Meet Megan Du | Visual Artist/Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Du and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
From a young age, I was drawn to a secret corner in our house, tucked away behind the curtains in the study room. On those hot, lazy afternoons when my parents napped, I would escape to this hidden nook. The cicadas’ song, the glaring sunlight, and the sweltering heat seemed to halt time itself. The intense summer sun, warming my air-conditioned-chilled body, made me feel like a frog awakening from hibernation. In this secluded spot, I discovered the enchanting world of picture books. The marvelous patterns and vibrant colors of the illustrations transported me to another realm, igniting a spark within me and marking my earliest memories of the magic of illustrations.

As I grew older, I attended a very strict middle school focused solely on academic achievement, where individuality and hobbies were not encouraged. I found school monotonous and unengaging without like-minded friends. My happiest moments were on Fridays after school, visiting the bookstore to buy magazines and comics. Illustrations became my escape, a wondrous land where I could momentarily leave reality behind.

In secret, I would doodle on arithmetic paper and textbooks, sketching humorous caricatures of disliked teachers or expressing my frustrations through comics. These drawings were quietly passed around in class and even gained a bit of popularity. I also relished the opportunity to contribute to the school’s wall murals and newsletters. It became clear that this was what I truly loved. Supported by my family, I pursued art in college. My passion for illustrations fueled my curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, creating, and self-expression.

In college, I began working as a freelance illustrator, creating commercial and editorial pieces. This experience was transformative, as I realized I could express myself creatively and make a living doing so. This revelation solidified my commitment to an artistic career. Looking back, the seeds for my future were sown many years ago in that secret corner behind the curtains, where a young child’s silent wish took root and flourished into a lifelong passion.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My name is Megan Du, and I am a visual artist and illustrator living in London. My work centers around women, drawing inspiration from feminist movements, vintage culture, and mysticism. This results in bold color clashes, retro textures, and intriguing character features in my artwork. I like to combine traditional techniques with modern technology to create pieces with texture and form. I love rich color contrasts and busy, vibrant scenes, creating an atmosphere that is lively, joyful, and dazzling.

I have a strong interest in printmaking and publishing, and I am constantly exploring new creative fields. My work has been featured on platforms such as It’s Nice That and Creative Boom and has won numerous illustration awards, including the World Illustration Awards, iJungle, and the FAB Prize. As an illustrator, my clients include The New Yorker, Tate Museum, Bloomberg, and Bandcamp.

What I am most proud of is that, since last year, I have been taking good care of myself in terms of diet, exercise, emotional awareness, and developing hobbies. To be honest, I started working as an artist and illustrator during university, and at that time, I didn’t find freelancing particularly challenging. I balanced my studies and work well, collaborated with great clients, received scholarships, and graduated with excellent grades.

However, things became truly difficult after graduation. You have to step out of the dreamlike, carefree bubble and start worrying about rent and taxes, and learn how to manage and balance your life. Figuring out how to support your freelance career with part-time jobs, I went through a long period of confusion and chaos right after graduation. Despite this, I always strive to maintain a positive attitude towards life.

As an illustrator and artist, the most important thing is not to doubt yourself. Know who you are, prioritize tasks, and do not get lost by focusing too much on others’ achievements. Concentrate on your current path. As a freelancer, your work and life can often become extremely chaotic. In the long run, you need to learn to care for and understand yourself, recognizing your body’s needs. Proper rest and exercise are essential, so I started incorporating fitness and outdoor activities into my routine, such as hiking, swimming, and playing badminton. Connecting with other artists can also provide support and inspiration. Therefore, you can join local art clubs, become part of art organizations, and participate in or organize workshops. These activities are great for socializing and meeting new friends.

As a feminist, I have always been very concerned about women’s issues. Therefore, I plan to create more feminist-themed works, such as children’s books and organizing feminist exhibitions. I hope to contribute to the feminist movement, providing enlightenment and reflection.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I currently live in a charming coastal town, blessed with beautiful beaches and lush forests. When friends come to visit, I always make sure to take them on a hike through the nearby forests, an activity I enjoy regularly. Walking through the serene forest, we pass by picturesque fields and farms where you can see fluffy horses and sheep grazing contentedly. We encounter beautiful ferns, mosses, and mushrooms along the way. The air is incredibly fresh, carrying a hint of grass and wood. We cross tranquil valleys, listen to the gentle babble of streams, and end our hike with a breathtaking sunset. It’s an incredibly relaxing experience.

Beachcombing is another must-do activity! Just a short distance from my house, there are beaches rich with fossils. It’s so much fun to listen to music while carefully searching for these ancient treasures. We can also rent a fishing boat to go sea fishing, which is always an exciting adventure. If we’re lucky, we might catch some big fish and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner in the evening.

My favorite restaurant is a seaside gem that looks like a small castle or museum, adorned with colorful lights at night. The food here is outstanding, and my favorite dish is the uniquely flavored tomato lamb shank. After dinner, we can take a leisurely stroll along the beach, savor the sea breeze, and listen to the soothing sound of the waves. It’s truly delightful.

If it’s the weekend, a visit to the local market is a must. This vibrant market, open only on weekends, boasts a fantastic barbecue stall and offers handmade soaps and knitted items crafted by local artisans. With street music playing and fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables glistening under the sun, walking through the market feels incredibly relaxing and joyful.

Another great outing is to an antique warehouse in the suburbs. The warehouse is brimming with fascinating items that will leave you amazed. I’ve found many treasures there, like beautiful flower pots, exquisite teapots, old picture books, handmade wood carvings, and unique hats. With a bit of patience, you’re bound to discover something surprising, and the thrill of the hunt is half the fun.

Lastly, visiting local parks and museums is always a pleasure. The museum offers a deeper understanding of the local history and art, or just lay down on the lawn in the park and soak up the sun!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the many women who have accompanied me throughout my journey of growth. These remarkable figures have played diverse roles at various stages of my life, imparting wisdom, offering unwavering support, encouragement, and setting exemplary standards for me to follow. However, today I want to share a heartwarming story about a chance encounter with a stranger—a woman whose kindness deeply touched my soul.

A few years ago, during autumn, I found myself amidst numerous challenges and conflicts with my family. These circumstances had plunged me into an emotional abyss. Feeling unable to confide in anyone, I decided to take a solitary stroll in the park to clear my mind. Sitting on a bench, I stared blankly at the falling leaves, consumed by a sense of confusion and helplessness. It was then that an elderly lady with silver hair approached and seated herself at the other end of the bench. Perhaps seeking solace for her own soul, I initiated a conversation with her.

She gestured to indicate her hearing impairment, struggling to comprehend my words. Pulling out a piece of paper and a pen, she wrote, “Hello, I’m Anna.” Thus began our dialogue on paper, expressing our thoughts stroke by stroke. Before I knew it, tears streamed down my face uncontrollably, with my accumulated emotions pouring out onto the paper. Anna handed me tissues, patiently consoling me, and then invited me to a nearby café, where she offered me a warm cup of coffee. As I finished the last sip of that coffee and stepped out of the café, the once gloomy sky seemed to brighten slightly.

Anna’s encouragement revived my spirits, prompting me to confront the challenges in my life with renewed vigor, despite the uncertainties ahead. Gradually, I emerged from the shadows of despair. Knowing that I would soon be relocating to another area, I hoped to bid Anna farewell and express my gratitude before departing. Despite waiting for her at the café where we first met for several days, I couldn’t find her. It wasn’t until the final day before my departure that I encountered her once again. We reunited like long-lost friends, exchanging warm greetings and catching up on each other’s lives. We took a photograph together at the café and exchanged contact information. Every year on her birthday, I send her my heartfelt wishes.

I am truly grateful for Anna’s encouragement and warmth. Though I was merely a stranger in her life, she selflessly supported and cared for me in her own way, demonstrating boundless patience and understanding. Her kindness will forever remain etched in my heart.

As the new year begins, I wish her all the best.

Website: https://www.megandu.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megandu_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-du-3370111b3/

Image Credits
Copyright © Megan Du