Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Rodriguez.
Melissa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a South Texas native, born and raised in Corpus Christi. Growing up, I loved the beach, sports, and art. I had a great childhood supported by amazing parents and awesome siblings—a sister, Diane and a twin brother, Brian. During the school year, we were always running from sports practice to games, and in the summers we spent time in Virginia, at the beach, or frequently visiting California and Disney. My parents were incredibly supportive and encouraged all of us to be ourselves and lean fully into our hobbies and interests, which I believe led to a lot of success later in life.
I went on to play college volleyball at Sam Houston State University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. From a young age, I was fascinated with animation, drawing, and the work of Disney Imagineers. I originally dreamed of becoming an animator, but over time I realized my strengths were better suited for graphic design.
In high school, I often designed T-shirts and bumper stickers for my volleyball team after we won district championships or when special events were coming up. Back then, I used clip-art CD-ROMs and design books, flipping through pages to find elements I could piece together into artwork. Once the design was finished, I would take it to a local print shop to turn it into real printed gear for teammates and fans.
When I was choosing my major at Sam Houston State, my mom helped me explore different options. We discovered the Graphic Design program, which had a strong and talented art department. At first, I thought graphic design was the same as animation because I didn’t fully understand the difference. After my first semester, I quickly realized how many possibilities graphic design offered, and I was hooked. I loved the classes and couldn’t believe I could actually major in something I enjoyed so much and build a career around it.
One of my professors mentioned that packaging design was a great field to enter. While applying for jobs after graduation, I came across a Junior Graphic Designer role focused on packaging design at a small agency in Galveston called The Associate Design. The agency worked with a larger bedding company based in North Carolina. I got the job and began my career designing packaging for bedding brands sold through retailers like Target, Macy’s, and Serta.
After a few years, I was ready for the next step. A friend who worked at a large print shop in Houston helped connect me with an opportunity there. I joined the company as the second designer on the team. Because the business was primarily a print shop, the role allowed me to learn not only about design but also about the entire printing process, including large-format printing. I had wonderful bosses who helped me grow into my career and mentor me along the way.
Within a year, our company was attending the NCAA Final Four conference, presenting to coaches about how we could transform their locker rooms and athletic facilities with large-scale graphics. At the time, around 2010, sports facility graphics were still fairly new compared to how common they are today. I had the opportunity to work on projects with major universities across the country, as well as many local high schools.
During this time, I was also given the chance to work onsite a few days a week at Sysco headquarters as a designer for a pilot program they were preparing to launch. I had wonderful bosses who helped me grow into my career and mentor me along the way.
With my two passions being sports and graphics, the next step in my career felt natural. I accepted a role at the headquarters of Academy Sports + Outdoors in Katy, Texas. This was another unique opportunity where I was able to art direct photoshoots for private label brands and even help develop products such as paddle boards and kayak paddles.
My time at Academy helped me become a more well-rounded designer. Up until then, most of my career had been focused on print, but this role introduced me to more digital design work.
Around this time, I also felt a desire to experience life outside of Texas. I began looking for cities that could grow my design career while offering something completely different. Eventually, I decided to take a leap and move to San Francisco with just my bags and an open mind.
While there, I landed several short-term contracts with companies like IDEO and Jack Morton Worldwide, where I worked on projects for brands including Barbie and the MLB All-Star Game.
Soon after, a recruiter offered me a three-month contract at Levi Strauss & Co. as a graphic designer working under the Senior Packaging Designer. This moment felt like everything in my career had led me there. I worked extremely hard during those three months and was fortunate that the contract was extended to a year and a half, eventually turning into a full-time in-house design role.
I was thrilled to work for such a globally recognized brand, and it felt like the exact opportunity I had moved to the Bay Area for. I learned so much and had the chance to collaborate with incredibly talented people.
A few years later, some life changes led me to move back to Houston before COVID. At that time, remote work wasn’t an option, so I had to leave the role, although I was able to continue working with Levi’s remotely for a short period afterward.
Soon after returning to Houston, I became the Director of Operations for the volleyball team at the University of Houston. My former assistant coach from my college playing days was on staff there. While I didn’t have extensive coaching experience, my background in graphics and marketing helped the program improve its online presence and recruiting materials.
I loved being back in the sports world and working closely with the team and staff. Not long after, I was offered a contract with the marketing team at Levi’s, allowing me to continue doing the work I loved while living in Houston. It truly felt like the best of both worlds.
From that point on, my self-branded project from my college days finally became a real business and the operating agency it is today: Melrose Designs. Levi’s played a big role in helping me take the leap into becoming a business owner. It was scary at first, but I trusted the process and was grateful for the push.
I’m often asked why the name “Melrose.” Back in school, we were tasked with creating a personal design company and identity. I didn’t want to simply use my own name and add “Designs,” so I took a different route. Around that time, some of the Sam Houston State football players had started calling me “Melrose.” There wasn’t really a reason behind it—it was just fun and the nickname stuck with a few people. So I ran with it, and today it lives on as the name of a real business.
I’ve now been working with Levi’s for over 10 years, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities and trust the company has given me.
Living in Houston has also helped me build strong connections in the design community. Through these relationships, I’ve had the chance to work with organizations like the Houston Texans and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. These projects have pushed me creatively in new ways, and I still have to pinch myself sometimes when I think about the brands I’ve had the opportunity to work with.
Today, I live in Cypress with my husband, Craig, and our son, Logan, who is three and a half years old. Craig and I met in Houston shortly after I returned from San Francisco. He has been very supportive of my career and making sure it is priorty – we even spent a few years living together in the Bay Area before eventually returning to Houston to start our family.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Professionally:
When I was living in Texas and applying for jobs in San Francisco, it was incredibly difficult to get traction. I applied to hundreds of positions and only received a handful of interviews. In hindsight, it made sense—there were so many talented designers already living in the Bay Area.
Eventually, I decided to take a trip to San Francisco to see if I could truly picture myself living there. While visiting, I scheduled coffee with a creative recruiter and asked for advice about my challenges landing a job from out of state. His advice was simple: move to San Francisco and opportunities would come much faster.
It was definitely scary advice, especially considering the cost of rent in San Francisco, but it ended up being the right move. I decided to take the leap and relocate. Within a week of arriving, I landed my first contract role—and the rest is history.
Personally:
Our son Logan was diagnosed with Autism in December 2025. At first, the news felt heavy, but over time it actually brought us a lot of relief. Having answers allowed us to better understand his needs and get him the support and resources he deserves.
Logan brings so much joy into our lives. He truly lights up every room he walks into, and we are incredibly proud of him. We are also deeply grateful for the amazing people who work with him and support his growth every day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I covered a lot in the Story sections, but here is an overview of some of the work I have done or do.
Capabilities / Experience: Packaging, Web, App, Large Format Print, Art Direction, Branding, Photo Editing, Video Editing
Full-Times
Sam Houston State University – Athletics Intern Graphic Design
The Association Design – Jr. Graphic Designer
Ideal Printers / Seebridge Media – Graphic Designer
Academy Sports & Outdoors – Sr. Graphic Designer
Levi Strauss & Co. – Graphic Designer
Melrose Designs – Owner / Designer
Side Bustle Hat Bar – Owner
Freelance Work:
Jack Morton – Barbie & T-Mobile
Benefit Cosmetics – NUDE Skincare
Janie & Jack
Houston Texans
RODEOHOUSTON
Houston Texans Baseball Club
What makes you happy?
My family and friends bring me so much happiness. My son in particular brings me so much joy daily!
I also enjoy going to the beach and traveling. In my mid-30s I did a few big trips overseas to places like Croatia, Thailand, Vietnam, Chile, and Argentina. Those trips were life changing and loved every minute of them!
I am a true lover of all sports and a huge Houston Texans fan!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://melrosedesignsco.com
- Instagram: @melrosedesigns
