Megan on Paris Fashion Week Part II

Find the first part of our interview with  Megan Ruth St Clair Morgan here. It continues:

Is it hard to focus in the clothes and not get distracted by the characters wearing them, or do they both inform one another?

I think one informs the other, but my work focuses on the clothing. In my recent work I’ve been trying to bring in the element of character, but I do have to say I’m more excited about how the clothes move, sit, feel etc. Creating the character is something I’d like to work more with though, it’s something I’m working with to improve and inform my work.

Do you get a rush from illustrating clothes at such a speed?

I absolutely love it, you can usually see me in deep concentration or dancing along to the music but it’s just so much fun. It’s something that is your own personal instantaneous reaction to what you see. I find that the most thrilling part; when people want to see what I create.

Does it always come naturally to you or is it challenging at times?
It can be incredibly challenging. When you’ve been commissioned to cover a show and the designer doesn’t translate to illustrations well, it makes my life ten times harder. But you work through it. Naturally, you know what will look good through illustration, but most of the time I get lost in where my brain says to put my pen. Takes a lot of practise though!

When did you fully realise your visual identity/style as an illustrator?

I still haven’t, I’ll be completely honest, no artist I think ever has. You’re constantly growing as a creative and as a person. I’m young and experimental in my own time and that transfers into my professional work. When you become stagnant in your style or bored of what you’re creating, you know you need to take a step back and be free to create what you want and explore your creativity again. I’m still exploring, which is a good thing.

How do you feel about the state of fashion illustration today?

It is in a great place at the moment. It’s leading its way in a new but old format of coverage, publication and way of communicating messages. The industry is embracing it fully. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for it. I think there will be many reinventions of fashion illustration. It’s definitely not going away for a while.

Any tips for young illustrators who want to follow your footsteps?

The main thing would be to talk to people; communicating who you are professionally and being friendly. Nothing can beat a nice conversation with someone who is passionate and willing to work hard to succeed. Secondly, respect the people who are at your level. You will be surprised by how much supporting each other in your path to success helps. Whilst you’re there, respect everyone else too. Work hard. Show you want it and practise drawing every day – it is a skill. Attend life drawing, sit in coffee shops and draw people. Take every opportunity – you never know where it could take you. Master the online world too. It’s how the fashion world functions now.

Interview: Nada Abdul Ghaffar