Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Miller.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Being born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, the California landscape has been my main inspiration. I’ve always been an extremely visual person. Growing up, I remember constantly being distracted by the world and would look at things from a macro perspective. It wasn’t until I picked up a camera that I realized I could capture the things I was seeing.
Photography was, and always will be, a passion of mine. I enrolled in some photography and design classes at UCLA Extension after earning my bachelors in Behavioral Science. I fell into a teaching career and kept photography as a hobby. I met a lot of other photographers through UCLA and even Instagram and we would do an experimental type of photoshoots.
After a few years of teaching, I decided it was time to seriously pursue my passion for photography and art. I knew that I’d be taking a leap working in an industry I have zero experience in, but I was ready for it. Since leaving my teaching job last year, I’ve been working as a freelance photographer and part-time nanny (because freelance photography does NOT pay the bills)!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not! I convinced myself that I’d be an elementary school teacher for the rest of my life and that photography would only be a hobby. It was definitely a rough road for me to make the decision and leave a stable career and enter an unknown world.
Photography is a really tough business to make a living in and I’m learning that sometimes you have to take on projects that you’re not 100% passionate about. I’m still crafting the balance of doing work that makes you feel happy and fulfilled while being able to make ends meet.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Abstraction Distractions – what should we know?
Abstraction Distractions provides creative content for the creative. I focus heavily on color, light, and perspective. I love creating images that allow the audience to look at things from multiple angles. A lot of the work involves the use of mirror and light refractions creating dreamy, psychedelic type of images. Providing creative content ranges from photoshoots for other artists, to anyone wanting unique photography.
Abstraction Distractions aims to add a depth and complexity to simple things. I provide content that is distinctive, different, colorful, and fun! From framed prints to shower curtains, my work has been a colorful addition to home decor, offices, and set designs. Falling into the stereotype of a starving artist is very real, but selling work has been some of the proudest moments.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I never stop learning. There are always ways for me to improve my craft and I’m always open to learning opportunities. Thinking that I know how to do everything is so naive; I’m still learning how to navigate a successful business in a saturated industry. Being open to possibilities and saying yes more than no has attributed to my success so far.
Surrounding myself with people who support my dreams have also been a huge part of my triumph. I’ve always loved the saying “your vibe attracts your tribe”. I am so incredibly lucky to have a core group of friends who are all successful creatives in their own right. It’s so important to keep people around who will always want to lift you up! I’m constantly inspired by their successes, which in turn, pushes me to work harder and smarter.
Contact Info:
- Website: abstractiondistractions.weebly.com
- Phone: 818-984-7923
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/megmilll
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abstractedanddistracted/
- Other: instagram.com/abstractiondistractions
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Tom W.
May 15, 2018 at 17:43
Megan’s work is awesome!! I love following her photography on Instagram!