I Could Never Do That 66 Megan Marie Myers - The Magical, Mystical, and Vulnerable World of Being an Artist
Megan Marie Myers is a painter, illustrator, and native Oregonian.
After attending art school in Seattle, Megan took a position in Seattle at Chihuly Studio where her job was to coordinate the logistics of creating and installing full-scale gallery exhibitions of Dale Chihuly’s artwork, as well as private commissions of large-scale glass and steel art installations for public and private clients worldwide.
This, she says, was instrumental in teaching her the all-encompassing business side of the art world. It was exhausting but so valuable to her future as an entrepreneur.
In 2013, she relocated to Portland and began working at Trader Joe's as an artist and sign maker. Because of the flexibility and freedom of this job, Megan was finally able to create and sell more of her own work. She and her partner, Matt, moved to Bend in 2015 and this became a huge "I Could Never Do That" moment for her.
Should she transfer and continue to work for Trader Joe's in Bend with flexibility and a steady income? Could she launch her own business in a town where she was unknown? Would this new town even be receptive to her work and unique style?
Well, as it turns out, the town of Bend was not only receptive to Megan, but they unofficially adopted her as the town's resident artist!
Her work is ubiquitous with Bend because it encapsulates why so many people love Central Oregon - inspiration from the outdoors and the connection we have to our natural surroundings and to each other.
It only makes sense because, in addition to painting outdoor scenes, Megan also embodies her work as a trail runner, hiker, and outdoor enthusiast. Earlier this year, she created the Creativity Shakeout run, which connects creatives of all types for an informal weekly walk or run. It's her unique way of connecting with others and giving back to a community that has given her so much.
Megan Myers is proof that if you keep showing up authentically, big magic will happen and, when you put so much joy into the world through your art, how could it not?
Today we talk:
- The joy that her work brings to her fans/buyers
- The personal touches and "language" of her paintings and illustrations
- Her journey from Seattle to Portland to Bend
- How she broke into the Bend creative scene - spoiler alert: a lot of cold calls and knocking on doors
- Client work vs. Original Work - which does she prefer?
- What her work with Chihuly and Trader Joe's taught her about entrepreneurship and running a business
- The behind-the-scenes of running a business
- Her favorite music and how she creates a mood to work
- The parallels between ultra running and creating art
- How she trains for her ultras
- The genesis of the Creativity Shakeout Group
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