Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Staba.
Hi Megan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have loved to draw ever since I could hold a pencil, and other than a couple of short art camps I went to when I was little, I am self-taught. When I was twelve years old, a friend invited me to be a guest artist at the Texas Renaissance Festival. Those weekends at the festival showed me that making art and sharing it with others is what I want to do. So, the next year I purchased my own booth, as well as a space at Sherwood Forest Faire and tables at conventions. It has now been four years since I started working, I love what I do and hope to keep making art for the rest of my life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In many ways, I have been lucky, with lots of help from my family and friends, as well as supportive customers. We build my booth in place at both renaissance festivals each season, and without my dad’s expertise and hard work, I would not be able to operate. My age has been a roadblock in some ways. I am sixteen now, and therefore still not old enough to sign contracts or even get into some shows, and have had to rely on my parents to drive me everywhere (thank you mom!) As it was for many small business owners, last year was very difficult. Most of my shows were canceled, and shipping for supplies continues to be very slow. Luckily this year has been so much better, and I am excited for next year!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I draw things! Cute things! Yay! Hehe, I specialize in Japanese anime inspired art, both traditional and digital. I do fan work and create original characters, as well as fantasy and animal pieces. My go-to is graphite on paper, and I love to sketch all day long.
While I am good at making fanart that looks similar to the style of the original material, I always try to put my own spin on it, and I think that sets me apart. I am also working on a couple of manga with my original characters, and I cannot wait to share those when they are done!
The thing that makes me the proudest is seeing my art make people happy.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite memories from when I was little is watching the anime Ranma 1/2 with my family. My parents have been watching anime since the 80s, so they knew lots of good ones to show us, but Ranma was definitely my favorite! It was the first anime I had seen, and I remember making fanart and stories of the characters with my little sister. Those were some of the first drawings I made that actually looked like the characters they were supposed to be.
Pricing:
- Prints range from $5 to $25
- Buttons are $3 or $5 depending on size
- Original sketchwork ranges from $35 to $250
Contact Info:
- Email: megamousearts@gmail.com
- Website: https://megamousearts.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megamousearts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mega-Mouse-Arts-1838847966356175
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MegaMouseArts
Image Credits:
Megan Staba, Rebecca Staba
