Megan Fatharly is an illustrator and printmaker from Cornwall who spends most of her time covered in tin foil, tea in hand, trying to turn messy thoughts into honest work. She loves reacting to ever-evolving trends on social media in her own creative way, as well as sharing her ADHD diagnosis journey with others through authenticity and creativity.
WHAT DID YOU GET IN TROUBLE FOR AS A KID? ANYTHING ADULTS TOLD YOU TO AVOID THAT’S ACTUALLY A BIG PART OF YOUR LIFE NOW?
Drawing on everything. School books, bills, the walls. I once drew on a house brochure that my parents were looking at to buy our family home … that didn’t go down too well! I was told to stop wasting time, to focus, but I think that’s how I learnt to make something out of nothing.
ANY PERSON WHO REALLY HELPED YOU IN YOUR AWESOME ARTISTIC JOURNEY?
My mum. She told me to stop worrying about things being perfect and to just make work that feels real. She has been a real support throughout my art career. My dad, too, but more with the day-to-day logistics of running a business.
LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE YOU WORK? ANYTHING SPECIAL IN YOUR WORK SPACE THAT UNLEASHES YOUR CREATIVE JUICES?
I love music. Usually something calm or instrumental that keeps me steady. Sometimes I ask Alexa to play “spa music,” which, when I visit my parents’ home, often puts the dog to sleep!
My desk has a few bits that stay with me: a small fossil, a dried flower from a print fair and a miniature mangle that I accidentally bought years ago. I was trying to buy a real one, and thought wow, £200 is a great price!
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU NEED A BREAK?
I go for a walk, put the kettle on or tidy my workspace until I feel ready to mess it up again. Movement and small resets help more than forcing it.
HOW DO YOU CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF A BIG PROJECT?
A nap, and a freezing swim in the sea. Then I’ll probably open my sketchbook again because apparently I don’t know how to stop.
