March, 2023 Newsletter: Meg Ryan Flanigan
Pontoon has been working with Meg Flanigan since the fall of 2020, in that time she has created over 24 label designs for us and continues to add to the creative expression of the Pontoon Brewing brand!
We recently sat down with Meg to find out more about her!
When is your favorite time of the day to create?
M: The most natural time of day for me to create is from about noon to 7pm. I need to exercise and get some food before even thinking about settling into a creative mindset!
Did you always know art was your calling?
M: No, not really. For the longest time I wanted to be a doctor or a surgeon, but at the start of senior-year, high school, art kind of won out. My parents were actually very supportive, especially considering SCAD costs about as much as some pre-med programs. Never regretted the decision to switch either, even during the tough times.
What is your preferred medium of art?
M: This is really difficult, haha, because it sort of depends on my mood, and where I am. I love really traditional mediums, just pen and paper, or watercolors and acrylic paints. Sometimes the subject matter decides what medium I use as well. Yeah, traditional, physical materials of any kind are my preferred medium.
Digital art, on my tablet, is crazy awesome, and offers so much, but for me, it doesn’t feel as rewarding as the traditional stuff.
Does art help you in other areas of your life?
M: Art has always been a way for me to deal with stress and anxiety. There is something really cathartic about being able to put how you feel on a piece of paper, or make a really chaotic painting base while your upset, and then turning it into something beautiful later. It also helps with boredom, haha. My server book used to be filled with doodles I made waiting for my first customers.
Out of all the labels you’ve designed for Pontoon Brewing, which one has been your favorite?
M: This is another hard one, haha, because you guys (Pontoon) always have incredible prompts. But I think Gingerbread Murder Scene is still one of my favorites. It was my first official label, after the contest.
And why?
M: I like putting some humor in my work, and I think this one does it really well. Also, it let me put my degree in comic books to use, so I can say I’ve used it at least once
When creating, do you listen to music or podcasts?
M: Do I ever, silence stresses me out sometimes!
If so, what are you listening to currently?
M: A majority of the time, it’s podcasts. Mostly about supernatural stuff, history, or true crime. My all time favorites are Last Podcast on the Left, Morbid, and Behind the Bastards.
It’s pretty impossible to classify my music taste, but I believe Spotify Wrapped said it was ‘Angst Cozy Rebellious’ and I was okay with that. It’s goes all over the place.
What style of beer are you currently into?
M: I will always love my Belgium’s and wild ales, but right now, I’m into lagers. Not super exciting, but there are few out there that are pretty unique and hit the spot.
Anything else you want to talk about?
M: With any art discussion lately, I like mentioning that social media is heavily edited, and doesn’t show all the hours of practice artists put in to make a 30 second video. Not everything has to be a master piece, and holding yourself to those standards isn’t fair to you or the artist. Just my two cents, but I think its worth saying.
Also, thank you so much for working with me! This is truly something I’ve dreamed about doing, and I appreciate everyone who has had a hand in making it possible!
We recently sat down with Meg to find out more about her!
When is your favorite time of the day to create?
M: The most natural time of day for me to create is from about noon to 7pm. I need to exercise and get some food before even thinking about settling into a creative mindset!
Did you always know art was your calling?
M: No, not really. For the longest time I wanted to be a doctor or a surgeon, but at the start of senior-year, high school, art kind of won out. My parents were actually very supportive, especially considering SCAD costs about as much as some pre-med programs. Never regretted the decision to switch either, even during the tough times.
What is your preferred medium of art?
M: This is really difficult, haha, because it sort of depends on my mood, and where I am. I love really traditional mediums, just pen and paper, or watercolors and acrylic paints. Sometimes the subject matter decides what medium I use as well. Yeah, traditional, physical materials of any kind are my preferred medium.
Digital art, on my tablet, is crazy awesome, and offers so much, but for me, it doesn’t feel as rewarding as the traditional stuff.
Does art help you in other areas of your life?
M: Art has always been a way for me to deal with stress and anxiety. There is something really cathartic about being able to put how you feel on a piece of paper, or make a really chaotic painting base while your upset, and then turning it into something beautiful later. It also helps with boredom, haha. My server book used to be filled with doodles I made waiting for my first customers.
Out of all the labels you’ve designed for Pontoon Brewing, which one has been your favorite?
M: This is another hard one, haha, because you guys (Pontoon) always have incredible prompts. But I think Gingerbread Murder Scene is still one of my favorites. It was my first official label, after the contest.
And why?
M: I like putting some humor in my work, and I think this one does it really well. Also, it let me put my degree in comic books to use, so I can say I’ve used it at least once
When creating, do you listen to music or podcasts?
M: Do I ever, silence stresses me out sometimes!
If so, what are you listening to currently?
M: A majority of the time, it’s podcasts. Mostly about supernatural stuff, history, or true crime. My all time favorites are Last Podcast on the Left, Morbid, and Behind the Bastards.
It’s pretty impossible to classify my music taste, but I believe Spotify Wrapped said it was ‘Angst Cozy Rebellious’ and I was okay with that. It’s goes all over the place.
What style of beer are you currently into?
M: I will always love my Belgium’s and wild ales, but right now, I’m into lagers. Not super exciting, but there are few out there that are pretty unique and hit the spot.
Anything else you want to talk about?
M: With any art discussion lately, I like mentioning that social media is heavily edited, and doesn’t show all the hours of practice artists put in to make a 30 second video. Not everything has to be a master piece, and holding yourself to those standards isn’t fair to you or the artist. Just my two cents, but I think its worth saying.
Also, thank you so much for working with me! This is truly something I’ve dreamed about doing, and I appreciate everyone who has had a hand in making it possible!