Spotted! Megan Carn // 8.25.14
Abstract Artist with a Passion for Pink, Megan Carn
Megan Carn is perfectly pink in every way and I love it! She's an abstract artist with an eye for color and has captured my heart in every way. Her bubbly personality can be seen in not only her work, but in everything she does.
I found Megan while skimming Instagram - I love using social media to find everything trendy, including new artists! Her Sassy Giraffe was the piece that held my initial attention, then I couldn't stop scrolling. The whimsy in her designs, the punchy patterns + vivid colors made me grin from ear to ear while looking at her work. Her page left me feeling excited and ready to take on the day. So naturally I had to meet Megan.
Not long ago she was a college student (like myself) and now she is designing art for those looking to make a statement. While interviewing her, I loved learning about her adventures from her beginnings to today. Continue reading to learn her inspiration, go-to items + best advice.
Name: Megan Carn
Age: 22
Occupation: Abstract Artist
1. Tell me a little about being an abstract artist?
It’s really great! First of all, I love that the pieces I do aren’t held to looking like photographic copies of my subjects. I can use hot pink and peach and gold and blue, or any color I want, and it’s my prerogative to do that. I love to paint, so it is a hobby and it is translating into a growing business. It’s a constant learning experience and it’s a constant thought process. There is so much work that goes into making and selling art- not only do you have to think of what to paint and actually do the painting, you also have to photograph it and figure out how to show people you make beautiful things. I am almost always working on something! All of the hard work considered, it is so much fun.
2. All of your paintings are punchy + vibrant (two of the best things), I simply can’t choose my favorite! What is yours?
This question is really difficult! I love almost all of them- if I don’t love a painting when I finish, I let it sit for a few days and come back to it. If I still don’t like it, I paint over it! If I had to choose a few favorites right now though? “The Fancy Elephant” would be one for sure. Then, I would choose “Life is a Party!” and “Pretty in Pink.” And maybe a few others.
3. Did your studies in college apply to what you're doing now? If not, when and where did you acquire the necessary skills?
I was actually a studio art major in college! I wasn't sure exactly what I would do with an art degree when I declared it during my sophomore year, but I knew I wanted it. I wanted to do something fun and special. So I did.
** I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Presbyterian College in May of 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. (Psychology major, Studio Art Major, and Art History Minor)
4. What is a day in the life of Megan like?
I wake up, eat a quick breakfast, and go to my full-time job Monday-Friday (and sometimes Saturday). I manage a sweet little heritage museum in Elloree, SC- a job that includes coordinating exhibits, meetings, programs, events, and fundraisers, writing grants, handling tours, processing memberships, and anything else that pops up. When I get home, I almost always paint! On weekends, I usually paint unless I go out of town to see a friend. Late at night and during the day I manage emails, website changes, and social media. It's overwhelming sometimes, but I think it is worth it!
“It’s overwhelming sometimes, but I think it is worth it!”
5. You can’t leave home without…?
- Phone. I know that’s not the “hip” or “cool” thing to say, but for me right now, its crucial. Clients contact me on it, I photograph my art with it, I manage my business social media accounts and emails with it, people from my job contact me on it.. Oh, and I like my friends and talking to them! (Note: Most of my friends live an hour or many hours away. So face to face conversations aren’t a happening thing all the time. Hayyy phone!)
- Planner and Journal. Dates are so important, and so are writing down ideas when I have them. Also, I list everything. It helps me feel so much better about attacking the work I have to do!
- Purse and a bottle of water. Hungry? I’m sure there’s a KIND bar somewhere in the purse. Forgot earrings? Need a Flashdrive? Toothbrush? Eos chapstick? Confetti? Anything? It’s probably in there. Then I get thirsty so I need water.
6. Where do you find your inspiration?
Fashion. Textures. Pattern. Nature. Bright colors and metallic paint. Other art. And then sometimes, I look at something and say “Hmm. That sure would look neat in a really bright painting.”
7. How do you unwind?
I like to be with friends- or painting. I love really cool restaurants and cocktails too. Sometimes though, I come home from work, put on pajamas, and watch the Food Network. Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives is the best!
8. What was your first job out of college and how long did you hold that position?
My current position at the Elloree Heritage Museum and Cultural Center is the first job I have had! I started in October 2013 after a long and treacherous job search.
10. What is the best advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs? What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Christmas of my senior year of college, I was inquiring about art-related jobs via the internet. I came across Dana Gibson Designs, and I loved everything on her site. I sent her an inquiry about internships or positions, just like I did for so so many other places. Of the hundreds of inquiries, Ms. Gibson was the only one to respond. Unfortunately, she did not have any sort of position, but she was very complimentary. (The first non-family/friend compliments I had ever gotten!) She also said this, paraphrased slightly: You have the talent and the drive. Keep working hard {because 80% of artistic work is hard work} and eventually, everything will work out for you. It’s only a matter of time.
My advice: Be sure before you start something that you love it enough to work for it. Be original and follow your dream; don't just do something because you saw someone else do it. Ask constantly for advice, be organized, and once you start something you want- don't quit. It will take time, it will probably cost money, and it may get stressful. But you love it, right?
11. What was the biggest obstacle you faced while pursuing your dreams?
Managing a full time job, social life, and a growing side business- having the time to work, paint, socialize, and sleep is really tough.
Two of my favorite quotes right now:
“Let’s do what we love and a lot of it.” –Marc Jacobs“Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.” –Mae West
How free in the lines Would Style a Megan Carn Original
So how would I style Megan's glam pieces? Well, let me show you what I would add with her killer pieces in a home studio.
Megan Carn Piece: Spring!
1. The Fashionable Cocktail // 2. Design Love Fest's Dress Your Tech #50 // 3. Warby Parker Finch Eye Wear // 4. Biscuit Poodle Bookeneds // 5. Mark & Graham Gold Desk Embosser // 6. Lipstick Paperweight // 7. Sticky 9 Instagram Magnets // 8. Jonathan Adler Pop Champagne Candle
Don't forget to check out all of Megan Carn's shop!