Melissa Tate was born in Toronto, Canada and has been a creative ever since she could hold a paintbrush and crayons. Throughout her childhood, family encouraged her creative exploration through computers and other technology.

After high school, she attended Bealart in London, Canada exploring several subjects and studios including art history, ceramics, drawing, film & animation, graphic design, illustration, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and textiles. She specialized in painting and commercial art in her final year.

She taught art to children and was a studio assistant. In the digital world, she developed company and product branding, and created and delivered marketing campaigns and user experience focused websites.

Melissa is inspired by the landscape works of Claude Lorrain, the colour and light exploration of the Impressionists (particularly Claude Monet and Georges Seurat), and the creative exploration of the Surrealists (particularly Salvador Dali). She is also inspired by the Group of Seven’s passion for the Canadian landscape. Contemporary influences include artists and designers Lindon Leader, Charli Marie and Katie Jobling.

After a 10-year career in the online and digital space, Melissa began a personal journey exploring CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and incorporated those ideals into both her fine and digital artwork. By incorporating the digital and physical aspects of art, Melissa is able to continue to explore her ongoing love of new and upcoming technology while maintaining her relationship with tangible art materials that brought her joy growing up.