KEI MEGURO

Has it been over a year since I last posted here on Tumblr? 2017 was a mind opening year me. To be honest, it wasn’t the best- I didn’t feel like "ME” for a couple of months, but thanks to that, I’ve learned so much about myself. Thank you for supporting me continuously even though I have been so absent. My mind is already set on making 2018 something much more compelling, intense but still do me- in a more positive mindset.  Kei x

This might help you right here :)

“In the Mood for Love”

I picked up my first copy of @nylonmag when I was 13. I fell in love instantly and tore pages out to decorate my walls like the classic early 2000's teen. I felt something so electric from Nylon, and I told myself that I would somehow squeeze myself onto this magazine one day. I don't know where that kind of confidence came from as a teenager, but I held onto that. Fast forward 12 years. After leaving my full time graphic design job, this was my first ever commissioned gig as the freelance illustrator I am now. Hold onto all your dreams because it happens. Heres a good old #TBT 13歳の時からずっと「いつか絶対にNYLON Magに出る」と。まさか12年後に、フリーランスのイラストレーターとしての初めてお仕事が @nylonmag とは。子供の時の夢って、みるものです。大人になった今でも、夢ばっかりみてます。

WOW it’s been a while Tumblr, I’m sorry! I haven’t forgotten about you though... xo

If you’ve been following me for a while, you must know when this came along :) It’s kind of nice to see some old babes. Always nice. 

My pleasure! Thank you for taking a look through my work. I prefer bristol paper over everything when I use graphite powder, but recently my to-go is my leuchtturm1917 notebook. The paper is so smooth (whereas bristol is more bumpy, which adds dark textures) so it’s really up to preference :) 

Hi there, thanks so much for the compliments. Yes, this is a full-time job and it’s been nice :) Hoping to keep this job as a lifetime job. 

Hey, you. With Agete Japan

My collaboration with Japanese jewelry line AGETE has finally launched. So flattered to work with a brand you support. If you’re in Japan this August, keep an eye out for these babes :) 

Hi there, thank you dear. I would call myself a “freelance illustrator/designer” currently. It’s really funny how this all happened to me. I’ve been a babysitter, waitress, factory worker building cellphones, worked at SVA, junior designer at Sony, creative director etc... The list goes on with how many random jobs I’ve had, just to get by. I started posting doodles and sketches on my personal instagram account when I left my previous 9-5 job where I was a graphic designer. I was job-less, bored, but driven to do something different from setting type and designing commercial posters. I wanted something more raw. Hence picking up the pencil and drawing babes. Honestly, a hobby of drawing “a babe a day” became what I am now. Somehow the followers kept on increasing and from there (I started with 200 followers), I got gigs to do what I was doing as a hobby. What really legitimized my situation was when Juxapoz Magazine featured me. I think the key is to just do what feels right. All those previous jobs I had, I had no heart in that. Or soul. Right now everything feels right. If you want to do something similar as mine, please love it. People would naturally follow because they sense the love. 

I’m blushing. Thank you, I don’t get the L word so often so this just made my evening :) I love you too.

Wow guys, its been way too long. I’m sorry, I haven’t forgotten about you. Here’s something from Curacao, spend the week for my birthday. Drawing on the beach is too luxurious for this New Yorker, but not complaining ;)

before and after.

I applied to The Art Institute of Chicago, Pratt, California College of Arts, RISD and SVA- got into all but I my heart was set on SVA since the day I went on tour. I went on a cross-country college tour with my dad in the winter, visited all schools before applying. As much as I loved the fact that the entire city is SVA’s campus, all the professors are working professionals. One of the first internships I received was from one of my favorite graphic design teacher. It’s easier to make connections if you work hard, and it definitely pays off. You become very close to your professors through the 3 hour classes. They see the way you present your work, critique other people (and yourself), your work ethic and most importantly if you have potential to grow/be flexible. I graduated 6 years ago, but I’m very close to a lot of the professors till this day (and they occasionally pass down freelance jobs!). This is only my opinion from what I experienced, so to be honest- you should definitely trust your gut feeling. Good luck girl x

Patiently waiting... #GoT