We are so proud of our Make Art That Sells Alumni, and we are pleased to feature a series of spotlight interviews showcasing their successes and artwork. We’ve asked them to share how the MATS courses have helped them learn and grow. You can see more Alumni Success stories here
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Today, we have an interview with Meghann Rader who has taken MATS A and B, Bootcamp, Illustrating Children’s Books and entered our previous Global Talent Search.
Tell us a little about how you got started in art and design
Like most artists, I’ve always been making art in some form or another. I eventually made my way to the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in Vancouver, British Columbia where I studied painting and printmaking. Art school was a great experience but it didn’t teach me anything about making a living from my art. I left school feeling very lost and ended up working at a local art supply store for several years before making another go at art. I tried my hand at Etsy for a while and was even a featured seller at one point but things never really took off for me there. I discovered Lilla and the MATS classes at a real low point in my creative life and I new instantly that this was the right path for me.
Lilla always says “People buy your joy.” What brings you joy?’
What brings me joy is getting lost for hours in the process of art making. It’s a meditative place that I find incredibly calming but also very challenging and satisfying at the same time. The possibilities of new ideas are always exciting and nothing is more rewarding than pushing through the difficulties of a piece and finding something beautiful and unexpected on the other side.
Which is your favorite market(s) to design for and why?
I once had a teacher at art school tell me that I was a 2D person which is so true! I like a good old flat surface to work on. I’m in love with all forms of stationary and books. I would also love to try my hand at some editorial work. I really enjoy the story telling aspect that those markets allow for as well.
What are you working on currently?
I’m working on a couple of exciting projects that are top secret at the moment! I’m also part way through a personal project that I’ve really been enjoying, illustrating the signs of the Zodiac. Once things calm down a bit I’d really like to spend some time working on my book illustration portfolio.
What are some of the key things you have learnt from the MATS experience?
One of the most important things I’ve learnt is how to make a living as an artist. I had never heard of licensing before and commercial illustration was not a topic of conversation at my conceptually driven art school. Lilla also taught me how to break a brief down into scheduled manageable chunks which has really helped me confidently tackle larger jobs. As she says, “Yard by yard it’s hard, inch by inch, it’s a cinch!”
How have the classes helped your artwork evolve /grow?
The classes gave me time and permission to experiment. I could see my work developing with each new piece and Lilla’s wise words are so encouraging. I’ve never been someone who can instantly create a piece of art off the top of my head and I would often struggle with starting something new. Now I know exactly how to tackle a new project and I get excited about the possibilities rather than overwhelmed by them.
Any aha moments during MATS you would like to share?
There was a bootcamp assignment to illustrate a 1920’s themed colouring book cover. This was a real aha moment for me because it was the first time I saw my “style” coming out in an authentic way. I really loved the line work and flat colour in that piece and I also realized just how much I love drawing people. Everything just kind of clicked into place when I made that piece.
What are your key successes since taking a MATS class?
This past spring I worked on my first range of stationary with a wonderful company, Bespoke Letterpress. The range is based on the Twelve Days of Christmas and features several greeting cards, gift tags and double sided wrapping paper. Seeing my artwork printed on beautiful card stock with letterpressed gold foil was a real thrill! I also have a line of tech and phone cases with Case Station, casestation.com, and have had my work featured in Uppercase Magazine, Flow Lesebuch and Illustrated Maps by Carolina Amell.
How would you describe taking a MATS class to a fellow artist looking to develop their art
Quite simply, MATS taught me everything I wish I learned in art school but didn’t. It really is one of the best things you can do for your creative career. There is so much value packed into these courses as well, they are definitely worth it.
What is your dream gig for your artwork?
I would love to be illustrating books and book covers. My dream gig is to one day illustrate a classic novel.
See more work here: Website | Facebook | Instagram
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Would you like to experience the Make Art That Sells classes yourself? Browse our live and self-paced classes here
Graduates of our courses have gone on to win work from clients such as Hallmark, Robert Kaufman Fabrics, Oopsy Daisy, Uppercase Magazine, West Elm, Midwest CBK, and more. It is industry learning that works in the real world. Find out more HERE and start today!
