Mel Larsen Gutierrez has been working as a graphic design professional since 2010, gaining much of her experience in freelance advertising, branding, illustration, and in-house-everything for a small upscale grocery retail chain. In late 2017 she entered the ad agency world to work on social good marketing efforts with C+C. The role quickly transformed from making presentation decks pop, to conceptualizing and pitching large scale creative campaigns and seeing material production through to launch date. In late 2019 she became an Art Director; in 2023 Associate Creative Director. In 2024, Mel began work as an Art Director at the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

Mel graduated with honors in 2011 from Pacific Northwest College of Art with a degree in Communication Design. Her parents would also like her to mention that she has two Emmys (NW regional, but still!).