Megan & Blake 2022
EHS Choir 2018
Moose 2022
Megan & Blake Multnomah Falls 2022
WSUV Graduation Spring 2022
Megan & Chili 2021
Millie 2023
The Home Depot Homer Award 2021
Blake at Beacon Rock State Park 2022
EHS Volleyball 2017
Background
Hi, my name is Megan and I'm a multimedia content creator in the Columbia River Gorge. My main artistic focus is on visual design, photography, film and social media.
I've been creating digital content since I figured out how to work a camera and a computer. My friends and I would make free websites, write silly plays, make music videos and take photos. Through these experiences, I developed a deep appreciation for visual storytelling, aesthetics and the entire creative process.
I grew up 30 minutes outside of Portland, OR. in a small town called Estacada. This small town of only 3,000 people gave me many opportunities to explore nature and create long-lasting connections to the people around me. While in Estacada I played and coached Volleyball, took leadership positions in my Thespian Society cabinet, competed in Oregon Battle of the Books and performed in both musical theater and choir.
College Years
After gradating high school in 2018, I attended Clackamas Community College in Oregon City, where I made honor roll, was a volunteer photographer for Oregon City Parks and Rec and worked at the local Home Depot. Community college was a fun experience because I learned a lot of useful information that fueled my inner interest in graphic design. If I didn't attend CCC, I cannot guarantee I would have ended up where I am today.
In 2019 I decided I wanted to pursue a career in digital arts, so I transferred early to Washington State University Vancouver. At WSUV, I was able to explore Design, animation, website coding and film. During my senior year I was hired to be the Layout Editor for The VanCougar Newsmagazine. Through this opportunity I learned all aspects of publication design and expanded my working knowledge of the Adobe Suite. This position also gave me insight into the ethics of journalism and how creative roles play a major unseen role in that.
When transferring to WSUV I also chose to transfer to the Vancouver Home Depot, and I'm so glad I did so. Being employed with the Home Depot for the majority of my adult life has meant so much to me. Home Depot not only helped me get by while attending school, but I made many friendships and learned so much about the home improvement process. This job has made me one of the most independent young adults I've ever met(unremorsefully bragging here).In May 2022 I graduated with my Bachelors degree in Digital Technology and Culture. I also achieved two minors in Marketing and Sociology. Right after graduation I began working as a Graphics Coordinator for a Vancouver based company called McSteven's. Currently at McSteven's I primarily focus on label design for cocoa mixes, wine slushes, and lemonades for both in house sales and private label customers.
The Gorge
After college we wanted a change of scenery, so we decided to move to the heart of the Columbia River Gorge- North Bonneville. Residing in North Bonneville we are afforded more opportunities that we could not make happen in the city. We have a large house and backyard for our animals, we grow various yummy fruits and we live within seconds of new adventures. We are also thrilled to have a super safe community where we know our neighbors by name. The scenery out there is well worth the drive and I imagine I'll be here for quite awhile.
Other Interests
All throughout my youth I played Volleyball through school and my local club team, LOCOS. During the later years of high school I started coaching Volleyball through my club team, which strengthened my internal appreciation for the sport. Nowadays I help out where I can with a Vancouver based club called Aspire NW.
In 2021 we adopted a German Shepard puppy and named him Moose. Moose is my BEST FRIEND and soul mate. He protects me, helps me through hard times and brings joy into my life like nothing else. He is my smiley guy. Since adopting Moose, my new favorite hobby has been going on walks and playing Pokemon Go. My favorite Pokemon at the moment is called Emolga and she's based on the Japanese Dwarf flying squirrel. My 2023 new year's resolution is to get to level 38 in PoGo, so I can turn places into Pokestops. More recently we added another adorable member to our little family. Her name is Millie and she is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Millie snorts like a pig and smiles like a shark. She loves playing outside with Moose, going on hikes with us and chasing things she thinks are predators.
Another interest of mine is thrifting. I personally feel as though thrifting is the best way I can contribute to the reduction of our worlds waste and my own personal carbon footprint, while still exploring my own sense of style and hobbies. The fast fashion industry produces 20% of our planets waste water per year. On top of that, 92 million tons of new clothes produced end up in landfills. On top of all the benefits of thrifting, I also love doing it! I think sifting through racks and piles of used clothes and items is such a fun and harmless hobby.