Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Acosta.
Megan, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
My career in design did not start from a moment of epiphany, “I want to be an artist!” No rather drawing, designing, was always something that I loved to do. In freshman year of High School, I actually thought I had to decide what my career should be, why? I didn’t want to waste any time with random electives that wouldn’t be used for anything later. Since illustration and graphic design had always something I was good at, I decided to take all of the art + design electives and then pursue a degree in graphic design in college.
In college I went on a traveling spree. Spent some time in Belize doing volunteer work, went on a couple road trips up the west coast, and spent a year abroad in Florence Italy. Traveling around Europe was amazing, it was my grand adventure, and gave me a ton of perspective. To stay longer than 3 months I got went to an Art Institute in the city to get a visa. When I came back home I finished up getting my degree, but had trouble finding a job after I graduated. I felt unqualified for every job because I had no job experience.
The internship I found with Rais Case was a big turning point for me. This was also the time when the chalkboard signs and hand lettering was starting to get really popular. So, in my free time I was practicing different lettering skills and assist Julie, the owner with various tasks in the shop. One day I asked if I could redesign the chalkboard sign in the shop in an effort to practice what I had learned so far and everyone loved how it came out. This was the beginning of my sign painting business in effect. I was then asked to paint multiple signs in the shop. I fell in love with the art of sign painting. I was able to use my graphic designs skills to create the layouts and then my painting skills to make the finished product. By word of mouth and posting my work on Instagram I acquired new clients, different projects and my business has continued to grow from there.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I find inspiration from different types of design, fabric patterns, home decor, photography, and other illustration works. Traveling, nature and people I meet are also big influences in my work. My illustration work has always been a creative outlet for me to work out my thoughts, but then later it became more a way for me to extend positivity to others. I love that I can tell someone they matter and they have value by taking the time to make an illustrated greeting card made just for them. And when I calligraphy someone’s name their face lights up when they see it.
I design and paint for my clients. I want to create quality products for them so they can successfully grow their business. Through the last couple years, I’ve been able to work with some really great people who are kind, trusting and whose creativity has even inspired me. I’ve able to design a number of logos, informational signs, menu boards, custom wedding products like invitations, welcome signs and guest place cards.
How can I make them smile, that’s the goal?
Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
I don’t think the role of an artist has changed, the subject matter perhaps. An artist’s work will reflect his/her own interests, the environment they are surrounded by, events and emotions they see.
I find that most of the events happening around the world are really troubling, sad in fact. Perhaps my artwork is my way of counteracting the negative I see with something positive.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
People can see my work in South Oceanside at Revolution Roasters, Rais Case, Mr. B’s Necessities, All Species, Wild Habit, Angelos, Luxe Beauty Lounge, and Lagree Fit. Sugar and Scribe in La Jolla or at any Snooze location in San Diego. You can also find my work on my website www.pearlandpen.com or my Instagram account @pearlandpen
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pearlandpen.com
- Email: pearlandpen@gmail.com
- Instagram: @pearlandpen
Image Credit:
Feather and Stone Photography, Khristian Snyder Photo, Next To Me Studio.
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