Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Megan Fant of Phoenix

We recently had the chance to connect with Megan Fant and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I’m chasing authenticity in my work — the ability to express emotions, ideas, and stories in a way that resonates with others. If I stopped chasing that, I think I’d lose my connection to both my art and myself. The process of creating honestly is what keeps me growing, learning, and engaged with the world. Without that pursuit, my work would feel hollow, and I’d feel unfulfilled.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Megan, an artist from Phoenix, Arizona, working in pencil and Adobe Fresco on the iPad Pro. I began drawing at a young age, and I continue to create even while working a full-time job. Art is both a hobby and a passion for me, and I enjoy dedicating my evenings and weekends to fully developing ideas that inspire me.

I work in two distinct styles: figurative, where I focus on drawing people, and abstract, where I explore shapes, forms, and emotion. Sometimes I integrate the two, blending realism and abstraction to create pieces that are both personal and expressive. Many of my creations are inspired by movies I loved growing up and elements of pop culture, and over time I’ve developed a particular passion for horror-themed art, exploring darker and more intense imagery.

My work delves into the intensity of human emotion and the complexities of human nature. Stark black-and-white contrasts create drama and focus, while subtle touches of color introduce balance and nuance. I often draw from personal experiences or images that resonate with my journey, crafting pieces that connect with viewers on a visceral level.

At the core of my practice is honesty. Every line, shadow, and stroke is intentional, meant to provoke thought, evoke feeling, and confront the unspoken truths of life. My goal is to immerse viewers in narratives that are raw, emotional, and unforgettable.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that’s served its purpose is my need for perfection. It helped me develop discipline and skill, but now it can hold me back. I’m learning to let go, trust my instincts, and embrace experimentation — and that freedom is transforming my art.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most is the fear of being misunderstood. My art can be intense, political, or emotionally heavy, and at times I worried how people would react — whether they’d judge me rather than try to see the meaning behind the work. That fear made me second-guess myself. But over time, I realized that vulnerability is the point of art. The pieces that risk the most are often the ones that connect the deepest.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The cultural value I protect above all else is authenticity. In a world full of trends and expectations, I guard my creative vision fiercely. Every piece I create is an expression of who I am, and I refuse to compromise that for likes, approval, or external pressures. Art, to me, is a dialogue between the individual and society—it should reflect genuine experience, emotion, and perspective. By staying true to my own voice, I contribute something real and meaningful to our cultural landscape, rather than something manufactured to fit in.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’ve learned that my best work comes when I draw what I want, not what someone else expects—it’s like pulling teeth when I try to create for others. There was a time when likes and approval mattered, but now I post my art simply to build my gallery and share my vision. Following my own creative path brings me joy, and if people appreciate it, that’s a bonus; the art exists first and foremost for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Meganzmonkeybusiness