We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Megan Hughes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Megan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Most of the time I believe I am happier as an artist and business owner. I very much enjoy what I do, I like being able to see direct results from working harder, researching, and practicing. It is very rewarding to pick up a new skill, or new software, or new business tool and see directly my progress and sales improve because of it.

I do, especially in the last year, wonder if my type of 2D commercial art will still be viable and profitable in the near future with the advent of AI. Before, I could just keep working on a piece until I was happy with it and I could just improve my pieces to improve my sales. I did have to deal with DMCA (copyright) issues of people downloading and re-selling my art, but before the last year I was competing against other people, not computers that can pump out images in seconds. The uncertainty of that has given me pause if my business in its current state will still be profitable in the near future. There will always be a need for human made art and creativity, but for more 2D commercial art and illustration, it’s now easy for anyone to just type a description and get an image in seconds.

I have been trying to use this time to read, process, and consider how I can adapt and use my skills as the landscape changes so that I can continue to be creative and independent. While sometimes the idea of going back to just a regular job might be the easier path, I enjoy learning and growing and branching out my skills in possibly unexpected routes.

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 a BFA in studio art, I actually specialized in sculpture. However, I also enjoy drawing and painting and I started selling my 2D artwork several years back. I started out creating a coloring book in my spare time while I worked a normal 9-5 job. From there, I started painting some of my illustrations and creating full color pieces. I was able to sell some of my illustrations online on sites like Amazon as T-shirts, phone cases, etc. From there I started selling on other sites for artists like Redbubble. I was also able to print my illustrations on things like stickers, bookmarks, and magnets and I started doing local art shows. At my booth I would sell art prints, coloring books, greeting cards, shirts, and stickers. Between my online sales and my art show sales I was able to start illustrating full time.
One day at an art show I met someone from a local licensing company and they were able to give me the amazing opportunity to start putting some of my artwork in front of representatives for various companies that print and sell artwork in various forms. Thanks to them my artwork has now been sold in several major retailers on various products. I also still sell online and at local art shows.

My artwork tends to feature animals in silly situations or with fun props. I like to brighten people’s day and keep my artwork lighthearted and approachable. I have done animals bowling, skateboarding, playing instruments, and interacting with day-to-day objects. Sometimes I get asked to do commissions featuring someone’s pet and hobby. Overall I like to illustrate semi-realistic animals doing fun activities.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I think one of the most rewarding aspects is being able to create what I want and not have to wait for or rely on others to fulfill that itch. For example, I don’t have to search for a silly shirt with a dog that kind of looks like mine, I can illustrate and print a shirt with my actual dog on it in whatever silly poses I want. Same thing with things like finding the right birthday cards, or other items to fit the mood. I love having the freedom to just make what I want when I want it.
Another amazing and rewarding thing that I still can’t believe I get to experience is having complete strangers come up to my booth and talk with me and enjoy what I have created. It is very fun and rewarding to get to meet people in the community and see them smile and enjoy something that I painted and talk about their silly pets. A newer version of that which is very new and awesome to me is to see my artwork showing up online in pictures and videos from complete strangers who found my artwork at a retailer and chose to purchase and display it. That is such an amazing opportunity and honor to know that so many people can enjoy some silly art,

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think that attending the occasional local art show, craft show, or farmers market and learning what some of the local artists are doing and following them on social media is a great way to learn about and care about real local artists and creatives. Even searching out and finding worldwide artists online in places like Instagram.

I think following, and when possible, purchasing from real small artists and creatives makes a much bigger difference than buying something from a website blindly without knowing if the artwork is stolen, or copied, or AI generated.

It can help creatives feel supported and make their work feel worthwhile to have someone interacting with their work. It makes a much bigger deal to follow and interact with an actual creator. It generates motivation and possibly future sales and works. Having more artists and creatives working can keep things fresh and unique and keep work with real people instead of with art thieves or AI.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mehuart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mehuart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MehuSculpture
• Other: https://Mehu.Redbubble.com