Meet Megan Urmann

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Megan Urmann a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Megan, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

This may be a cop-out, but to be completely honest with you, I haven’t. I feel imposter syndrome all the time.

So often I find myself in rooms with countless people whom I admire deeply. Though I am standing alongside them as a peer, I can’t help but try to convince myself that I am undeserving. Somehow I feel as though I am not as talented, as experienced, or as respected in the industry. I like to tell myself that I am just lucky. Maybe there is some degree of truth in those thoughts, however, they are not the voices I allow to steer the ship.

Over time, I started to realize that these thoughts only hold me back. It was never feedback I was getting from my respected peers in the industry, only my own insecurities and fears manifesting themselves as a form of pseudo-protection. It may have taken a few therapy appointments, but I am now able to sit with myself in those thoughts and work through them in real time. Like Danessa Myricks says on the matter, I have to remember Day One. I remember where I started and how far I’ve come. I think about all of the experiences I’ve enjoyed over the years and all the projects I have felt PROUD of. At the end of the day, I do have my own vision in my creativity, but I am really no different than all of the other artists I admire.

And you know what’s funny? In the countless conversations I’ve had with these individuals, I’ve come to find that most of them still experience imposter syndrome as well. In fact, imposter syndrome has oddly enough been a common ground in connecting with my peers, and has really helped me to build a community in this industry. I think it’s only human to doubt yourself, but what allows you to truly be successful is knowing how to hold space and work through it. Take the risk anyway. Be proud of who you are and all that you have accomplished. It is not a competition, only an invitation to build connections. And whatever you do, don’t be the one standing in your own way.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Megan, and I am a freelance makeup artist and licensed aesthetician based here in Colorado.

Art is in my blood. I discovered my love of the arts as a child, experimenting with many types of media and winning awards at a very young age. This developed even further once I entered high school and became privy to the world of cosmetics. My journey in makeup artistry really began with a deep-seated fascination of color, texture, and transformation. Over the years, I have committed deeply to my craft, devoting much of my time and energy to furthering my education and training in both makeup artistry and aesthetics.

To me, makeup and art supplies are synonymous. Judgment neutral, makeup is not able to ‘improve’ your appearance, but merely enhances and builds upon what is already there. It is the language of expression, and can be used to foster confidence. I use beauty rituals as a tool to cultivate radical self-love in all of my clients. Growing up, I always wanted to be an art therapist. As an adult, I think I’ve accomplished just that.

Fast forward to the present, 2024 has been a big year for me. This past Spring, I took on a new role with Denver Fashion Week as Head of Makeup. Exploring this position has been wildly exciting and deeply fulfilling, albeit a bit overwhelming. It has opened up a lot of doors that I have been ecstatic to explore, and I’m really looking forward to making some positive changes to both Denver Fashion Week and the fashion industry as a whole.

On top of all that, I’m excited to announce that I am planning on expanding the aesthetics side of my business! It’s been a goal of mine for some time to be able to offer skin care services and support to all of my wonderful makeup clients and community. It really feels like it’s finally time to start making this dream a reality, so stay tuned!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Stay curious, stay flexible, and stay resilient.

This industry is ALL about networking, so my best advice would be to talk to anyone and everyone you come into contact with. Really try to connect with the people around you. You have something to learn from every single person you meet, and you never know where your next project is going to come from. As an introvert, this is something I’ve had to train myself to do, but have come to find that I really enjoy it.

This industry is also a constant revolving door, for better or worse. Learning how to stay flexible no matter what is thrown your way will only benefit you.

And above all, stay resilient. I am a really sensitive person in general, but learning how to get thicker skin has made all the difference for me. This industry can be fast-paced and cut-throat, but literally none of it is ever personal. Find the doors that open for you and follow the river of life where it flows. Getting caught up in the small stuff only slows you down. When it’s joy that we’re chasing and art that we’re creating, that is the last thing we want.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I’m always looking for people to partner or collaborate with! I try to take on two pro bono projects each month. This includes individuals who would otherwise not be able to afford my services, other creatives in the industry wanting to network, and passion projects as a whole! If you’re wanting to collab, either message me on Instagram or through my website (or both – sometimes things get backed up). Let’s make some magic together!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Weston Mosburg @weston.mosburg
Katie Puc @katiepuc_photography

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