Meet Megan Gill

Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Gill. 

Hi Megan, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always been arty and made things as a kid. I was in every summer art camp I could get my hands on. I even took adult charcoal class when I was 12 that my mom had to ask permission for me to be a part of. At the age of 14-15, I knew I wanted to be a graphic designer and ended up going to The Art Institute of Atlanta and got my BFA. It was in school I fell in love with web design. I remember one day I was talking with my grandmother and she said when are you going to just go to school and be a teacher. I told her I wasn’t going to be a teacher like her, my mother, or the rest of my family. I was not interested in teaching…

I ended up moving to Nashville to be with my sweetheart of 7 years at the time and became a web designer for the healthcare industry. During this time as a web designer, I didn’t do much art because by the time I made it home from work – I was exhausted. I also realized I was teaching small rural Marketing Directors how to do web design and it dawned on me – hummmmm maybe I am a teacher. 

My body ended up giving out on me. I was diagnosed with an Autoimmune disorder and had to learn how to relax. As I was trying to figure out how to be healthy – I also learned my body, mind, and soul needed to create art. So, I started taking any online art class I could get my hands on. Eventually, I started selling my artwork and teaching art classes out of my home healing my mind and body in the process. I now teach at private art lessons and group classes at The Basement Marketplace in Old Hickory and have my own online art platform. I truly believe art heals the mind and body and gives confidence to the young and old. So, somehow my grandmother was right – I have become an art teacher. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Myself is probably been the biggest challenge. Self-doubt, self-judgment, lack of confidence, comparison to others, health. 

My body has been a big challenge because I had to learn to not overdo it. I came from a family where we work hard and I work hard! I had to slow down. I had to learn to listen to my body. I had to realize some days I just couldn’t do what I used to or thought I should do. I have done a lot of self-development. 

Learning Business and Accounting! 

Artist Block – A couple of years ago for the first time in my life – I didn’t want to go into the studio, talk about art, make anything. I had to learn “it” (the creative juices) would come back. It was scary. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create one-of-a-kind mixed media paintings of flowers, dresses, and watercolor animals mostly. I am known for fun classes and saying whatever I think – which can get me in trouble. And I love glitter and making messes! 

I am really proud of my pet portraits and my students. 

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Nashville – has a great creative visual artist community. I also love that Nashville is growing. 

I least like the traffic and weather! Pick a season! 

Pricing:

• Custom Watercolor Pet Portraits – $75-$210
• Private Art Classes for ages 8+ – $35 a session

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.meganbaileygill.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/meganbaileygill
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MeganBaileyGillART
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/meganbaileygill