Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Collar
Megan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started with a love of food and all things cooking when I was around eight years old cooking with my grammy. She really was your typical midwest chef, with lots of hearty casseroles, chex mix, and cookies. But she made cooking something super enjoyable, that really became a passion for me. I completed my Culinary Arts degree at the CIA in Hyde Park, and after graduating was trying to figure out my next step. Working in the restaurant/hospitality industry is a grind to say the least. After interning at the Four Seasons Hualalai in Kailua Kona, I quickly realized I was not cut out for a lifetime of restaurant working. Work/life balance was a high priority for me, as well as being allowed to stay creative throughout my day to day. Enter food styling. I had only ever read about food styling, but it was never discussed or even murmured as a career option while attending culinary school. I reached out to a food stylist who I thought had a really lovely website and portfolio, and the rest is history! I’ve been in the Food Styling industry for ten years now. Working alongside some incredibly talented photographers, videographers, art directors, prop stylists, and many more creatives.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Is it ever a smooth road? Smooth roads are comfortable, but never exciting! Yes, lots of bumps in the road. Learning business acumen, cross country moves while maintaining clients, juggling the balance of saying yes to every job that comes my way but also keeping my head afloat, becoming confident in my own skills. Lots of struggles, but also an immense amount of growth that I am so truly grateful for.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a food stylist. In layman’s terms: I make food look pretty for consumers to look at in advertisements and hopefully go buy! I specialize in commercial, editorial, film, and social media. I get to collaborate with art directors and photographers to create advertising material. I work closely alongside culinary directors to try and best represent their product for the camera lens to capture. I’m most proud of the lasting relationships in the industry I’ve maintained. It’s a fast moving industry, relationships and genuine connection are so integral in the day to day success of my business. You can be great at your trade, but not a great human. With every new food client I really try and bring my best foot forward into every shoot as a positive and professional presence.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m constantly following lots of talented creatives all over the world. It’s so fun to be inspired by new restaurants, artists, world travel, and just new food trends. One food stylist I look up to is Donna Hay out of Australia, Her and her team create stunning works of art weekly. Her website is full of gorgeous and effortless inspiration!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.meltedbymeg.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meltedbymegfoodstylist?igsh=aXF3bnI3dmY0b3Nk
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeltedByMeg/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-collar-866201121/
Image Credits
Dana Damewood
Kevin Marple
Melissa Elmblad
