CatNap Creative

Meet the dreamer behind the doodles! I’m Melissa-- teacher by day, designer by… slightly later in the day. After years of crafting lesson plans, fundraisers, and creative chaos, I decided to package the magic into printable resources teachers actually want to use. Catnap Creative is where caffeine meets creativity; a cozy corner of the internet filled with clever classroom tools, artsy aesthetics, and just the right amount of cat-titude. Every resource is made with a teacher’s brain, an artist’s eye, and a marketer’s flair (because worksheets deserve to look cute and work smart). So grab your coffee, curl up with your laminator, and let’s make classrooms a little more creative; one printable at a time.

My classroom runs on coffee, curiosity, and creativity. I believe learning should feel like a collaboration — not a lecture — where students get to explore, experiment, and express themselves freely (and maybe get a little messy in the process). As current AP and former IB Art Instructor, I’m all about process over perfection. I love seeing students connect ideas, make mistakes, and turn “oops” moments into “oh wow!” discoveries. My lessons mix structure with spontaneity, blending academic rigor with imaginative play... because art (and life) are both about finding beauty in the experiment. Every resource I create for Catnap Creative is built with that same philosophy: clear enough to guide, flexible enough to inspire, and designed to spark those lightbulb moments that make teaching totally worth it.

Teaching has brought me more joy than I ever imagined. Over the years, I’ve been honored with campus recognitions like “Sweating the Small Stuff” for my attention to detail, creativity, and commitment to student success; proof that even the smallest brushstroke can make a masterpiece. My proudest moments aren’t trophies, though, they’re the “I finally get it!” smiles, the gallery-worthy portfolios from students who once said they “weren’t artistic,” and the late-night messages from graduates sharing how art helped them find their confidence. From field lessons to full portfolios, pep rallies to portfolio reviews, every shining moment reminds me why I teach — to help students see that creativity isn’t just a skill, it’s a superpower.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where I fell in love with color theory, collage, and the beautiful chaos of creating something from nothing. My studies in 2D design, mixed media, and visual storytelling now shape every printable and classroom resource I dream up — art with purpose (and a little personality). Before Catnap Creative curled up into existence, I wore many creative hats — artist, gallery curator, photographer, marketer, and even actor (yes, I’ve made a few film cameos and commercials between lesson plans). My work has been featured in local and international exhibitions, appeared in films, and filled the walls of my own gallery, Platform 204, where I curated monthly shows for emerging artists. Whether behind a camera, a canvas, or a classroom desk, my mission has always been the same: to tell stories through design. Every project — from marketing campaigns to mixed-media collages — has fueled my goal to make creativity feel accessible, intentional, and a little bit magical. Catnap Creative is where all those experiences meet: a cozy corner of the internet where art and education share the same cup of coffee.

I’m a South Texas native with a soft spot for sketchbooks, color palettes, and classroom coffee mugs that somehow multiply overnight. When I’m not teaching or designing, you’ll find me working on new art ideas, exploring creative business projects, or sneaking in a catnap (the brand name isn’t just a pun). My creative journey has taken me through a mix of classrooms, studios, and creative ventures — from curating gallery shows and managing marketing campaigns to mentoring young artists as they discover their creative voice. Each experience has shaped how I see creativity: not as a single skill, but as a way of thinking, connecting, and finding beauty in the details. Through Catnap Creative, I get to blend all those experiences into something meaningful — a space that celebrates imagination, classroom magic, and the joy of creating resources that make teachers’ lives a little easier (and a lot cuter).