By now, most of you would have guessed I have a soft spot for the work of fashion illustrator extraordinaire Megan Hess. And I’m not the only one, according to the crowds that turned out to see the talented lady speak at a Business Chicks event in Sydney last week.
Held in the Sunroom at the sprawling IVY complex, and hosted by TV presenter Natarsha Belling, guests were treated to a candid and warm Q&A session with Megan who arrived a little late having been involved in a minor accident with a Sydney taxi! (thankfully it was nothing too serious.)
No one complained about the wait as Croser champagne and delicious sweet and savoury canapes were served to a parched and peckish after-work crowd.
As soon as the interview kicked off, it was immediately apparent that the lady who has been wooed by all the most luxurious fashion houses in the world had lost none of her Queensland-born, down-to-earth charm.
Like sitting in on a conversation between two friends, Natasha Belling and Megan had a great chat together, discussing everything from her humble beginnings (working for nothing, terrible clients), her career highlights (receiving her bespoke Mont Blanc pen, ‘Monty’ and having work featured in Times Square ) her dreams (to work for Tom Ford) and other plans for the future.
I attended with the lovely ladies from Mary Holland Lingerie (wearing my favourite girly dress, from ASOS, and excuse the blurry iphone photo!)
Megan recounted several career “misses”, such as the time she was hired to illustrate every imaginable pizza topping for a well-known chain only to have the job cancelled after finishing, and she also recounted the day Candace Bushnell (creator of Sex and the City) asked her to illustrate her first book cover, which led onto 35 more…
Megan said that one of her most important pieces of advice she received in her early days was to “stop chasing low-grade clients… set your bar and your clients high, and just wait it out.. the work will come.” Surely tough advice for a fledgling artist but the strategy certainly seems to have paid off!
The night concluded with a book signing of her latest book and a browse through the pop up shop which showcased all of her gorgeous books, glamourous clothing and fancy homewares.
To find out more about Business Chicks and their upcoming events, click here.
To view Megan Hess’s website click here.
2 Comments
It’s always fascinating to hear from successful women – thanks.
That table of food & drinks looks amazing – an exciting affair ladies!!