Meghan Plowman enjoys a whopping 15,245 followers on Instagram – one of them might even be you. And that’s a of this morning, of course her fans are ever growing due to the absolutely gorgeous photographs that Meghan posts. They really do have the power to brighten your day! Meghan is a stylist and photographer based in Perth, who two years ago took the leap of faith to go out on her own and start her own business. We think it was the right decision – Meghan has such a great eye for making things look good. We absolutely loved chatting to Meghan (read our interview below) and we continue to swoon over her blog, her Instagram and her Pinterest!
Official job title: Stylist & Photographer – still life, interiors, product and props.
When did you make this career decision, and how did you make it happen?
I actually began my career in graphic design however I have always had a passion for photography, film and telling stories through imagery. Yet in the early days of my career I never even knew what styling was, let alone that is was a profession.
It was during my search for a way to tie together my interests I came across the role of a stylist through the work of mentors such as Sibella Court, Vanessa Colyer Tay and Glen Proebstel. I made the jump from graphic to interior design and for two years managed a retail design boutique whilst studying styling to learn more about this relatively new career and field. Whilst there I had the opportunity to work closely with the local papers and found myself contributing ideas and images for interiors stories, assisting on photo shoots and feeling naturally drawn to art direction and all that came with this varied role.
I began to build up a portfolio by styling and photographing my own work, then approached editors and agencies for experience. Opportunities started coming my way and about two years ago I decided to go out on my own to further pursue my calling that fittingly tied together my fields of work. Since then I have designed projects for businesses, magazines, newspapers, bloggers, and collaborations with other creatives. I can happily say it’s been the most rewarding two years yet.
You obviously have a keen eye for making things look good. Your Instagram alone pumps out beautiful images all the time! Do you think it’s a natural talent, or is it something that can be learned? Or a bit of both, perhaps!
Thank you so much! I definitely believe it is a bit of both. I have grown up taking photos and arranging collected objects and playing with composition. I’m a naturally observant person and I think that learning to see and pay attention to the little things can help hone your eye and your creativity. I also have quite eclectic taste and interests, which I think helps keep me inspired and open to new ideas and ways of seeing things.
However there is so much to learn from studying other photographers and stylists you admire – in fact any kind of visual artist can teach you so much. When I first started sharing my images through social media I found it to be a brilliant learning environment – by studying imagery you can pick up all kinds of lessons in composition, use of colour, balance and how it all works together.
Recipes and Ramblings cookbook.
You recently shared some tips and skills at a workshop at The Tenth State. Can you tell us a little bit about what went on, and if there are any more planned?
I have had such a positive response for these workshops and I revel in sharing and bringing together like-minded people for a morning of fun – in these first classes we look at getting the most out of the Instagram app. We explore techniques and ways to build a consistent style in your Instagram feed as well as genuine community with other users. We look at photography and design principles, hash tagging and I share some of my favourite editing tips. I designed the class to be really helpful for people in business who want to build their brand or for people who use the app socially.
Other than learning useful tips from me it’s my hope that these workshops present participants with the opportunity to network and share. To see the relationships develop from just these first two groups has been the most rewarding aspect so far. I anticipate hosting a couple more Instagram workshops in the new year (dates to be advised) with different collaborative workshops planned throughout the year. I’m excited about this!
What do you get up to in any typical working day?
My role as a stylist and photographer is so varied there really are no two days the same. One day I could be in the country styling a pop-up space and the next I’m working in a creative studio photographing and styling campaign product shots. I love the variety of my working week.
On a shoot day I am up early and collecting florals, greenery and packing the car strategically with homewares, props, furniture and tools ready for a long day on set. Other working days include plenty of planning, emails, returns, editing photos, sourcing props as well as creating pieces I need for a shoot.
What’s the best part of your job?
I love the variety that comes with working alongside different people everyday. To hear their stories, build relationships and work in new environments and locations from week to week helps to keep me refreshed and inspired.
It’s so encouraging to see new business ventures sprouting in Perth and to be a part of their journey and to help represent them and their products is a real privilege.
What have you got coming up?
I’m really excited to have the opportunity in the new year to work closely with Mobilia and international design studio CulDeSac on an exhibition they are bringing to Perth called Design Circus, an adventurous concept to spark the imagination and challenge the way we see design. Think a full circus experience mixed with clever visual display of industrial design!
I will also be continuing work with a number of US brands such as Hearth and Mornings Like These, where I will be developing branding as well as contributing lifestyle stories and photography.
Which local artists/creatives do you admire?
Recently I have been keeping an eye on the work of artists Anya Brock, Kyle Hughes-Odgers and Andy Quilty, and Stormie Mills has always been a favourite. All such distinct styles and their use of their chosen medium amazes me.
I have a lot of respect for Andrew Thornton Hick – creative director of Ultimo Interiors. Andrew brings with him a wealth of international design experience and a real gift for visual display. Do yourself a favour and check out their new showroom for a brilliant lesson in visual merchandising – he is very clever!
Photography-wise I adore the dreamlike quality of Caitlin Worthington’s work – always inspiring.
I first saw the work of fashion designer Catherine Mancini of Catini Designs at a showing in 2012 – her unique lines and beautiful fabrics appealed to my love of geometric and I’ve been enjoying watching her new collections unfold through PFF.
Meghan’s styling at Cranmore Home.
What do you love about Perth?
I’m a Summer kid at heart and nothing beats the buzz in the air of balmy summer nights around Christmas time for me.
At the moment what I’m loving about Perth is its growth – there are new businesses and concepts popping up everywhere. People are noticing, we’re embracing our creative sides more and there’s a little bit of spark that gets me really excited to call this place home.
What does Perth need?
From the response I have had to various projects including my workshops, I see there is a real hunger for Perth people to connect and build community through activity and shared experience. It’s no wonder that extra shows are required when big names visit or events like the Color Run or the Fringe Festival for example sell out in weeks. We crave fun and togetherness and deserve it like any other city.
In order to build this culture and overcome our sometimes label of the ‘isolated small town’ I believe we need to make the most of the spaces that we have to encourage meeting groups, workshops and events that bring people out and together. Multi-use spaces open avenues for new opportunity, creativity, networking and growth. There is actually more of this happening now and it’s great to see – people are responding positively to it.
As much as I love the east coast and appreciate the wonderful creative opportunities there, I think Perth also needs its people and especially students to stay and help build up our industry too!
Most frequented coffee spot?
At the moment I am a weekly visitor to To The Woods in Bassendean. They offer Rawsome treats and their barista Rhian knows her coffee!
Best live music venue?
I love the surrounds of the Quarry Amphitheatre. Nothing beats a night under the stars as a backdrop to a show.
Favourite beach?
There’s a couple – Two People’s Bay in Albany and Little Parakeet Bay on Rottnest Island.
Then this might be a no-brainer – Rottnest or Margaret River?
A very difficult choice as both are family favourites! But I’d have to say Rotto. I love it’s casual island feel and how not a lot has changed since holidaying there as a kid over the summer. Meghan