Megan Breukelman: On Creativity
Marianna
Do you have a routine for entering into a creative headspace?
Megan
If I wake up early, I can get creative. If I sleep in, the whole day I’m unmotivated. I have no idea why it works like that for me, but making myself get up in the morning keeps me in a creative headspace and allows me to take on the day with a fresh perspective and creative push.
Marianna
Where do you think ideas come from?
Megan
Ideas can come from anywhere! Many people are inspired by other people’s creativity. That doesn’t necessarily mean creatives in the same field. As a photographer, I’m inspired by music and the work of other photographers.
Marianna
What does creativity mean to you?
Megan
Creativity is a process. Creativity is a relief. It’s not just something you have or you don’t. Some days, “creative” people can feel absolutely no inspiration. I have left-brained friends who draw and paint to relieve stress. Everyone has their own version of it somewhere within them.
Marianna
When do your best ideas hit you?
Megan
Early in the morning! When the sun is just peeking over the horizon is normally when my brain is wired and thinking creatively. By mid-day, I’m completely burnt out.
Marianna
What are the unexpected turns your life took to lead you to become who you are today?
Megan
I would say it was unexpected that I ended up in Florida at 17.
Then leaving Florida to move back to Canada at 19.
Then leaving Canada at 20 for New York City.
Then falling in love with a fellow creative I met in Florida all those years later in the city.
Then building a creative business with that same person as we built a life together.
Who knew any of that was in the cards? There are so many bizarre little ripples that have come from that to shape what life looks like right now.
Marianna
What sources of inspiration do you use to foster creativity in your work?
Megan
I use music a lot of the time. Music heavily impacts my mood. I have dozens and dozens of playlists just for specific moods. Once I have the right soundtrack, I can sit down and really focus. Another thing that inspires me creatively is people. When we photograph weddings, we’re inspired by the couples that we’re working with and their love story. Each love story is unique and deserves to be conveyed in the same unique light.
Marianna
What creative accomplishments are you most proud of?
Megan
I’m proud of picking up the camera again. There were a few years where I decided I didn’t want to photograph anymore, just work behind the scenes. My partner, Kenneth, inspired me to pick up the camera again and start shooting and life became infinitely better. It may not seem like much, but my biggest creative accomplishment is picking back up my creative outlet.
Marianna
Do you experiment in your work? If so, how do you view your creative process as a series of experiences?
Megan
Yes! Every creative person should be experimenting all the time. No one ever made great work without making a ton of terrible work first. There are no artists out there who didn’t have weird moments where they just decided to do something different.
Marianna
What do you think is something that the most creative people in the world have in common?
Megan
I think everyone has a little bit of creativity within themselves, and that’s what we all have in common. It’s about figuring out what your creative outlet is.
Marianna
How do you make sense of chaos in your life?
Megan
If I’m feeling overwhelmed, I usually take a nap and revisit when I wake up. It may sound simple but it usually helps me to clear my head and start over again.
Marianna
Why do you think people get stuck on problems?
Megan
I think a lot of people can tend to overthink problems which lead to getting stuck. Sometimes walking away from a problem and coming back to it will give you a fresh perspective.
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About Megan Breukelman:
Megan Breukelman is a photographer, magazine editor, and podcaster based in Brooklyn, NY. She works on wedding photography with her husband in the New York City area.
Megan, as well, publishes Betrothed Magazine, a publication dedicated to the art-- and heart-- of a New York wedding. With her podcast and magazine, Megan seeks to help photographers build on their passion. After working in fashion and marketing, her experiences have informed the way she sees, thinks, produces and educates. Megan has worked in agency environments, magazines, as well as with various brands.
To learn more about Megan, follow her on Instagram @meganbreukelman, twitter and visit her website.