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Hi, I’m Melissa Palermo.

I’m a Toronto-based artist and designer working in the labour movement. At the core of my work, I believe in the power of narrative.

As a designer with a background in progressive organizing, I understand the importance of creating compelling visual communications that people can connect with. Connecting the personal to the political is integral to empowering movements and garnering public support.

As an artist, I explore non-traditional forms of data visualization - investigating how to visualize stories and experiences. I began this work in 2014 with (de)Coding Resistance, a visualization of the themes in three feminist poems. I continued this work throughout my Master’s degree, using participatory design research to visualize qualitative data in the context of combating rape culture.

Creativity is an essential part of building a better, more just world. Through my art and design I find imaginative ways to connect personal experiences and broader social issues, because we must see ourselves in a more just world in order to create it.

Want to collaborate on a project or have a question about my work? Send me a message!