Today we are introducing you to a vendor with a specialty in self-expression! Art by Megan is sharing her heart for painting and how this passion turned into a business. This little lady has the sweetest and most sea-worthy paintings that can act as colorful wedding decor or great accent pieces in your home! We love Megan's versatility - city maps and watercolors for invitations, prints that would be perfect as favors, and gorgeous canvases that can act as wedding gifts!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi! I'm Megan, an abstract painter and watercolor illustrator with a degree in Fine Arts (and Spanish!) from the University of Maryland. I have taught High School Art & Spanish for 10 years in DC and Baltimore, and have been running my art business on the side. I'm also a supermom to an awesome little girl who totally inspires me! My family is moving to Brooklyn this spring and I am excited to be pursuing art more full-time there!

How did you get the idea and inspiration for Art by Megan?

Art by Megan started in 2010 as a blog and creative outlet. I was just getting back into painting in my home studio again and I wanted a way to share the process with people. It has evolved into an online shop full of sunny Maryland-inspired illustrations and a place to share my abstract works on canvas. It has put me in contact with some really awesome people, too! I love getting to work on whimsical illustrations and making unique products for clients.

What goes into the process of choosing the pieces that you create?

The creative process for me is interesting, challenging, and invigorating. Painting is my creative outlet; I paint almost every night after my daughter goes to sleep. Some days are abstract days, full of messy acrylic paints and layers of texture. Other days are more refined and I create fun, nautical drawings that later become my watercolor paintings. I love having a balance between both of these passions and working in both styles. I'm inspired by the ocean, the sky and beach, so many of those themes go into my works.

What are your goals for 2015?

My goals for 2015 are to continue working with the great people I have met in Annapolis while expanding my brand to new markets. I have a line of children's room paintings that are fun and colorful, I am working on illustrations and paintings for new cities (similar to my Annapolis pieces) and I have been working on huge abstract acrylics that I hope to show in New York this year. Big goals, but why not!?

Do you have any advice for someone who is interested in starting their own small business?

Small business advice: just keep doing it. I have only really been in business now "officially" for a year and it's been a wonderful adventure! However, there are tricky times when it's overwhelming, so my best advice is just to keep doing what you love and putting yourself out there. Places will turn you down and others will love your work. My parents always say "just have all your irons in the fire!"

Creativity and passion are the reason we love working with our vendors! You can see more of Megan's incredible artwork on her Instagram or Facebook page, but be sure to check her out in our Vendor Guide as well!

Kaitlyn is a Communication & Technology major at UMBC. This aspiring author has a passion for writing poetry, a new found love for learning French, and enjoys spending time with her sister. With an adventurous imagination, she hopes to one day write a book series, travel beyond the east coast, and inspire others through her work.