September

Visual Female of the Month – September

– Morgan Connoley

Morgan Connoley is an Australian illustrator and graphic designer. She works mainly in ink, with added colour and texture to make some interesting designs. Her website, Colour and Skulls, pretty much sums up two core components of her work. Not all pieces have skulls, and not all have colour, but often there is a flicker of each. I see her pieces as a merging of femininity and masculinity – hard skulls softened by a pop of colour or a feminine feather. While Morgan illustrates quite familiar subject matter, she has a unique way of making each piece feel new and distinctive. Her work is clean and refined, and would make a lovely addition to any home. I recommend having a browse through her online store, as well as liking her on Facebook to stay informed about new products. Morgan was a pleasure to connect with and I wish her all the best for the future.

Now for the interview….

How old were you when you started creating, and what inspired this? 

I have always been a ‘creative type.’ I have been drawing as far back as I can remember. As a ‘right brainer’ as a child I always applied myself to art and have continued until this very day.

How long did it take for you to develop your style? 

I believe that I am still developing my style! Although in the last 2 years my style has somewhat formed and the work that I release is more of a consistent style. It wasn’t until someone said to me (only 2 months back) “I saw a piece on Instagram and thought that has to be Morgan’s” that I came to the realisation that yes, I finally have a defined style.

How do you choose your subject matter? 

I choose my subject matter based on a healthy balance of love, inspiration and trend. While I do love to sketch things for my own personal benefit, as a professional artist I like to release pieces that have commercial appeal.  A lot of artists don’t like to base their art on whether they think it will sell or not, I do not see this as a negative perspective.

What’s next for your art?

I am one of the founding members of the Geelong Illustrators Collective and we will be holding some events next year, I am collaborating with a local artist by the name of Mike McLean and I will be participating in an exhibition with him early next year. I am also hoping to eventually have a solo show … when I have time!

You also write for Curvy Magazine, how did you get into this?

I have always been a supporter of the Curvy publication, I have been reading it since I was studying at University. I am also a huge advocate for the local art scene in Geelong, I just love finding and exposing new talent. So when the editor of Curvy asked me if I would be interested in writing, I jumped at the proposition!

If you somehow hurt your vision, would you choose to wear glasses or contacts?

Glasses … although I already wear them!

Excluding sight, what two other senses are your favourites?

Hearing (I love my music and dabble with the guitar) and taste (I am also a massive food lover, and I really enjoying cooking)

5 most pleasant things to look at:

colour, a familiar face, pattern, nature and the ocean

5 least pleasant things to look at:

I’m a bit squeamish so I would have to say anything medical, blood, operations, organs, etc… My sister is an ICU nurse and is always trying to get me to watch these things on Medical shows on television!

Who is the most inspiring woman you know and why?

My nan and her daughter, my mum. Two of the most selfless, beautiful women that I know.

What is your favourite thing about yourself?

Ooo this is a tough question… I like my drive, my determination to succeed. Some would say I am a work-a-holic. But its not work when you love what you do … is it?

What is on your bedroom walls currently?

A Dan Hillier Artwork and a recent art purchase from my friend Mike McLean

Favourite clothing / accessory / product at the moment? 

La Clinica  Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub – an Australian made certified organic little tube of pure goodness!

Favourite artist at the moment:

Dan Hillier (London), Kelly Smith (Australia)

And finally, any words of advice for people stepping into the creative sector?

Persistence is key.

Learn to have a thick skin.

Hard work DOES pay off.

You CAN earn a living from your passion.

Always be nicer than necessary.