On The Fringe

Coco Rocha VOGUE Mexico

I have a small confession to make friends. I'm on the fringe.

In fact, my whole life I've been on the fringe.

I was never popular in school. For better or worse, I've always marched to the beat of my own drum. It dawned on me recently, as I inch ever more closely to my five year mark in New York, that I still very much exist on the fringe.

Before I moved here I imagined my life looking very differently. I believed so naively that New York would embrace me like a coveted gem. I would be invited to all the "in" parties. I would make an impression, do things differently, really be a "somebody". Truth be told, that couldn't be further from reality.

Hard Rock

Jason Wu - KARLIE BOX CLUTCH

Hello My Lovelies!!

I've missed you oh so much. I finally had the opportunity to paint just for me this weekend and it felt incredible. A big weight was lifted from my shoulders a few days ago and I feel like, for the first time in possibly three years, I can really think clearly about what and where my life is going. Since obtaining my work visa in the United States I had really lost sight of why I even came to New York in the first place - to be a fashion illustrator. Sometimes the universe smacks you right in the face in order to steer you right back on track.

So how does this GORGEOUS Jason Wu clutch fit into all of this?! Firstly, and quite simply, because I loved the giant gem/crystal trend that happened this fall (ahem Prada). Secondly, because I had just done an interview with FASHIONISMYWAY and talked about how New York requires a little a lot of armor in your wardrobe. It's such a hard knock city, not for the faint of heart, and something about this clutch felt very metaphoric of how I feel most of the time here; shiny, vibrant, and polished on the outside - vulnerable and delicate on the inside.

Anyway, I'm feeling some big changes coming in my life and I couldn't be happier. Sometimes when everything is falling apart it is actually falling into place.

Much love,
Meag xx

Postcard from Paris

I arrived in Paris on a beautiful Saturday morning in the 18th arrondissement.

I found my way haphazardly to my girlfriend Julia's flat using broken French and my smile!

I opened the gate to paradise...

and documented myself in the mirror to make sure this was all real.

I rode the metro from Chateau Rouge to Palais Royal to find my Paris daydream.

BLACKOUT

Manhattan Skyline Oct 30th, 2012

I'm not really sure where to begin writing here my loves?! Exactly one week ago I sat at my computer describing the eeriness of the impending Hurricane Sandy. I thought foolishly that a day or two off from work would provide me with some much needed rest and time to paint. I had no idea that my forthcoming week would be spent in darkness. I was both literally and figuratively powerless.

Before I continue, I would like to acknowledge that there are thousands of people along the East Coast who continue to suffer much greater losses than I ever could have conceived of. People lost their lives, their homes in Sandy. I know my ignorance in not having lived through massive weather or war related devastation. But I do think that as minor or major as my story may be, it is worth telling.

Interview with To Be Continued

Hello Hello Lovers!!

Did you all have a fantastic Halloween weekend?! I know I certainly did. But now Hurricane Sandy looms in NYC and the feeling in the air is especially eerie. I wouldn't mind an extra day home from work to paint, clean, and paint however. Anyway, I wanted to share with you all this awesome interview I did alongside some of my Fashion Art NYC friends for London based To Be Continued Magazine.

I thought fellow illustrators James Skarbek, Elvis Torres, and Mara Louise Cespon did such a fantastic job answering the questions. They each gave such interesting insight into the field of fashion illustration and I felt like I learned so much more about my former peers. I can't wait to see how each of our careers continue to grow. Enough talk; time to read! Head to the interview to see for yourselves.

Much love,
Meag xx

A Tale of Three Handbags

Hello My Darlings!!

I'm finally back on TWD woohoo!! I've wanted to do this post since before I left for Europe back in September. I had this idea about embodying each city (New York, London, Paris) in a handbag. I do work for a handbag company here in New York after all ;). I spend so much time everyday staring at bags, making interesting graphics, thinking about trends, that naturally I relate everything to handbags now. Kate Spade, Alexander McQueen, and Hermes seemed like the perfect designers to capture the essence of New York, London, and Paris respectively.

I can't begin to tell you how good it feels to be posting this. I'm finally starting to feel like myself again. And with so many exciting prospects coming my way, I assure you I will be updating here A LOT more frequently. I also want to thank ALL of my new Travel Write Draw Facebook Page followers. You have no idea how touched I am that you have been so receptive to it. That is definitely the space to get behind the scenes with me and my illustrations on TWD. Anyway, I'm happy to announce that Postcard from Paris is on its way so stayyyy tuned my loves!!

Much love,
Meag xx

Interview with D2G Apparel

Hello My Friends!!

Happy Happy Sunday to you all. I'm SO excited to finally be back on my blog after the craziest past few weeks!! I can't fully disclose what prompted the absence from TWD but I can say that I made massive strides in my professional career here in New York. This weekend was definitely a time for celebrating, particularly on the heels of this amazing interview I got to do with D2G Apparel. So, if you're settled somewhere on this beautiful Fall Sunday, head over to D2G and get caught up on all things TWD.

Much love,
Meag xx

Portraits from FNO at Lord & Taylor

LONDON SCRAPBOOK

Choosing Keeping

Fashion's Night Out at Lord & Taylor 2!!

Happy Saturday My Loves!!

How was everyone's week?! I'm finally catching up with myself after the most insane 14 days and digging myself out of the mound of clothes tossed around my bedroom (fashion week wardrobe fails and wins). I plan to post photos from my trip to London & Paris over the next few days, but wanted to show you this awesome video from FNO at Lord & Taylor, made by the lovely Hannah Maryse (sister of the brilliant Mara Cespon). It was so awesome reuniting with my former classmates and professors. FIT will always feel like my home away from home.

Look out for me in the video at the 1:20 min mark!! Talk soon friends.

Much love,

Meag xx

Happy 2nd Birthday Travel Write Draw!!

LOVE FROM LONDON

Across the Atlantic and back again...a picture from my last night in LONDON TOWN!!

Thank you immensely to my incredibly gracious hosts for showing me the best of the best in London & Paris. My experience in both cities was so much different than it has ever been and I'm more in love with London than I thought possible. Visions of driving through the city in a Zipcar blasting Feel The Love by Rudimental will live on in my memory forever and ever.

But it doesn't stop there my darlings. Off the plane and onto the launch party of Allie Kingsley's novel The Liar, the Bitch, and the Wardrobe (thank you Mr. Heisler ;), and Fashion's Night Out at Lord & Taylor tomorrow evening!! NYFW will soon be in full effect and the city is already sizzling with the influx of Fashion's power-players. I shall catch up with you all when the madness dies down this weekend. Until then, HUGS & KISSES from yours truly!!

Much love,

Meag xx

Illustrated Packing List: London & Paris

Hello Lovelies!!

I can't believe HOW quickly my trip crept up on me and now I'm manically packing for my getaway to London and Paris tomorrow. I have so many people and places to see, I'm beyond excited. Of course, the fun can't begin until the obligatory suitcase styling commences. On second thought, that is actually where the fun starts!! What's on my packing list for Labor Day in London and Paris?! Check out my illustrated essentials to see:

Annabelle Dexter-Jones Denim Flat Cap - Faith Connexion

Anabela Asymmetric Leather Biker Jacket - IRO

Honey Lip Lacquer in Aurora Apple Red - Bite Beauty

Bachelor Round Toe Flat - Sigerson Morrison

Two-Tone Stretch-Jersey Contour Dress - Stella McCartney

Covent Garden Clutch - BODHI

Deluxe Hand Me Down Stack Ring - Henri Bendel

Where are you all spending this fabulous Labor Day weekend and what's on your packing list?! Can't wait to bring back loads of pics and inspiration galore. See you all soon.

Much love,

Meag xx

Mary Katrantzou Illustration Competition

UPDATE: I MADE TOP 10 VOTED BY YOU!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone for showing your support. I'm unbelievably touched and grateful for all the reposts on facebook and words of encouragement.

To check out the TOP 10 VOTED BY YOU click here!!

Hello Loves,

I hope you had a fabulous weekend!! I finally managed to illustrate my submission for the Mary Katrantzou Illustration Competition. Only one day shy of the competition deadline (I work best under pressure ;). The entries thus far have been absolutely mind blowing. Check them out for yourself here on their facebook page and wish me luck!!

Much love,
Meag xx

New York - London - Paris!!

Hello Again Darlings,

I'm so excited firstly to be posting twice in one weekend, and secondly to be announcing my imminent travels to EUROPE. August 29th I will be zipping off for an extended labor day weekend to visit not one, but two, of my favorite cities in the WHOLE world. London, Paris, London, Paris, oh my where do I even begin?! The vibe, the sweets, the art, the fashion, I'm bursting at the seams with excitement. It's been five years since I was last in Paris and my heart aches thinking of all the things I miss so dearly. Laduree I'm giving you ample warning!!

Before I sign off I would love to ask you, my beautiful readers, what you would like to see more of from my upcoming travels? In the past I've blogged massive postcards but I'm thinking of breaking it up. I want to be able to cover more individual moments, special happenings, amazing street style, cool on site sketches?! What do you all think? Travel is after all at the forefront of my inspiration here on TWD, so why not delve a little deeper into my getaways across the globe?! Let me read your thoughts below...

Bisous Bisous,
Meag

Camel Riding in Luxor

Photo by Adam Heisler

Happy Saturday Lovelies!!

I hope you all had a fantastic week. My life has been so crazy as per usual and to be honest this is my first Saturday in three weeks that I'm not spending in the office HALLELUJAH. Yes...true story. So where do I even begin? I guess with a camel ride in Luxor, Egypt?! Just go with it. I returned from my trip to Egypt almost exactly 4 months ago and my life has not been the same since. Every uncertainty, every lingering unanswered question, somehow miraculously came to light and now here I am finally at peace.

I lost old friends and made new ones. I finally landed a creative corporate fashion job in July, and got my visa to stay in New York. I pushed myself further and further out of my comfort zone to the point that I don't even recognize my own life anymore. And even though I continue to walk the same streets, nothing feels the same.

REDHOT

Girl who loves to dream,

Lives her life to the extreme,
With adrenaline....

Girl who longs to explore,
With the fruit down to the core,
Because she wanted more,
Yes she wanted more....

If you're gonna crash and burn,
Be prepared to take your turn,
In the game of up & down,
Yeah up & down...

(Scent - Up & Down Lyrics)

Hello My Lovelies!!!!

Hope you're soaking up this REDHOT summer to the maximum. Just wanted to blog a quick post before heading to sleep. Too many new, fun, and exciting things happening at the moment to even begin formulating sentences right now. Instead I present you with this Dolce & Gabbana SS12 earring inspired piece. Can't get enough of their almost edible collection. And speaking of jewelry, shout-out to my talented blogger friend/follower Cindy Moniz and her beautiful Etsy Shop. Check her work out for super cute summer finds.

Can't wait to update you all with my new adventures. G night until then.

Much love,
Meag xx

I scream, you scream...

My iPhone Case Designs

New Popsicle Party Print

SHOP - My Society6 Boutique

we all scream for...iPhone cases!! Well, probably not, but I certainly had a blast putting these designs together for my Society6 Shop.

Oh my darlings, I'm ashamed it has once again taken me a decade to post something new on my beloved blog. But, as I'm sure you know, so much has (and continues) to go on behind the scenes. I don't want to disclose anything just yet, but I will say that after three very lonnnggg years of working my a$$ off in New York, things are finally starting to payoff. I'm having one of the most exciting and rewarding summers yet. There are still a few hoops to jump through to get to my next move but at least I'm having an absolute blast in NYC along the way.

So apart from promoting my new iPhone case designs I also wanted to propose just how important it is to never stop believing in yourself. Having hope and perseverance is 90% of the battle. Odds are, if you don't stop trying, something is eventually going to click ;)!! Wishing you all a beautiful sun-kissed week!!

Much love,
Meag xx

Food & Fashion

Karlie Kloss in Dolce & Gabbana - VOGUE Korea

Hello Hello Hello!!!!

My goodness it has been such a long time since I've been on my little blog. How have you all been? I'm not going to lie, apart from being crazy busy with work, I've definitely been soaking up my fav city during its greatest season. Last weekend alone I managed my way through four NY exhibitions: The Met's Schiaparelli and Prada - Impossible Conversations, James Franco's film launch at the New Museum, Cindy Sherman at the MoMA, and Chanel's Little Black Jacket in Soho. Alas, I couldn't get this post up sooner with all my gallery scouring and such.

Anyway, I'm super excited to be posting today's illustration since it was inspired by my beautiful brainiac bestie Emma Kadar-Penner and her thesis topic Food Motifs in Fashion and Textile Design. Miss K.P. just recently returned from a conference in Atlanta where she presented her genius thesis. From the second I caught a glimpse of her exhibit booth, I knew I found inspiration for my next blog post. Suddenly my desire to paint something from Dolce & Gabbana's SS12 collection fit within a food and fashion historical context.

Emma's abstract details:

Congrats Mike & Ashleigh!!

(The Bride and Groom on their Wedding Day!!)

Hello Again My Darlings!!

I'm so thrilled to be sharing this incredibly special Wedding Portrait commission with you all. Many months ago my most beautiful, supportive, friend through the ages, Jill Zimmerman asked if I would be interested in painting a portrait of her girlfriend (blushing bride Ashleigh) and now husband as a wedding gift. I was so BEYOND honored that she believed in my work enough to actually commission me for this super special gift. It took only a few simple sketches to settle on the direction and one fully-loaded photo album to kickstart the final piece.

I have to share just how nervous both Jill and I were about this gift lol. It was, after all, a pretty important illustration. But when I received a text from Jill this past Saturday informing me that Ashleigh was brought to tears at the sight of her portrait, I knew that all the stress was worth it. Honestly, I don't think I've ever felt so emotional over a piece of my artwork before, and the greatest reward has to be having been apart of such a special moment in two people's lives. All around tearjerker!!

Congrats to the beautiful, beaming, happy couple Mike & Ashleigh; wishing you all the love, light, and laughter in the world!! And last but not least, thank you to my precious friend Jill for being so much more than I could ever dream of in a friend. I love you always!!

Much much love,

Meag xx

Cook & Gates

Hello Loves,

Happy happy Sunday!! I'm so sorry for my mini blog hiatus. Life has been so busy lately between wrapping up my evening classes, finishing freelance projects, and working at Cook & Gates. Finally this afternoon I had the opportunity to paint just for me and I can't tell you how good it felt!! For those of you who don't know me personally, I started working with an awesome hand dyed bag company Cook & Gates back in February. I've been meaning to share the news with you all because it has honestly been one of the most rewarding jobs I've ever had.

Sara Gates, the owner/designer, is such a killer business woman. I've picked up so much just by watching her simultaneously run her own screen printing studio Kingsland Printing and handbag line. My lifelong dream has always been to be my own brand and sell accessories with my illustrations on them. Working with Sara makes me realize how easily that dream can become reality. She has supported me so much in my own career, mentioning me in her interview with NBC's Thread NY, and even printing a sample of my textile design for the scarves I'm producing this summer.

At work I do anything from creating techpacks for our handbag designs, the most recent being our backpack for summer, meeting with manufacturers and scouring the garment district for fabric and hardware, to making fun graphics for our hangtags, pocket screen prints, blog posts and communicating with vendors for cool promotional sales etc. The best part has to be working alongside Sara's sweetest french bulldog Janice (aka the love of my life). She wants to be in the action always and insists on sitting next to me at my desk in her own chair, too cute!!

My mom has always said that life is about the journey, especially when it comes to your career. I have to admit that for the first time, in what feels like forever, I'm finally enjoying just that.

Much love,

Meag xx

Postcard from Aswan

Rule No. 5: Survive With Your Head Down

Anna Wintour by Alex Katz

My indelibly brilliant friend, Globe and Mail business reporter Tim Kiladze, pointed me towards this week's New York Magazine article titled How to Make it in the Art World. While I'm still making my way through the dense copy, I did latch to a particular quote by one of my favorite artists, Alex Katz. He proposed:

"It's hard for young artists. You're an adult at 18, but for a painter it takes longer. You don't really get it together until 35 or 45. In the 1950s you had seven or eight years to experiment. But now you have to sell your first show and your second show and get a third show. And if you don't, you're a failure."

While he speaks from the fine art perspective, the sentiment holds true for any genre of art. And I can't begin to tell you how much this little piece of insight resonated with me. I lived by rule no. 5 all year, trying to survive with my head down, trying to keep all my doubts at bay, feeling like everyone was ahead of me. Comparing myself to my McGill commerce peers and their 6 figure salaries felt like a full-time career in itself. But what I realize and accept, as I finally raise my head up high, WAY high, is that the only timeline that matters is mine.

It's your life, it's your trajectory, compare yourself to no one, and measure yourself against only you. It's your dream, give it everything, and hope for the best. And now I've had my head up too long and it's time to get back to work, night class looms, and deadlines are ticking away.

See you on the other side!!

Much love,

Meag xx

New Portfolio Launched!!

Hello, Hello My Precious Darlings!!

I'm so excited to announce that my new portfolio has been launched at www.meaganmorrison.com!! Finally my domain name, which I bought two years ago, is being put to good use YAY!! It's one step closer to an official commissioned website and I'm so thrilled to see all my work in one place. For me it's a reflection of everything I've accomplished over these past three years. It has been a VERY long haul, particularly these past 12 months, but I finally feel like my career is coming together. Today marks the three month countdown to my expiring OPT and I can't wait to find out what's next for me.

Surely meaganmorrison.com will go through many more transitions as it will eventually become the home of my plethora of illustrated textile products. But for now it will help me on my next venture (applying for my work visa in New York) and many other projects I'm sure. I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you ALL SO MUCH for your amazing, unwavering support. Be it facebook, twitter, my blog, or emails, you all prove to me how much good there is in the world. Having this blog has been one of the most rewarding things I've ever done and it simply would not be without all of you.

Next up, Postcard from Aswan!! Stay tuned for pictures from the Nile.

So much love,

Meag xx

Postcard from Cairo

Illustration for IDEE FIXE Magazine

So typically I'm not really into surprises, unless of course the surprise comes in the form of my illustration being published and made available on newsstands nationwide!! Today I received the most wonderful piece of news when IDEE FIXE Magazine's Features Editor, Katie Kingsbery Palmer, wrote to inform me that after months of waiting the first issue of the magazine had finally been published. Back in January I had created an illustration to relate to their article It's the Singer, Not the Song and was super anxious ever since to see it placed with the actual text.

I'm not sure it will ever get old, the feeling I receive when I crack open a magazine for the first time and see my very own artwork glistening inside. It's quite simply, magic. If you live in the U.S., be sure to pick-up a copy of this uber refreshing, art, beauty, and fashion publication and see for yourself what it means to experience IDEE FIXE.

Much love,

Meag xx

Nile Dreaming

Hello Hello My Loves!!

I've finally returned home safely to New York after what can only be described as the trip of a lifetime. Have you ever had a dream so good that you wished you could live in it forever? Well that's what this Egypt trip felt like for me. As I sit here in my tiny West Village apartment, I play over in my mind visions of Aswan's soothing Nile water kissed by the African sun. There simply are no words to describe the connections that were made along this journey.

In a post revolution Egypt, I climbed the great Pyramids of Giza, sailed the Nile in an Aswan Felucca, smoked shisha amongst locals on the dirt roads of Luxor, walked the Valley of the Kings, rode a camel through an Egyptian Village, danced the night away in Egypt's modern Hurghada, fell asleep on the beaches of the Red Sea, and awoke to snorkel through its crystal blue waters and coral reefs. My heart has been marked perpetually by this adventure and I don't think I will ever be the same again.

I'm hoping you all had a wonderful Easter with your loved ones and I cannot wait to share this expedition with you. Stay tuned for photo postcards and inspired illustrations galore. Egypt Ever After...

Much love,

Meag xx

Illustrated Packing List: Egypt Essentials

Hello My Loves,

How have you all been?! I'm so excited to share this post with you after three days of putting it together. For the longest time I've wanted to do a "what's in my bag" illustrated entry on TWD. I think your essential day-to-day items say so much about you as a person. Furthermore, the things you deem essential on your travels reveal a lot about your character too. Since I'm leaving for Egypt on Friday, I thought it would be really cool to illustrate my travel essentials for this North African adventure. Fun prints, good tunes, great read, and color...= me!!

Magenta Merino Wool Shawl by Virginia Johnson

Floppy Sun Hat by Joe Fresh

Anytime Tortoiseshell Sunglasses by Karen Walker

Statement Necklace by Dannijo

Printed Pants by Cut25

Bunny Ear iPhone Case by Rabito

Egypt Travel Guide by DK Eyewitness Travel

Orange Stingray Leather Sandals by Miu Miu

I didn't illustrate my sketchbook or camera but they most definitely are on the essential list. I have every intention of putting them to good use too!! Alright loves, see you all in April!!

Much love,

Meag xx

The Fabulous Life of the Fascinating Francis Fodder

Hello Darlings,

I'm so thrilled to finally be presenting you with this commissioned post. The illustrated shoe designs I created above have been several weeks in the making all thanks to the clever ingenuity of author William Campbell. Campbell contacted me back in January with an incredibly creative prospect. He was looking for a unique way to promote his trilogy book series, The Fascinating Life of the Fabulous Francis Fodder, and proposed I design three original shoes to embody the lead females in his story. I responded with a resounding yes and jumped right onboard.

The compelling story of The Fascinating Life of the Fabulous Francis Fodder is about a man who endures a life-altering college heartbreak, only to grow-up and become a professional gigolo (yes you read that correctly). When Fodder runs into his former love on a whim his life is turned irreversibly upside down. I would be lying if I said that reading the brief book description left me a tad bit skeptical, but once I broke into the first installment I was hooked. Something about the unwavering connection with his first love really resonated with me, especially reading it from the male perspective.

The shoes you see above, in sequential order, represent the three main female characters from the series: Glamour Dietrich, a stunningly successful, dead-ringer for January Jones, director/screen-writer, and first-love to Fodder; Ruby Tuesday, a sultry hotelier and confidant to Miss Dietrich; and lastly Crystal Canker, a frosty media-mogul and soon to be First Lady. All three women are so brilliantly interlaced into the truly fascinating life of the fabulous Francis, you can't help but want to read more. After all, who out there isn't at least a bit curious to glimpse into the life of a gigolo?!

I would like to be clear that there is some fairly graphic content in the book so I do not recommend this to anyone below the age of 18. What I'm ultimately endorsing here is a very human love story, albeit, one dipped in high-gloss glamour and hidden behind velvet curtains.

Now to get your hands on the first two installments of the series, you can purchase the book over at:

Amazon Book 1 and Book 2

Barnes & Noble Book 1 and Book 2

The third book will be available on March 30th and I for one cannot wait to see how the whole story unfolds!!

If you would like even more insight into the series or are curious to check-out other books written by Campbell, be sure to click the following links:

Campbell's Blog

Campbell's Facebook

Campbell's Twitter

Now before I sign-off on this post I would like to give a massive thank-you to Campbell for this wonderful opportunity. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you and I'm wishing you all the luck in the world with The Fabulous Life of the Fascinating Francis Fodder series.

Much love,

Meag xx