having a good heart, making a creative impact is leading by example, THAT is success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gwaynemello.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/gwaynemello
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/gwaynemello