Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Knoebel.
Megan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I attended the Art Institute of Dallas to pursue an art degree after graduating early from high school. I was determined from an early age to become an artist – I have always loved music, painting, and dancing, so an occupation in Fine Arts has always seemed like a perfect fit for a career choice. I graduated with my Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts and I have always had an end-goal to own my own business. Fresh out of school, I started my career by working full-time Graphic Design and Production Artist positions. I’ve worked in fields such as Printing, Multi-Level Marketing, Wellness, Luxury Skin Care Products, and Editorial Production and Design. I was laid off from my full-time job last fall, which lead me to start my own business early this year, Art by Megan Knoebel. I have shown and sold my custom watercolor and acrylic art at art shows and art festivals around DFW, and I plan on doing more of them year round. I specialize in watercolor Pet Portraits, but I am also a skilled graphic designer, with experience in brand identity, marketing, and digital design. Currently, I am freelancing full time doing production and editorial design for a magazine company while continuing to paint, and design from home when I am not contracting. I met my fiancé Oscar at the Art Institute ten years ago, and we just got engaged to be married last month. He has been an integral part and support system for me in my career and starting my own business.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been easy, but it has always been interesting. I was laid off for the first time last fall. The struggles have always been about money and time. Finding time and energy to paint and do freelance work while I had a high-demand salary design job was really exhausting, so I enjoy the flexibility I have with my business. Before I owned my own business, I would find myself constantly determining my own value based on what my superiors or co-workers would say or do to me, no matter how great the work was that I produced. I would be reminded by my fiancé that no one can determine my value but ME and that most people are more concerned with themselves and their position over my well-being. I have struggled with pricing my art for sale and having some people not see the value – or pricing my art and being asked to come down on the price – making my time and efforts feel fruitless. I take my work seriously and don’t like being taken advantage or taken for granted. My advice would be to focus your time and energy making yourself better and less energy “working” just for a paycheck. If you are an artist, share your art and don’t over-criticize your work or over-compare or judge yourself against fellow artists.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a watercolor and acrylic artist, as well as a graphic designer and production artist. I also teach private and group painting lessons, classes and parties in clients’ homes. I am most proud of my watercolor Pet Portraits – I have been told by my clients that I have a way of capturing the pets’ real expressions – which is so fulfilling to me, especially when I receive images and messages from happy recipients. I am kind of a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to the arts – with a hand in graphic design, illustration, photography, printing – and I also like to garden, hike, travel, cook, do yoga. My inspiration comes from nature, animals, fashion, and travel.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
My first and only mentor is someone that used to be my boss at one point in my career. They became a constant source of positive encouragement for me throughout my design career and they were one of the key people that encouraged me to start my own business. I would recommend finding someone that automatically makes you want to be a better person professionally and in your personal life. Someone that you look up to and can meet or talk with regularly.
Pricing:
- Pet Portraits – starting at $125
- Private or Group Art Lessons – $35 per person
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artbymeganknoebel.com
- Phone: 4692600059
- Email: megan@artbymeganknoebel.com
- Instagram: artbymeganknoebel
- Facebook: artbymeganknoebel
Image Credit:
Oscar Ascencio
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
