There is no doubt that Melissa Fennell ’02 is accomplished in her profession. She is the proud recipient of four Emmy Awards, four Telly Awards, and one Gabby Award for her work in the field of Motion Graphics production. Her creative talent has led her to produce successful promotional content for major athletic teams, news programs, and shopping brands.

Now living in Atlanta, Fennell originally hails from Kingston, Jamaica, and came to Berkshire at the age of 16. She then earned a bachelor’s degree in film and media from Wesleyan College. To advance her career, Fennell pursued a master's degree in motion media design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

Fennell then spent nine years working at Cox Media's WSB-TV Channel 2 News, the ABC affiliate in Atlanta, where she contributed to the station's distinction as the top-rated local news channel in the country. She also played a pivotal role in the launch of Atlanta News First, formerly CBS 46. After graduating, she founded SquareCat LLC in 2010 where her specialized work includes live-event graphics, motion graphics, editing, and production.

Read the Q&A to learn more about Fennell’s work and memories from under the Mountain.

What are some of the projects you have worked on?

Since founding SquareCat LLC, I’ve worked on a variety of exciting projects, including creating promotional content for the Georgia University Bulldogs, designing interstitials for the Atlanta Hawks' Jumbotron, and producing a YouTube TV promo featuring the Philadelphia Eagles, Julio Jones, and Atlanta’s DJ Shockley. Additionally, I’ve contributed design work to Atlanta News First and collaborated with major brands like Publix, Home Depot, Kroger, and McDonald's. You can view my portfolio to see more of my work.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Throughout my career, I’ve found inspiration from a variety of sources. A lot of my creativity comes from the people I collaborate with—whether it’s a client, a team, or the audience we’re designing for. I’m also inspired by art, music, nature, and even everyday life. Sports have also been a big influence because the energy of live games drives me to create dynamic visuals. Ultimately, my goal is to push creative boundaries and connect with people through my work.

What led to your career in motion graphics and production? 

I’ve always had a passion for both art and technology and, after earning my undergraduate degree, I worked for two years as an advertising representative at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. During that time, I collaborated closely with the sales team and graphic designers, which sparked my interest in the creative side of the industry.

This experience inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in Motion Media Design at SCAD where I initially wanted to focus on film and cinematography. At the time, SCAD’s Atlanta campus didn’t offer that specific program, so I pivoted to motion graphics while still taking cinematography classes. It turned out to be a happy accident—I quickly fell in love with motion graphics, which became the foundation of my career and eventually expanded into production and live production.

What advice would you give to anyone interested in becoming a motion graphic designer? 

I love motion graphics because I’m always learning something new. My advice is to stay curious and keep learning. Build a portfolio with personal projects or freelance work, and network with other designers to grow your skills.

Also, whatever your strength is—whether it’s 2D, 3D, or a specific style—lean into it. Early in my career, many mentors suggested I change my style, but staying true to what I’m good at has proven to be unique and appreciated.

Don’t hesitate to elevator pitch everyone—your ideas are valid, and everyone needs design; they just don’t know it yet. And remember, other designers are your lifeline—never burn a bridge. Building relationships is key.

What are some of your fondest memories of your time at Berkshire? 

On my first day at Berkshire, I was immediately struck by the beauty of the campus and the strong sense of community. Meeting my dorm mates at Godman and exploring the quad, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness about what was ahead. The friendships that began that day turned into lasting connections, and I quickly felt like I truly belonged.

Winter at Berkshire was another memory! Coming from Jamaica, I was shocked by its beauty. There was something magical about the snow-covered campus and the quiet calm it brought. 

My screenwriting teacher at Berkshire, Mr. [Ronn] Cabaniol, was the most influential in shaping my career path. Each class, we wrote one page for homework, and by the end of the course, we had a complete manuscript. It was through this process that I learned the importance of attention to detail, creativity, and discipline, which have been essential in my career in media. Mr. Cabaniol's approach to writing wasn’t just about storytelling; it was about building a strong foundation of habits that would help me succeed professionally. The structure and focus of the class gave me the tools I needed to pursue a career in the creative industry, and I’m incredibly grateful for this and all the lessons I learned during my time at Berkshire.