Today we’d like to introduce you to Maegan Kabel

Hi Maegan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

Developing the work I love to do happened while attending the Savannah College of Art and Design. It was there I started my journey in learning studio lighting as well as diving head-first into motion media design as a second degree path. I’ve always been a creative, driven individual, but there are several professors in those programs who developed my skills and encouraged me to follow my wild ideas. Tim Keating and John Colette at SCAD both encouraged me to explore, push myself, and create some truly amazing work.

That said, the path to get here has been far from linear. I returned to the Kansas City metro in 2017 and spent a lot of time making the work I thought people wanted. Starting Gumball Revue in 2020 pushed me to creating the type of work I want to see more of in the world. This year, I was able to transition away from a structured part-time job, which has opened up so many opportunities for myself, my creativity, and my business. The remainder of 2024 has so much coming and I’m beyond excited for 2025.

As much work as I’ve put in as a solo creative, I know I wouldn’t be in this position without my support network. I’ve had coworking communities, business besties, and friends and family supporting and cheering me on along the way. All of it has helped me make something beautiful, and I know it’s just the beginning as I’m still advancing every day.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Overall, the road hasn’t been too bad, but the day-to-day struggles can sometimes make it feel like I’ve just been on a wooden roller coaster.

When it comes to my creative practice as a whole, I’m my own worst enemy. I’ve heard the phrase “You’re in your own way” more times than I can count. My insecurities and imposter syndrome show up when I create, whether it’s business-related or not. Over time, it’s gotten easier, but I still will live by the mantra “be scared and do it anyway.”

Finding time and energy has been the biggest struggle in my business. I’ve been building Gumball Revue while working anywhere from 15 – 50 hours elsewhere and that is just plain hard. It’s a delicate balance of giving it your all and making sure you take care of yourself, too. Self-care and making sure I am prioritizing rest during the time I have rest scheduled has been crucial to keeping burnout at bay.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I am largely known for my branding photography, though bringing my design and animation skillsets to my services list has been met with excitement. I create visuals for businesses, individuals, and organizations so they can communicate their messages with clarity and confidence. I’ve had more than one freelancer friend refer to me as a “visual strategist.” I shine when I can take a content plan or business identity and create supporting visuals. I believe marketing can – and should – be functional and beautiful.

What sets me apart is my specialty in colorful, bold imagery with a supporting strategy. A studio is a blank canvas full of opportunities. I would much rather build a set, source unique pieces that support the brand vision, build props, and have my client interact with something unique for them than have one set-up that multiple people rotate through. Even with mini sessions that do have the one set-up, I encourage clients to bring their unique wardrobe, props, and style to the session so it can be theirs.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?

I can’t remember if I ever officially declared it, but I strongly explored the sequential art department at SCAD before choosing motion media design as my second degree path.

I love creating worlds and wanted to craft my own stories and worlds with a pencil in my hand. I had so many classes involving life drawing, sketching, storytelling, inking technique… I learned many valuable skills that I still use in my work today, but I could never get my groove with drawing, especially people. There was one class where my creation of Batman kicking a villain was titled “Batman in fishnets and oven mitts doing ballet” by the professor.

I have to laugh at my drawing skill. Even as something I want to learn, practice, and improve, I am forever in awe of illustrators.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gumballrevue.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/gumballrevue
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/gumballrevue

Image Credits

Sybil Smith