Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Megan Murdock. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Megan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I had graduated high school in 2008, and the economy was in recession. The advice to young graduates at the time was to study something stable. Don’t waste your time and money on a degree that would be useless. I felt so discouraged, I was always a creative person but knew a job in the arts was not an option. I had a hard time finding my footing over the next few years. I took time off from school to work as an Administrative Assistant in manufacturing. I finally had a little money and I was able to travel to places like Paris, and be inspired by the world around me. After a few years, I finally decided to finish my degree, and chose Studio Art as my major. I didn’t care if I would find a job in the field, because I knew I was resourceful had other talents to offer. I found so much joy and self-fulfillment during this time, and I graduated so proud of myself for following my heart. The path was never money oriented for me. Today, I have the ability to share my art with others and bring joy to them on their most special day.

Megan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have been creating all my life. Since I was a small child, I picked up drawing, sewing, jewelry making, and painting. I was not the most social child, and creating was a safe place for me. Growing up in Southern California, I was exposed to beautiful Southwestern art, such as the Autry Museum where I saw my first Georgia O’Keefe painting in person. I loved her abstract use of color and shape, and it’s been like a subliminal image in my mind since that first time. I am always guided by the truth that I see around me, and portraying others in their truth. When I make art today for a client, it’s so important that the portrait is like a mirror. The sitter should see themselves in the way they stand, and the way clothes sit on them. You should feel emotional when you see a portrait of yourself. That’s the job of the artist.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The thing that is so special about Live Event Artists working today, is that it creates this bridge to the guests seeing art being created in front of them. People have less exposure to physical artwork today, and it’s so special to see guests not only excited about the painting process, but to connect with them through this custom work when they leave the event. They have a beautiful, custom keepsake that they can cherish forever.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I want art to be more accessible to the public. Anyone can create art. Creating art is another way to communicate with the people around you. I believe teaching art to adults is just as important as teaching art to children. I believe the value of art in society would increase if more people understood how important the visual voice is for each of us. Art libraries and public art spaces would encourage community building without gatekeeping from others who may not afford formal classes. There are online artist communities for adults, like illustrator Wendy McNaughton who runs the DrawTogether Artist Community. You do not need to be formally trained to be an artist. Anyone can create art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aliciaanneart.com/megan
• Instagram: @mmportraitart

Image Credits

Artist Agency: Lumina Art Collective
Photography by: Tatiana Rulin