I'm Melissa. This is where I write things down and share new things. Sometimes I even post cute pictures of cats...
if you're looking for my portfolio,
it can be found here, or by clicking any of the links across the top of this page.
I just moved back to Ohio after living in the central valley of California for almost three years. People still mention that I'm all grown up and keep asking how being an adult is going, but I really don't know what they're referring to.
I'm officially a (self-proclaimed) curator -- OF GIFS. GIF CONNOISSEUR. Check it out. My GIF blog even made it to buzzfeed once.
ONE MORE CHECK OFF MY LIFELONG INTERNET TO-DO LIST.
Albums of note UPCOMING/2011/2010/2009
A list of albums from the year that had staying power. Not a top album list, because I haven't heard every album, so that just seems a bit silly to me -- the whole "of the year" thing... although I suppose in my own mind that's what they are...
THE ARCHIVES
Nostalgia
a place where I keep things that are already memories and store things that are currently in my life that will inevitably become memories. Vague enough?
Vestiges of a Life Soon Forgotten
A photographic series devoted to images taken in and around my apartment where I lived for 3 years in college. I moved out for good in December 2009.
Photobooth Sketches
photobooth documentation of sketches i have done and/or found.
Monthly Self Portrait Series
This was a short-lived project that sometimes shows up without warning again on my feed, but definately cannot be considered an "on-going" thing.
My New California Life
What started as an essay series about my experiences living on the left coast turned into a general account of my life here -- through words, photos and other ephemera.
jef etters tips of the day
Jef Etters was a colleague of mine who gave me life tips on a daily basis via a telephone call from a rotary phone. I would then transcribe the tips and post them here for the benefit of all mankind. He didn't know what tumblr was (nor does he now), but he did want to share all his wisdom with the world. enjoy.
PLEASE NOTE: Jef did finally get free long-distance after 7pm EST and will occasionally call to give me tips to transcribe. Be on the look out, it'll change your life.
ScreenCaptureSeries
Funny and or poignant things I feel the need to share with the world via screen capture. This project carries on with the luck that the internet will continue to bring the lulz. I think the odds are in our favor.
Did you miss your chance to own one of these shirts when I was selling them at my going away party (and later on at Twee Boutique in Downtown Fresno)? Well, you’re in luck. These are now for sale on my Society6 page (in new colors, ladies cut & printed on pillows, iphone cases and canvas). More shirts/prints to come soon!
I couldn’t be where I am today without all the support of my Fresno Family.
Harvard House on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson).
This is where I used to live. I lived here a little over 3 months ago. This photo was taken before I ever had keys to that door or that gate, before I ever planted flowers in that flower box, before I ever got locked out, before I ever rid the porch of black widow spiders and before I ever cried in that doorway…
I miss you, Fresno.
John on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson).
John asked me the other day about the photos I took of him when he was helping me test light for a shoot we did to promote the release of Achievement House’s EP Heart Archers. I had to dig to find them, but here is my favourite one. John is always fun to have around, especially on photoshoots, at bowling allies and on long, long roadtrips.
I miss this guy every day. We spent a huge portion of last year together, and he helped me move back to Ohio in October/November of 2012. It’s both weird and amazing to have friends on the opposite coast, and I feel so lucky to live in a time when it’s easier than ever to maintain those close ties.
Skype Date with BFF Brazie aka “Web Beers with Brazie”
Geeze I miss this guy so much. This is my Sunday night. Don’t be too jealous.
AON 2012 Day 12: #17
Natural Thrills: s/t
Fresno, California
Label: Self Released
Central Valley musicians Kevin Figueroa, Justin Rodriguez, and Kaleb Saldate make up Natural Thrills, an experimental math rock trio. This project brings the strengths of all three individuals to the forefront and showcases the type of diversity the Fresno music scene has to offer. Taking cues from jazz, post rock, and blues, Natural Thrills ranks with the likes Karate, Colossal and Sharks Keep Moving.
Listen to Natural Thrills on Bandcamp
Double Jump on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson)
Josh & Julia are Double Jump.
Forthcoming Split with Jordan & Luke on Parent Trap Records.
Click through to see more photos of Double Jump on my website.
Double Jump on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson)
These two are some of my all-time favourite Californians. Josh & Julia make some pretty spectacular music together and just finished recording in Sacramento for a split they’re releasing on Parent Trap Records. Be sure to check out Double Jump and keep an eye out for their split with Jordan & Luke. Click through to see more photos of Double Jump on my website. I’ll be posting more out-takes here in the next week.
Team Anzula on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson)
This is Sabrina. Yes, the same Sabrina who accompanied me, John & my cat Novella across the country just a bit over a week ago. Sabrina started and owns an amazing little yarn company called Anzula. I was honored when Sabrina asked me to take portraits of her small (but amazingly productive) team in and around the warehouse in downtown Fresno where they hand dye luxury fibers that are sold in yarn shops all across the country.
Cover of The Weakerthans “Aside” by original members of Madeline Leaves.
Thanks for the dolly, Anzula. #packingday
One-take cover recorded to celebrate my imminent move with my lovely friend Katie Matas.
