Melissa Laine Scotton was born and raised in the small but lovely state of Delaware. After a short stint in Pennsylvania, Melissa attended the University of Delaware and earned a BFA in Visual Communications with a concentration in graphic design. She went on to earn an MFA in Graphic and Interactive Design from Tyler School of Art at Temple University. While attending Tyler, Melissa taught as an adjunct professor.

Since graduating from Delaware, Melissa has worked as a designer for businesses of all sizes. She designs board graphics for Roxy Snowboards and outerwear for Grenade Gloves. Melissa's snowboards were ridden in the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy, including one by bronze medalist Kjersti Buaas. Another one of her designs was ridden by gold medalist Torah Bright at the 2007 Winter X Games, in Aspen, Colorado.

Melissa has also created web sites, apparel, catalogs, posters, and other design goodies for small businesses and individuals. Some of Melissa's other clients include Spy Optic, Hang Ten, Jetty Life, Snowboarder, Bailey Handbags, Switch Skate & Snow, the University of Delaware Art Department and more.

When Melissa isn't at Shepherd teaching or designing snowboards, she is working on her small greeting card and stationery line, baking cupcakes, painting custom shoes and accessories, snowboarding, and collecting cool seashells.