For the Love of Blog!

Hello My Loves,

I hope you all had a fantastic week! Fortunately, I wrapped up a very exciting two week project which left just enough time for some Friday self reflection. I started sifting through the archives on my slowly dying vintage MacBook and came across this bloglovin' icon I designed for TWD two years ago. And like a floodgate, all the incredible memories I have of starting my blog came rushing back to me. Of all the new ventures I embarked on in NYC, by far the most rewarding has been my blog.

When I look at this luggage tag icon, not only do I see how far I've come stylistically, but I'm reminded of the thrill I experienced joining the bloglovin' community. I remember discovering Danny Roberts' blog Igor + Andre and realizing the power, the magnitude, of starting your own blog. I never dreamed that my words would connect with people in such a meaningful way; that my fears could be stifled by complete strangers rooting for me from behind a computer screen.

To say that starting my blog changed my life is a bit of an understatement. I overcame so many personal and professional hurtles just by taking the leap and putting my voice, my portfolio, out there. I feel so lucky to have blog readers write me and ask for advice. So often they ask how I got started. And the truth is, at 25, I decided to stop thinking and start doing. Like anything in life, you learn as you go. Fortune favours the bold, so stop standing in your way, and start making moves.

Clearly I'm no blog expert. I'm not a superstar illustrator or some sort of anomaly. I'm just a girl who takes risks and isn't afraid to share parts of my world (the good, the bad, and the sometimes ugly). I guess what I'm trying to get across in this post is that you never know when or where you'll find your greatest passion. Bloglovin' helped to put my blog on the radar and make me realize a world of possibilities, a community of like minded, and inspiring individuals.

Maybe take a moment this weekend to think about some things you've always wanted to do but never believed you could do. And know first hand, through me, that nothing is impossible.

Bisous,
Meag xx

TWD Darling: Kelly Cutrone

"I happen to believe the world will change only when we change ourselves. And that starts with finding ourselves. And that starts with listening to ourselves: learning to quiet the clamor in our minds and the voices of everyone around us and move toward what feels right - toward the things we know, for reasons we can't explain, that we're meant to do, the things that make us feel alive."

- Kelly Cutrone 

You know the expression "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear"? Well, I think that might be the most accurate way to describe how I came to read (thrice) Kelly Cutrone's "If You Have to Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You". Cutrone is a wildly successful PR maven who is known for her no holds barred attitude and honest approach to business. But above all else, she is a woman who lives in her truth. For this reason alone, I felt compelled to read her book, paint her portrait, and become closely engrossed in the world of Kelly Cutrone.

When I initially started the TWD Darling portion of my blog, I had always hoped to draw (both literally and figuratively) attention to truly inspiring individuals. I never imagined, however, that I would be moved this profoundly by another person's written words. The truth is I found myself again by finding Kelly. For the past year and a half I had felt so lost and confused at times trying to navigate my career in New York. So much so that I stopped hearing my own voice and replacing it with the deafening noise of doubt and fear.

Can I make it? What if I fail? Is this ever going to happen for me? were the mantras that played on rotation in my mind.

And then I opened the book of Cutrone, and was reminded why I began the journey to New York, why I started this blog, why I've made decisions to pass on certain opportunities and not others. I was reminded to always be my most authentic self because "ultimately, if you're doing what you're meant to do - if you're in your truth - doors will open for you." And that "even when your wallet or your need to be on a VIP list is calling you, stand strong and remember what your brand is about." I was reminded of what I've known all along, to stay true to me.

I could write pages on the amazing pearls of wisdom overflowing in this book but rather I will advise you just to read it on your own. It isn't just for the young NYC fashion hopefuls, but for anyone venturing through life with a quest for the truth. Ultimately, your life comes down to you, what you want, what you hope and dream for. You are the foundation of your own world and you manifest your own destiny. Start with you and the rest will follow. Kelly, if you ever read this, thank you for being so brave and sharing your truth with this book. You helped me to find mine again too.

Much love,
Meag xx 

Armani: Through the Eyes of Illustrators

Armani SS13

Happy, Happy New Year Everyone!!

I hope you had the most spectacular holiday season with your loved ones. I can't believe it's been almost a month since I last posted here. The final month leading up to Christmas was quite hellish for me. My life sort of came crashing down and I was really forced to reevaluate things. In any case, here I am, back and recharged; perhaps still thinking things through but much stronger than I was before.

Best of all, my first post of 2013 is a celebratory one. I have been dying to share here, since late October, that I had been contacted by ARMANI's Digital Communication Worldwide and asked to contribute an original illustration to their facebook album Armani: Through the Eyes of Illustrators. I was so unbelievably honored and excited that I nearly burst at the seams.

My final piece has been added to the beautifully curated album alongside several other EXTREMELY talented illustrators worldwide. Be sure to check it out here and stay tuned for many more TWD posts to come. Lastly, but certainly not least, thank you to all my amazing followers (new and old) for keeping me so inspired and motivated every step of the way. I love you all.

Much love, many hugs, and so many kisses!!
Meag xx