Meet Megan Crass | Photographer & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Crass and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I don’t think we can truly grow without taking risks. When we take risks we open ourselves up to new experiences and people. When I was in college, I took the risk of quitting my part-time job and pursuing freelance work as my main source of income. Once I made the decision to take that risk, other opportunities started flowing my way. I got an internship with a professional photographer where I was able to network with other photographers, videographers and models. I learned how to use various lighting and camera equipment, as well as how to handle the business aspect of things. All of that from taking the risk to pursue something that brought me joy. That was a few years ago now, but I am still in contact with a lot of those people I met through my internship. Just because something might seem risky, weigh out the possible rewards for that risk. Being uncomfortable for a little while beats being unsatisfied for a long period of time or even life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most proud of my authenticity. My first experience with a camera was when I was in high school taking photos for my school’s yearbook. It wasn’t until I randomly decided to take a photography class in college that I picked a camera up again. That photography class was fun, but it was very structured. It wasn’t until our final project that something clicked for me. Our final project was self portraits. I went all out. I did my hair and makeup, put some looks together and found some props to use around my dorm room. I was so impressed with how the images turned out, and so was my professor. It was then that I really found a love for expressing myself through photography.

I realized that by tapping into my emotions and who I am at a deeper level, I could make some pretty cool art. I started posting my work on Instagram and got a positive response from people who had been following me. When I went home for summer break that year I went back to my old job. I will never forget this woman I worked with asked me why I was posting those images on Instagram and told me it was weird. I went home and cried to my boyfriend about it, because who wants to be called weird?! But my boyfriend told me that it was alright to be weird and that it only meant I stood out.

From that day on I have always reminded myself that it is ok to be different, to stand out in a crowd. It is ok to go against the grain and to demand change even if it’s a little uncomfortable at first. I say I am most proud of my authenticity because in a world where everyone wants to be like someone else I choose to whoever I want to be. I choose to express myself as an artist through whatever art form feels good at the time. Ever since I have learned to embrace my individuality I have seen others around me do the same. There is truly no better feeling than watching someone close to you grow into their own person and flourish. If it wasn’t for learning that lesson from the woman at my old job, I don’t think I would be the artist I am now. It’s so weird how such minuscule moments can be so impactful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I recently moved here from Indiana. I’ve only been in Atlanta now for a couple of months now, but I have been to some pretty cool spots. My favorite place to go so far is Ponce City Market. There are so many restaurants and shops you can spend all day there. I recently went to Bar Vegan in Ponce and it was a great time. Little Five Points is also a great place to hang out if you’re into the art scene. There’s a bunch of thrift shops, piercing/ tattoo shops, restaurants and bars. My favorite restaurant there is Niramish Indian Cuisine, they have the best vegan friendly Indian foods. I went to a bar called Boogalou last weekend and it was super fun. They have swings that you sit on at the bar and they were playing some good music. One of my favorite weekend activities is to go rollerskating at Golden Glide. it’s always a good vibe and I have a good group of people I go with.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Throughout my journey as a freelance artist there have been many people who have helped me tremendously along the way. Erica Clayton is a photographer I had an internship with early on in my career. She taught me how to work with studio lights as well as retouching and color grading. Working with E definitely gave me a jumpstart into my career. I’ve also had a small group of friends who are in the creative scene as well. Having a support system of people who are trying to do something similar to me has been great. My friends have modeled for me, assisted me, done hair and makeup, helped build sets and many other helpful tasks. Without some of those amazing people, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I am a very do-it-myself type of person, so being able to build that trust with other individuals is valuable. My friends accept and uplift me. They’re always down for my crazy ideas and I will always love and appreciate them for that.

Aside from people who have helped me, I read a couple books early on that changed my perspective on so many things in life in general. The first book was The Power of Now by Eckhrart Tolle. This book taught me about law of attraction and being present. The other book I will give credit to is The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. This book taught me how to be an artist, how to value myself and how to tap into my true self/creativity. Reading both of those books within the same year resulted in a complete mindset shift for me. To be an artist, especially as a career choice, you have to know yourself. You have to get intimate with who you are at your core and run with that. You’ve got to be present to attract opportunities and recognize when they’re coming your way.

Website: https://www.poormegz.com/

Instagram: @poormegz

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-crass-529602234/