@doodleforfood | Store
We are honored to have, Megan McKay, as our Featured Artist, she is a super talented illustrator that produces some really cool and creative comics along with many other doodles, make sure to check them all out on her wall and while your over there make sure to hit that follow button!
How long have you been an artist? What is your specialty? Where do u find inspiration?
I’ve been drawing since elementary school, but have been a full-time artist since 2016. I like to think my specialty is drawing cute and funny comics. Right now, that seems to include drawing a lot of dog-related things, which makes sense because my dogs are pretty much my biggest inspiration right now. They’re a couple of hams.
Do you have a job in the art industry? If So, what’s one thing you don’t like about it? If no, where would your dream job be?
I do! I’m a full-time cartoonist, so I draw lots of comics every week. I think a difficult thing about the job is having to hold myself accountable for getting things done. I don’t have co-workers or a boss that I report to, so I have to keep myself motivated. It takes a lot of discipline to make sure I don’t waste most of the day online, playing games, or watching TV. This is especially true if I’m finding myself feeling ‘uninspired’ that week. The hardest skill has been learning to sit down and work even when I would rather be doing anything else. I’m not perfect at it, but I’ve gotten a lot better!
Do you have a favorite Artist?
I have many! I follow a ton of webcomic artists and illustrators, and I’m always on the hunt for new-to-me artists to follow. I have to give a special shout out to some lady cartoonists whose work I really admire: Jane of The Pigeon Gazette, Olivia of Imogen Quest, and Lauren of Bastard Comics
What is one accomplishment you’ve had in your life? Does not need to be art related.
I am and always will be insanely proud of the two plaques I received in high school for being an Outstanding Guardsman. I was on the school’s Colorguard team for four years, and those awards represent four years of fun but hard work. (The dancing, spinning kind of Colorguard, not the ROTC kind) I was unpacking some boxes and found those plaques recently, so they were the first thing to come to mind when I read this question.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years?
Tough questions! It’s really hard to predict, since my day-to-day goals change so much, let alone long term ones. I think in 5 years I still see myself drawing comics, but being self-sustained through revenue streams like my Patreon Page or sales from my online shop. Right now I support myself mainly through freelance comic work. In 10 years, I’d like to have some book deals underway. I could even see myself dipping my toes into children’s books if possible. I would also love to have a more established merchandise brand. Drawing cute things for people to wear or use in their day-to-day lives is something I’m obsessed with, so I see myself pursuing that over time. In 20 years, I’d see myself teaching and helping young creative types get started in their own careers.
If you could meet and talk to any person in the world, dead or alive, who would it be?
I would love to have a sit-down chat with Felicia Day about all things creative and business-related. I feel like her experience as a self-made entrepreneur would make her an incredible source of information. I admire the hell out of her.
How is one way you make money with your art?
I sell merch related to my comics and art! I also go to conventions and peddle my wares on occasion.
If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
I’d like to visit Japan or Korea some day. I watch a lot of YouTube channels that explore the sights, foods, and cultures of both countries, and I find them fascinating. Also, Japan’s packaging and branding game is on point. I feel like I’d be bursting with ideas after visiting.
What is your favorite brand of art supply? Whether it’s a brand of pencils or brand of camera or software
For software, it’s Adobe. I mainly use Photoshop to create my art, but I’ve had experience with their other programs. Overall I’m impressed by just how much you can do with them. I also recently purchased custom brushes for Photoshop from Kyle Webster, and they’re a total game changer.
For art tools, I’m a fan of Wacom tablets. I currently work on a Cintiq, but my first big purchase ever was an Intuos 3 tablet from them, and it still works beautifully. They’re pricey tools, but I’ve found them to be worth it.
Any advice for young artists?
Keep an open mind: watch others and learn from their successes and mistakes. You will improve so much faster if you learn how to take and use constructive criticism. It will do wonders for growing a thick skin and learning other skills like professionalism and separating your worth as a person from the art you create. Basically what I’m trying to say is: stay humble, don’t be defensive, always stay hungry for knowledge and improvement.
