We recently connected with Meagan Lown and have shared our conversation below.

Meagan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

For as long as I can remember I always wanted to make a living as an artist. I always referred to myself as a “part time (insert current job title) full time artist.”

Life always gets in the way and in the last year I have made creating art more of a priority, trying to do something creative everyday and share my processes on social media. While my social media presence lacks the video editing skills most creators have I stay true to myself and let my voice be heard so my follows know what they are getting is genuine. I have always been intrigued by the process artists use to achieve their results and that intrigue I include in my videos in case there is someone watching like myself who is truly interested in how I got from start to finish.

I have recently started doing photography and look forward to how this aspect of my art will progress, and believe this will be a huge step in making a living as a creative.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have always been a “Jack of all trades.” I paint with acrylic, oil and watercolor. I create resin, wire and beaded jewelry. I also do landscape and couples photography.

I typically focus on pet portraits and other acrylic based commission paintings, but I have been known to do comic book fan art, abstract and surreal artwork as requested.

When I’m not working on a commission my subject matter gravitates towards nature. Landscapes, flowers, animals, etc. especially subject matter around the southwest.

I have also done many matching jewelry sets for friends, family and bridesmaids.

I am wanting to branch out more into portrait photography. I have done a few engagement sessions, graduation and a fun Halloween themed shoot for friends. I pride myself on my eye for composition and editing skills. I offer my photography clients the benefit of 3 separate editing styles to choose from rather than forcing a specific style. As a commission based artist all these years it’s important to get an idea of my clients vision as well as my own and ensure that they are beyond happy with the results.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Commission work is a huge part of my craft. I specialize in commission paintings including pet portraits and have recently gotten into photography.

When a client expresses their joy over a finished piece that is what truly makes it worth it for me. Knowing I was able to bring their vision to life in an affordable piece they can love for years to come.

I recently did a painting for a coworker, Megaman. He was a little embarrassed at first but I assured him this type of work was one of my favorites, he tells me daily that he smiles everytime he looks at it. I have done several comic book commissions in the past as well and I truly appreciate the artwork, the subject matter is easy for me and I can get the artwork to my clients quickly.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Years ago I was working as a manager at Starbucks, while I loved the work and my crew I found myself having little to no time to commit to art. Working 60 hours a week left little time to enjoy what truly made me happy.

I scheduled a meeting with my district manager and let her know it was time for me to focus on what truly had meaning in my life. So I stepped down as a manager and attempted to reclaim my path.

It has been years since that moment and it wasn’t until recently I realized just doing artwork was not getting me closer to my goal of being a full time artist. I have put a plan in place to reach the goals I’ve been chasing my whole life. While it will likely take years to get where I am sustaining my finances through art alone I am excited each time I tick another item off my “to do to be an artist lis.”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Studios.mayday
• Other: TikTok: MaydayStudio

Image Credits
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