Phillies Graphic Designer's Work Being Shown At Main Line College

You've likely seen Melissa Maani's work without knowing who she is or what exactly she does, because she seamlessly creates tons of images for the Philadelphia Phillies in her role as the team's graphic designer. And now her work will be featured in a Main Line College's art gallery in a new exhibit opening March 15.

Rosemont College's Lawrence Gallery will feature the "Playing Field" exhibit that will showcase Maani's works.

The gallery will host an opening reception on Thursday, March 15 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with an informal artist's talk at 4:30 p.m. Joining the reception festivities will be Phoebe Phanatic, the Phillie Phanatic’s mother.

The exhibit will be open through April 12 during Lawrence Gallery's normal hours.

Maani's graphic design exhibit is a first for Lawrence Gallery, Rosemont officials said.

Maani has worked as the manager of graphic design for the Philadelphia Phillies for 18 years, creating all of the team’s visual communications. Her dynamic and often unusual interpretations are bold, colorful, and uniquely attention getting, according to Rosemont College officials.

"I’m thrilled to have my work on display in this prestigious gallery," Maani said. "This exhibit celebrates not only my passion for graphic design but also my love for the Philadelphia Phillies."

Maani's command of Adobe software allows her to transform recurrent images into fresh designs for use in internal and external media each baseball season.

Throughout her career with the Phillies, Maani has designed billboards, baseball cards, magazine covers, merchandise, calendars, and clothing.

"Playing Field" showcases some of her most notable work, including Phillies yearbooks, a World Series banner, a rookie card she design for Pope Francis in 2015 to commemorate his visit to Philadelphia, and much more.

Maani also uses her talent to help local charities. In 2010, she volunteered to paint a Phillie Phanatic statue that was later auctioned off during "Phanatic Around Town," an online auction hosted by the Philadelphia Phillies.

Maani’s statue attracted the top bid at the auction, earning an impressive $50,400 for Phillies Charities, the team’s charitable arm.

Maani earned her BFA from Rosemont College in 1998. While she had intended to pursue a career in fine art after graduation, Maani eventually found an affinity for graphic design and typography. She says she worked 32 jobs before taking a position with the Phillies.

During the artist’s talk, Maani will tell her story, discussing the obstacles she overcame in her career before landing what many would call a "dream job" with a professional sports organization.

"This exhibit is about more than graphic design," Maani said. "It’s about giving hope to anyone who has a dream. My dream was always to work for the Phillies and perhaps my success can inspire students and members of the community."

Lawrence Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located at Rosemont College, 1400 Montgomery Ave., Bryn Mawr.

Images by Melissa Maani, courtesy of Rosemont College/Philadelphia Phillies, used with permission