I met Megan Lara through her art. Not her sites in specific, or buying a piece, but because I kept seeing people talk about some gorgeous Nouveau style Nintendo art – and when I saw it online, with such characters as Zelda and Peach. I had my usual reaction: say "wow" and ask for an interview for the blog.
Megan was glad to oblige. She's an up-and-coming artist with a sense of humor, and plans for the future. We'll get a rare insight into someone on their way to greater things, so get to know her before she becomes all famous!
First, I've seen several blogs link to your Nintendo Nouveau art. How does it feel to get all that attention?
Is it all positive? It's kind of overwhelming, to be honest! And pretty awesome at the same time. It's been almost all positive, surprisingly. Criticisms here and there, of course–but since this is the internet, I was expecting MUCH worse! It's strange, because just a few weeks ago, I was completely unknown. Now, well, I'm not famous or anything, but my art has made its way around the interwebs a bit. :) It's nice!
Where did you get the idea to apply that style to Nintendo characters?
When I got married, I bought a huge Alphonse Mucha coffee table art book that was filled with beautiful , full-page illustrations. My husband was on bed-rest after some particularly grueling dental work, and his tossing and turning kept me awake. So, I was leafing through that before bed, and I was just like, “Man, I love this style.. I bet it would look great on Peach or something. Don't forget this in the morning!” And then I just went with it! I didn't know there were that many Mucha fans out there.
What is your educational background?
Well, I'm a two-year community college graduate. I had planned to finish my bachelor's immediately afterward, but then my art started to take off a little bit, so I wanted to see where it went before I spent money that I didn't have on a degree. The associate's I have is in fine art and painting, however; I'm self-taught on photoshop, design, etc. Conceptart and Deviantart (way back in the day) has taught me a lot!
I understand you want to go full-time but aren't yet. What are your plans to go full-time as an artist?
I want to go full-time as soon as I make sure that it's relatively stable, and that I have a few months of bills paid off. It's a scary thing to quit your safe job in pursuit of the one you REALLY want. I work at a pizza place right now, where I get insurance and a steady forty hours a week. I hate it with every ounce of my being, but it's just not in the cards to quit just yet. I'm giving it at least three months before I at least take a leave of absence.
How are you going about fulfilling those plans?
Right now, I'm taking pretty much every illustration job offer that's thrown at me, and trying my best to keep my deadlines and stuff in check. Right now I'm doing 40 hours at my crappy job, and at least 30 with designing. I'm working on switching that around, to start with. Plus, I think having a few months worth of paychecks saved up will give me the courage to bite the bullet.
What advice do you have to aspiring artists and designers to help them succeed?
Don't be afraid to put yourself and your art out there. The internet can be a scary place, and I was afraid I would be shunned and no one would want my work at all! My husband basically made me post my stuff on Reddit, and that gave me enough confidence to start submitting everywhere else. Also, achieving an online presence is a must. I never really understood Twitter or Tumblr before this, but now I do. Twitter, Tumblr, Deviantart, WordPress, Facebook, etc. Utilize any form of mass-communication tool that you can. Oh, and one of the most surprising things I've found: I spend way more of my time answering emails, questions, etc., than I actually do drawing. You have to be decent with people.
What's the best way to support an artist or designer who wants to be a professional?
Buy their work! Don't ever expect that, because you know an artist, that they will do art for you for free. It's very, very awkward trying to be professional and then having your best friend beg you for a free tattoo design. You could also help them advertise (tell your friends about them), buy their products and take product photos. Word of mouth is still a very powerful thing, especially on the internet!
What's your next project to blow our minds? Or can you even tell us?
Well, for the fans of nouveau, I have been hired to do a series of three Marvel ladies in Mucha's style. There's already a rough-draft of one on my facebook page! Personally, I'm looking at doing some more sciency/video game/pop culture related tees—specifically Carl Sagan, Katamari Damacy, more Doctor Who and maybe some X-Files, because I freaking loved that show. I have a couple other ideas up my sleeve, but they're gonna stay under wraps, for now! :)
Thanks Megan! be sure to check her blog, site, and more below!
http://www.meganlara.com
http://www.facebook.com/mLARAart
http://meganlara.tumblr.com/
http://twitter.com/mLARAart
http://chesheyre.deviantart.com