Meet Morgan Manasa

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Morgan Manasa. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Morgan, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I’ve been an artist with a focus on storytelling my whole life and, while I work in many different mediums, theatre work as always been a driving force. About 5 years ago I discovered how illustration and graphic design can communicate a story or ask questions of the viewer, which compliments my work as a theatre maker. As time goes on, I get more and more excited delving into how to use these art forms as a means to represent different voices and bring awareness to issues that are important to me, which lights the fire under my bum to keep moving forward. I’ve been lucky that my mix of talents influence and align with each other.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m from the Metro-Detroit area and grew up around all kinds of artists, so it makes sense that I caught the bug early on. I always knew I wanted to be an actor, so I headed (Mid)West to attend the Chicago College of Performing Arts and Theatre Conservatory (CCPA). Since graduation I’ve worked with a number of storefronts in Chicago and joined Babes With Blades Theatre Company (BWBTC) as a company member in 2007. A big part of my journey as a theatre maker has been representing different body types on stage. For example, I’m fat. I’m a fat, tall woman who’s gotten a lot of work over the years, but there’s still a stigma that fat people don’t lead full, successful or even just “normal” lives and this stigma carries over into how we’re represented on stage. It’s a stigma thats applies to other marginalized voices in creative rooms as well and I want to be a better collaborator and accomplice to amplifying those artists. Six years ago I took the plunge and started directing as well and I have no plans to stop anytime soon. I work very hard to establish a space where artists feel supported to collaborate, take risks and have collective ownership over the final result. I love collaborating on a story from start to finish, especially those that center women, BIPOC, and queer folks. As I learn more I hope to better my practice as an accomplice to artists with disabilities as well.

The goals I’m pursuing in the theatre also apply to my illustration and design work. I’m inspired by what’s going on and the voices around me, and how best to center those messages. For me personally, many of my illustrations center fat people as just being beautiful human beings because I wish I had seen fat people through that lens, women especially, when I was growing up. Influenced by mid century aesthetic, vibrant color and a playful viewpoint, my visual work is rooted in celebration, humor and community. I’m excited to make art that uplifts folks, with a focus on activism and self-love.

Currently, I’m focusing on growing my Pateron community, expanding my network of clients to more activist and arts organizations, and I’m performing in the upcoming BWBTC production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” playing Peter Quince.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

When it comes to a creative career I learned that I need 1) to listen to what excites me. What are the things that I want to continue learning about, spending time working on, and making a part of my daily practice. Usually, this involves taking time to jot down ideas, get messy in my sketchbook and continuing my education. 2) Soft skills are key. Having empathy when talking to people helps all of us move forward in the long run. 3) Failure. It’s scary, but you learn a lot by failing.

My advice to anyone looking to head into a creative career is establish a business plan from the start. It’s not at all glamorous, but you don’t want to learn about contracts, taxes, business bank accounts, etc. on the fly. Your future self will thank you. And on that note, be gentle with yourself. Nothing happens overnight, so focus on enjoying the process. As a Virgo, this was (well, still is) a tough lesson for me to learn, but leave perfectionism at the door. Done is better than perfect. Lastly, you don’t have to do this work alone. Tap into your community, ask your friends for help, advice, references. Your people want you to flourish.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

As an illustrator and graphic designer I’ve been working with a number of Chicago based theatres to promote their productions in the past year and would love to expand my theatrical clientele across the country. I’m on the lookout to direct a play about cults in the near future, so if anyone has script suggestions let me have ’em! I’m also interested in branching out into designing for community based events (festivals, programs, businesses, etc.), as well as for album and book covers.

My goal overall is to collaborate with people and companies who share the same values and focus: representing different body types, supporting community & small businesses, focusing on activism for human rights & the environment, organizations lead by women/BIPOC/queer folk, while also having a sense of humor and love for color. Oh! And people who love to show off pictures of their four legged family members.

I’m always open to chatting about future collaborations and folks can find me via my website, www.TheFiberBetweenUs.com.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photo, Illustrations & Graphics: Morgan Manasa

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