Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Burke.
Hi Morgan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I have been drawing since I was very little. My grandparents used to send me to summer day camps for art because I had an interest in it, and throughout grade school, I consistently chose art classes as my electives. In high school, I decided that I wanted to go to school for illustration, so I came to Savannah to go to SCAD in 2020. Before then, I knew I liked art, but I did not really know what I wanted to do it. I was always a big fan of books, video games, and tabletop games, and the storytelling is what really drew me in. I decided then I wanted to be a part of that sort of creative process, creating visually interesting elements for stories that viewers can feel immersed in. I recently graduated this past November with a BFA in illustration, concentrating in concept art for video games.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have had a few obstacles with my art, and starting college during the pandemic was definitely a bit of a setback. Virtual classes were challenging, especially my foundation studio classes. Mostly I struggled to find my ‘style,’ but eventually, I found a good process for myself without even realizing it. The biggest struggle, however, was turning this hobby that I enjoyed into a career. It was hard to start viewing my work as professional and serious. I was not confident that others would like what I was making. I put a lot of pressure on myself, which would often keep me from wanting to draw, and sometimes I was scared of it. The constant practice while completing class projects helped me adapt and learn how I work best. Interacting with classmates and receiving insight from other artists who were in the same stages of life as me also helped me find confidence in my work and abilities.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a visual development and concept artist, and I primarily center my work around creating environments and character designs. My work is heavily inspired by books that I read as well as tabletop games such as Dungeons and Dragons, and that goes back to my desire to be involved in immersive storytelling. I focus on creating that immersion through dynamic compositions, depth of atmosphere, as well as color for certain moods. My work is done by digitally painting, using looser brushstrokes that create a whimsical feel. I am proud that I have developed a skill that allows me to participate with others in order to come up with different ways to portray stories and ideas. Working with and sharing ideas is how I enjoy creating art, and it allows me to continually evolve into a better artist and expand on my own ideas and creativity.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success to me is having the ability to continue creating art not only as a hobby but as a career. I have yet to launch myself into that as I am fresh out of college, but I am excited to see how my artwork develops and evolves in the future. I would love to find community with others who share my interests, and having a part in creating with others will always be fulfilling for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: morganburkeillustrations.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starr.art.pdf/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganburkeillustrations/
Image Credits
Morgan Burke
