Creative Communication from Mel Dixon Design provides a bespoke blend of editorial project management plus illustration and design services.
I’m a Ph.D-trained biologist, experienced editorial consultant, designer and illustrator. I’ve worked for, and with, educational publishers, scientific communication consultancies and not-for-profits for 25 years. I was director of accounts in an award-winning medical communication consultancy before setting up as a freelance editorial consultant in 2012.
I’ve been fortunate to have experience of a wide-range of editorial project types and formats; projects which bring words and images together to communicate a message to inform and inspire others. Whether editing secondary school textbooks, writing speaker presentations, organising symposiums or designing marketing materials I’ve had the opportunity to work with world-class companies and learn. I bring all my experience and skills to every project and client.
In 2015 I became a student at The Cambridge School of Art completing an MA in book illustration. I want to share with others the many aspects of the natural world that I find joy in exploring, understanding and appreciating. So, when not working for clients, I am writing and designing my own books and communication projects.
It’s a joy to be able to combine my extensive editorial project management experience with my design and illustration skills. I can now provide a complete creative solution. I’m excited about working with clients who want to help people make positive changes for themselves, their communities and their planet.
I’m proud of my work and really enjoy building lasting client relations so if my services are just what you or your organisation is looking for then I’d be delighted to hear from you.
How I got here
After pursuing my passion for Biology at the University of York, I continued my science training at Oxford University, gaining a Ph.D in Plant Biochemistry.
My editorial training started in London, as Editor within a Medical Communication consultancy, then I joined Oxford University Press, first as Assistant, then Commissioning Editor for Academic Biosciences.
In 2004 I joined what was a small communication consultancy in Oxfordshire, Watermeadow Medical. As Editor, then Communication Logistics Manager with responsibilities for Production and Events, I was a key part of the growing team and brand which became an award-winning consultancy across three sites. As a Director of Accounts, I led and managed a team of writers, editors and other professionals delivering a wide-range of services for International Pharmaceutical companies and Healthcare providers.
In 2015, after setting up a freelance editorial business I pursued a creative journey leading to an MA from The Cambridge School of Art. My final show in 2017 attracted the attention of an agent and publishers. My narrative non-fiction communications combined a new confidence in design and layout with new skills in storytelling and illustration. As an author/illustrator I’m drawing on my scientific and communication knowledge in ways that aim to be visually fun as well as informing for every reader, whatever their age.
My CV at a glance
2012 –
Freelance communication specialist offering design, editorial and project management services tailored to a project’s needs.
2017
Mel Dixon Design Creative Communication founded
2014-2017
MA Children’s Book Illustration, Cambridge School of Art.
2004-2011
Director at Watermeadow Medical, Oxfordshire. An independent, award-winning Communications consultancy.
Led and managed a team of writers, editors, production and event staff delivering range of communication projects for International Pharmaceutical and Healthcare clients.
2000-2004
Commissioning Editor at Oxford University Press, Academic science
Editor at Remedica, London, Medical Communication consultancy
1997-2000
Ph.D, Plant Biochemistry, University of Oxford.
1994- 1997
BSc. Biology, University of York