2 Minutes With … Melissa Irwin, Junior Partner at Greenlight
Melissa is a multidisciplinary junior partner at Greenlight Creative with a passion for entertainment, design and typography. Greenlight is one of the only women-owned and operated design agencies in the entertainment industry.
We spent two minutes with Melissa to learn more about her background, her creative inspiration and recent work she's admired.
Melissa, tell us …
Where you grew up, and where you live now.
I was born in Kansas, spent a good portion of my life in L.A., and I have recently come full circle, currently living in Kansas City.
Why you pursued a career in entertainment.
I have loved the entertainment industry ever since I was a kid. My dad worked as a film distributor, so we had the opportunity to screen a lot of films and had movie swag around: posters, t-shirts, bags, standees, punching bags, you name it. I thought it was all so cool and creative, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
Three movies/TV shows you couldn't do without.
Breaking Bad. Incredible writing, incredible acting. I loved every season and never got bored with it.
Schitt's Creek. It's super offbeat and heartwarming with a ridiculously talented cast. I fell in love with the whole family.
A Christmas Story. A must see holiday classic, I watch it every year.
Your favorite movie trailer or poster.
Pulp Fiction. Old but iconic. It's a poster that always draws me in with its textures, bold colors and retro style. I think this might be the first movie poster I ever bought.
One of your favorite projects you've ever worked on.
Greenlight works in various mediums, and our campaigns with the Hollywood Bowl seem to put those talents to the test. We just completed Disney Concerts promos for The Nightmare Before Christmas with Danny Elfman. And over the years, we've had the opportunity to contribute creative to LaLa Land, Willy Wonka and Beauty and the Beast. But my favorite has to be the old-school illustrations we created for The Little Mermaid.
A recent project you're proud.
I consistently love working with the Paramount+ team. They're collaborative, so creative and nice. Our latest would be for Nickelodeon's Monster High 2.
One thing about how entertainment marketing is evolving that you're excited about.
As technology advances and social media expands, I find it thrilling how marketing is becoming more and more engaging. It keeps us on our toes as we look for fresh, original methods to connect with large audiences.
Someone else's work, in entertainment or beyond, that you admired lately.
Gemma O'Brien. She's an amazing lettering and mural artist. The way she plays with type and illustration is extremely motivating.
A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.
The Accidental Creative podcast with Todd Henry. In addition to giving excellent suggestions and advice, he also conducts fascinating interviews with creatives.
A visual artist or band/musician you admire.
Tame Impala. Beautiful music that is constantly evolving.
Your favorite fictional character.
Someone worth following in social media.
@jessicawalsh, @womenoftype, @greenlightcreative
Your main strength as a marketer/creative.
Multitasking. I've honed a diverse set of skills that enable me to switch between print, web and motion, whether I'm project-directing or contributing creative.
Your biggest weakness.
Not knowing when to shut down.
What you'd be doing if you weren't in entertainment.
I'd love to be a travel photographer.
2 Minutes With is our regular interview series where we chat with creatives about their backgrounds, creative inspirations, work they admire and more. For more about 2 Minutes With, or to be considered for the series, please get in touch.
