In our Featured Shop series, we shine a light on a standout shop from Etsy’s talented seller community, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at their process and story.
Last spring, like so many of us, Miami-based creative Melissa Koby of M. Koby Art found herself searching for a way to process what was happening in the world. So she did what she’s done all her life, and turned to art to make sense of it all. Her resulting illustrations captured women alone at home, meditating, drinking wine, and savoring slivers of normalcy amidst the uncertainty. Melissa dubbed the prints “the Quarantine series,” and they instantly struck a chord with her global customer base. “I made these images to connect with people, to try and make them feel seen during a difficult time,” Melissa says. “I wanted to invoke a mood of peace, warmth, and safety.”
Shop the M. Koby Art collection
Today, every fierce, frame-worthy piece in Melissa’s shop reaffirms the central themes of her work and her life—women pressing on and supporting one another through times of sorrow and moments of triumph—and her inspiring collection serves as a welcome reminder that beauty and courage can be found even in challenging times. “In my work, I want to let the world know that we’re going to stand together and stand strong,” says Melissa. “I’m a big believer in being hopeful.”
Read on to find out how Melissa makes art as a form of self-care and discover the print that went viral overnight—then shop the M. Koby Art collection.
How did you get your start painting and illustrating?
I’ve always considered myself a creative person. I’ve been painting since I was a child and started doing digital illustrations last January. When we went into lockdown, the only thing I had to do was draw. It kept me sane. So I started sharing my Quarantine series on Instagram, and added it to my Etsy shop when someone asked if they could buy a print. A few months later, I felt the need to address politics and social injustice through my art. The catalyst was my illustration “Change is Coming,” which went viral on Instagram.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
I err on the side of minimal, and I’m very intentional in my color choices. I use a very warm color palette of beige-y, pinky colors that I find myself drawn to, and I like to play with texture and work with negative space. I always keep my subjects faceless, because in addition to normalizing seeing women of color in illustrations, I want to leave expression open to interpretation. The viewer can decide what emotion they want to get from my work.


Photograph by Sadie Culberson


Tell us about some of your most popular prints.
My best-selling print is “Built on Pride,” and “Together” is a close second. Before I drew “Built on Pride,” all of my work had a little bit of pain behind it. But then I had a powerful personal experience where all my friends came together to rally behind me. I didn’t ask for help—people just showed up. I felt so supported, and I was overwhelmed with love for my friends. Our relationship is built on pride. I created that image because I wanted people to share that feeling of love and support.
What’s your creative process like?
Everything I create is based on my mood and emotions at the time. I’m able to translate what I feel to imagery, and there’s real intention and meaning behind every drawing. When I created “Coffee Date,” for example, I was stuck at home for weeks, and the one thing I really wanted to do was call my friends and go grab coffee. So I put a little bit of all of them into that illustration, showing us sitting on a wall, just having coffee together. It’s something I wanted but couldn’t have in the moment.
Can you tell us how nature inspires your work?
I’m a plant mama, and I’ve been doing a lot of landscapes with mountains lately. I love drawing broad, open spaces that represent complete freedom. I want whoever looks at my landscapes to feel complete serenity and peace, and above all else, remain hopeful. That’s why I always have a little moon or sun of hope in my work. The sun is my signature, and it means a lot to me. It’s the final thing that I add, and I won’t ever put it in until I’m sure I’m done with the image.




Photograph by Sadie Culberson
How did women and girls come to be a dominant theme in your work?
Women are underrepresented in art, especially women of color. We’re strong, beautiful, and so much more powerful than the media gives us credit for. It’s my duty to represent us exactly as I see us, and amplify that as much as possible. This is who I am, and who I want to represent. I believe that when women win, we all win.
Speaking of representation in art, what do you hope your customers feel when they look at your pieces?
When I see something beautiful, I want to own it, and I want people to feel that about my work, and the work of other Black artists, especially Black female artists, because we’re a minority in the industry. I don’t want someone to blink an eye when they purchase one of my prints just because it may represent a different culture—even if it doesn’t look like you, it doesn’t mean you can’t identify with it. I like taking the time to educate people about having diverse art in their homes.


So, what’s next for M. Koby Art?
These days, my illustrations are focused around peace, because what I’m working through right now. My personal goal is to find peace—to remain hopeful, remain mindful, but protect your peace. I feel very fortunate to be able to connect with people at this time in history. I started this because I wanted to reach people, and I felt alone. Having people flood in to answer my cry for connection is surreal. I’m humbled by it, and I never take it for granted. It creates an invisible bond between me and my customers.
Follow M. Koby Art on Instagram.
Photography by Ashlee Hamon unless otherwise noted.
55 comments
Jacqueline from rugsdallas said 69 days ago
Congratulations!!!
Sorina from BijuBrill said 68 days ago
It is beautiful how ART speaks for the world and the world inspired ART ♥ Lovely feature!
Victoria from FolkArtBuffet said 68 days ago
Melissa's artworks are stylish and simple at the same time. I am absolutely delighted!
Savannah from DesignsBySavShop said 68 days ago
These are absolutely stunning and powerful. I love the style of your art so much, congratulations on such an awesome feature.
Maria from MariaMoneArt said 68 days ago
An aesthetic discovery. It is clear that the artist has his own style. I draw a lot, but I can't find my own style yet. I always envy those who have already been able to make a decision.
Gina from GinaBogomolArt said 68 days ago
Happy to learn about such talented illustrator! I wish all the best to fulfill creative destiny!
marg h. from GoldenFaunaArt said 67 days ago
Love your beautiful artwork. It's inspiring! Congratilations on the feature.
Olga Gadach from EmbroideryByGadach said 67 days ago
Very sensitive and emotional works ... Last year many creative people gave impetus to creativity. Many have discovered a talent for creativity.
AlexaMamas from BoringThingsShop said 67 days ago
It's great when in difficult situations people do not sit idly by and are not sad about the good times, but begin to act here and now. it always inspires others too! Now we are all in a very difficult and turbulent period, and it depends only on us how we cope with the situation! I believe that now everyone should do something that would make their loved ones smile, improve the mood and well-being of others. We all know that kindness will save the World!
Posh Park from PoshPark said 67 days ago
Wow, I really love these!
Maeva from MaevaDraws said 66 days ago
ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!! I don't know which one I prefer: Supporting Women or Built on pride!! Love it!
Anna Sypalo from XstitchbyAnna said 66 days ago
Stylish artworks with their own mood. Wonderful!
Anna from LissiKids said 66 days ago
very beautiful illustrations! congratulations
Anna Dobrogorskaya from AnnaChristmastoys said 66 days ago
Very interesting works of the artist. I like when the works are minimalistic in their solution and at the same time deep in meaning. I wish you success in your work!
Maddy from ShopWinnieandMe said 66 days ago
Wow these are beautiful!
Julie Verry from 6cu7j4hs1gt8i1x2 said 66 days ago
You are absolutely shinning, you and your work! congrats, very inspiring!!
Anastasiya Shadrova from knittingheARTbeating said 66 days ago
it is so wonderful!!!
emmy from emmydoesdesign said 66 days ago
love your aesthetic! these are amazing!
Alena Solomatova from AlenaSolomatova said 65 days ago
Hi, nice work!
Natalia from PaintingFromWool said 65 days ago
Very positive pictures!
Zalooza from Zalooza said 65 days ago
Beautiful art! Congrats! : )
Jeanne from stuartroadvintage said 65 days ago
Such beautiful work! Congratulations!!
Artem Lunga from PacificArtStoreUA said 64 days ago
Thanks for the wonderful article on the wonderful illustrator M. Koby! This is a wonderful artist - he helps us understand each other. In the modern world, when the Internet has become the main place of human habitation, when a person practically stops communicating in live real communication for various reasons, starting from last year with the coronavirus lockdowns. Thanks so much for your art, Melissa.
Lilly VanHyfte from LillysVanCo said 64 days ago
Your story, and your art, is an inspiration.
KAMAL ERRACHIDE from DesignLabTreasures said 64 days ago
so nice ..keepgoing
Natalia Art Dolls from BellDollsAmigurumi said 64 days ago
I really liked Melissa's work! Minimalistic, juicy, attractive! I wish you a lot of inspiration and grateful customers)
Tamar Margaryan from storetamara said 64 days ago
So very beautiful illustrations!
Mo from Get8Ltd said 63 days ago
Your work is beautiful...!
Dana McCoy said 63 days ago
I absolutely LOVE your art! I work at a university and would love to acquire some of your prints to display in our Social Work department. I know our students would love your pieces as well! Congratulations on being featured!
FuchsiaMoon from TheFuchsiaMoon said 63 days ago
Thank you for this feature. Beautiful art. Inspiring, positive, uplifting. Can't get enough of Melissa's creative works!
Anastasia from YourAdventureInGlass said 63 days ago
The girl from "Wine down" reminds me of women painted by Gauguin...
Anna Aredova from AnnaAredova said 62 days ago
Really interesting and lovely art! Thank you for the article!
Kat from AdornYourWallsArt said 61 days ago
Absolutely lovely! I love the positive messages your art sends! Congrats on the article - very much deserved!
klittles from klittles said 61 days ago
Beautiful! Congratulations on the feature!!!
BookishStickerClub from BookishStickerClub said 60 days ago
Stunning art and a powerful message during these times. Thank you Etsy for featuring inspirational female artists like M. Koby <3 !
ALBaMass from Digitally2U4U said 60 days ago
Beautiful ❤️
Kadeja Liggans from KLigg said 59 days ago
Thank you for inspiring me Melissa! -KLigg.co
Sharon from YearsAfter said 58 days ago
Your Art is Beautiful! Love the Graphics with a Simplistic Sophistication! You are so Talented!
Nada Meeks from NadaMeeksMakes said 58 days ago
Wow, so beautiful, congrats on the feature!
Oriaku Onuoha-Bean from JewelryByOri said 57 days ago
These paintings are gorgeous! Congrats on the feature! Very well deserved
Rhonda Stubbs from RhondaCorner said 57 days ago
What beautiful work. Hope.... Congratulations on your feature. I wish you the very best on all of your future endeavors.
Hooked On Honey Vintage from Hookedonhoney said 57 days ago
Thank you for sharing your beautiful talents with the world!! You are a true gift!!!
chazzyboy said 57 days ago
Hi Melissa. I LOVE your art work! I love your minimalistic style. It is beautiful. You are very talented and creative! Do you do paintings to order? I would love you to do a painting of me if I was to send you a photograph. Is this something you would and could do?
James from ArtsybyJames said 56 days ago
Awesome illustrations!
Elena from sanlorenzoForDesign said 56 days ago
Love your work, congratulations!!
Mary from Ms2SweetVintage said 55 days ago
Beautiful Art :) Congratulations !!!
Narsha from Narshastudio said 52 days ago
very beautiful illustrations!
Maria from MockupMockup said 51 days ago
Very sunny and warm posters. I'm thrilled!
ECDesign from DesignECShop said 50 days ago
Very beautiful and truly unique products.♥
Adellina from WarmyGiftsStore said 43 days ago
omg I saw these arts but I didn't know from whom! So stylish
Argyro - Evi from MotherDaughterMeraki said 39 days ago
Lovely work-, truly inspiring <3
Vlada from BeeNovaShop said 36 days ago
Wooow 😍
Ruby Bratton said 35 days ago
I am so impressed and loving her work ! She is correct I will own some of her work!
Larry said 24 days ago
Love your art work. And wow you are beautiful to!
Oksana from KNITTEDJEWELByOksana said 23 days ago
I really like to read such stories. They make me move forward and not give up! Thanks!