Illustrator Interview with Megan Eckman

Megan Eckman is a very creative person - fact! She is an amazing Illustrator and runs her own business called Studio MME which is based in California, our paths crossed a few months through this blog and I have been a fan of her amazing ink and pen drawings since. She captures that real sense of childhood imagination and the wonderful places your mind can take you. Megan was kind enough to take a pause from drawing for a few minutes to answer some questions for Side Street Style

1.So Megan, have you always had a passion for the Arts and when did you know you wanted to be an illustrator?

My father is a painter so art has always been a major part of my life. I've been drawing since before kindergarten and when I entered college, I knew I wanted to get as much training in art as I could. So I ended up double-majoring in art and English to make sure I got the training I wanted. It wasn't until my last year in college that I realized I wanted to make my art my living. I'm not sure I'd be good at anything else. Haha. Plus, I'd make a deal with my parents that in order to get my two 'artsy' degrees, I'd start a business before I graduated.


2. How would you describe your unique drawing style?

Edward Gorey but less...macabre.

3. You made a promise to your parents that you would not only finish your degree but also start your own business, do you have an advice for recent graduates starting up on there own?

Success takes two things: ambition and persistence. Talent only has a tiny part of becoming financially sound. Most of the extremely talented people I went to art school with are still working at Starbucks, drawing perhaps once a month. If you want to make a living from your work, you need to dream big and keep working at it. Contact galleries, shops, other artists, blogs, etc. daily to get the word out about your work. Never think any idea is too big or too silly. I actually wrote an article on How to be Part of the 10% for DesignSponge that gives more advice for graduating art students.


4. What would you say has been your biggest achievement in your career so far?

I just had my work published in an international book, 1,000 Portrait Illustrations alongside that of Lisa Congdon, Kelly Thompson, and Daniel Krall.

5. What keeps you inspired to create the beautiful illustrations that you do?

The more I create, the more crazy ideas pop into my head so really I can't stop or else my head might run out of room. Plus, it absolutely makes my day to see people smile when they take a piece of my work home with them.


6. Running a business during the recession is tough for anyone, how have you managed to ride the wave?

I know so many people who have started businesses and made six figures in this recession so I've never really thought of it as an obstacle. If you make work that resonates with your passion and purpose and share it with the world, the right people will find you.

7. What is your motto in life?

Nothing is impossible...just improbable. Thus, anything is possible. :D


Megan currently has a wonderful 2013 Calendar out titled - Calendar of Magical Places, which features 12 stunningly colourful ink and pen illustrations and would brighten up any room for less than £10.