Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Meagan.
Hi Natalie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I have always created in some form but it was until 2015, that I began sharing my art online and with it, my feelings. I had no expectations – I just wanted to express myself – but the response was fairly instant. The things I was sharing resonated with people in a way I could never have imagined.
What humbly began as a way of expressing myself and my big feelings quickly turned into a way of connecting with other people who needed to make sense of theirs. I was so happy that people were enjoying my art but after a few weeks, people started asking for products.
Seeing as I never finished college and had no experience whatsoever, I had to teach myself how to digitalize artwork, make patterns, what file types worked for what things, etc. People specifically asked for enamel pins (enamel pins were BIG in 2015) so I figured out how to make that happen too. My creative business happened by complete accident.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I think the biggest struggle for me is the fact that I do everything on my own. I love it, don’t get me wrong, but it is very challenging too, especially when it comes to the admin/business stuff.
When you’re a creative person running a business, it can feel so jarring to have to intentionally stop what you are doing and lean away from the creative process in order to, I don’t know, work on a budget or do inventory.
My brain wants to paint and draw, not crunch numbers. Finding that balance, managing myself and my time, and making sure everything gets done (even things I don’t want to do) is always a struggle.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My main form of creation is digital art with a focus on illustration and lettering. I then, take that art and turn it into products like stickers, enamel pins, t-shirts, etc. The first product that people ever requested from me was enamel pins and the first pin I ever made was a big, sparkly one that says “I may cry but I can still get things done.”
I’m known for making cute art with candid messages. I am most proud of the fact that my work has resonated with people and made them feel less alone in whatever they’re facing. Most of the things I share or make embody things that I needed to hear or say when I was younger and looking for connection. I hope my art provides that to people.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
My grandma sang in the kitchen while my grandpa and I watched Unsolved Mysteries.
Contact Info:
- Website: heycrybaby.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/thecrybabyclub_
