AN INTERVIEW WITH MORGHAN ELLIOTT
Morghan’s original character, Blade.
Artist’s House: Who is Morghan Elliott?
Morghan Elliott: I am a self-taught LGBT artist, born and raised in a small town just on the outskirts of Seattle, Washington. Under the alias “Moonloftt,” the name and business that I have long had pondered, thus curated by myself. From a family of six, and being the youngest of them all, we always had our interests in some crafts. Mine, in particular, was art. I grew up doodling away, everyday, almost all day. If I wasn't drawing, I was learning, as I always strived to learn. Knowledge is something that I always chased. To say I was not interested in the beauty you call art, would be a lie. I have since grown, though, and my enjoyment in being an artist has not once shifted. I was also a shy kid growing up, having experienced many anxieties; art was sort of a passion through these times. If I wasn’t drawing, I was playing video games as well, or some other way of attending to my creative needs.
Artist’s House: How did your journey with art and drawing start?
Morghan Elliott: I’ve been drawing since I could practically hold a pencil, but I remember getting really interested in the trade when I was seven years old, after someone asked me to draw her a Pin-the-Tail-on-the-Pony for her kid. Art has always been my favorite thing to do, my favorite class in school, the thing I always looked forward to—you name it! Although, if we’re going really back into where I started…throughout my childhood, a lot of different cartoons inspired me to make my own art, but there was one that stood out from them, which was My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. That is basically where my interest originated from. I always used to draw ponies and the main characters from that show, creating my own characters and sharing them on the internet up until I was around 13, when I decided to branch into other mediums. It was basically a kickstarter in wanting to draw. Then I found tutorials through YouTube, and my journey never ended from there. Each of my artistic outlets, either that being through drawing, or painting, or another thing, I could never replace the feeling of making art. It is my passion and I love it dearly.
Artist’s House: Do you have any artists whose work you really admire or who inspire you?
Morghan Elliott: The person that inspired me first was actually the YouTuber Ihascupquake. Her creative outlets inspired me a lot growing up and is most likely the reason why I got so serious into art. I wanted to be an artist like she is and learn different ways to incorporate art into my life. That being painting, digital art, sketches, watercoloring, or even using charcoal and pastels, and the more recent hobby–knitting. Despite having never met her, she is the reason why I am here as an artist today as I continue my artistic endeavors. I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon, since it is such a big part of my life, and life would be incredibly dull if art was not part of it. Outside of art, she inspired me to be a better person overall, which I think is really neat that a person you never met could change your life in such a good way. On the other hand, the work that inspired me would probably be the entire media of Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse, The Last of Us, or Steven Universe, which are equally all admirable to me and kickstarted my interest in being a concept artist. There are so many excellent artists that were part of both projects, that it is impossible to list them all. They make me want to be able to draw like them, at least in my own way, and be able to achieve the beauty that is concept art.
Artist’s House: Are there any other art forms or creative endeavors besides drawings that you would like to eventually dive into more?
Morghan Elliott: Definitely voice acting, learning languages, and getting into different methods for my art, as well as getting more into knitting. I’ve been interested in voice acting for years and took a class for it in high school. It made me get out of my shell a little bit, since I was a shy kid growing up—but screaming into a microphone is truly an art of bringing characters to life; it is something I could never forget doing. I took a public speaking class as well and had to read on stage in front of people, so if I ever took a chance to do theater or acting, the only thing that would prevent me from doing so is the nerves... However, you can get past those, and any actor or actress had those first stage jitters too. I was also in an audio drama when I was 15, which sparked my love for voice acting—or acting overall. While it was nerve-wracking at first, there isn’t quite anything like that experience. Definitely an eye-opener in my interests. For languages, I’ve always found this an amazing way to express yourself. You can describe many things in a different language that can help you express yourself a bit better. Not only that, you also learn the language that someone else speaks and learn more about different cultures or traditions. You also can get to know more people. I'd like to be a polyglot one day, or multilingual at least. For different methods regarding my art, I think it would be great to experiment more with charcoal art, watercolor, or take a few classes to help amplify my abilities, which I am now hoping to take in the summer. Even that of environmental art, animals, fauna, or landscapes are all the things I would like to touch base on.
Artist’s House: Like many people, you’ve started with traditional art in the beginning and then transitioned to digital art, which is now your main way of drawing. What are some aspects you personally like and dislike about each method? Is drawing digitally different, compared to traditionally, for you?
Morghan Elliott: Drawing digitally is definitely different when it comes to drawing traditionally. Although, both are very similar. For one, I can’t zoom in on paper or delete accidental pencil strokes and make the paper as clear as it once was. With digital art, you can. You can also record your progress depending on which program you use, and sometimes it's a little bit easier getting the details you envisioned. I love them both equally even though I have mainly moved to digital art. For traditional art, you get to see your hard work come from a blank sheet of paper with each material you can use to bring it to life that you can’t digitally, like with tape or paint, to give it some spark. You can use digital brushes that are made by others for your craft, but nothing will compare to the feeling of getting your hands covered by paint. In the end, however, digital art is just as valid as traditional art.
Artist’s House: How do you think of and work on designs for original characters?
Morghan Elliott: I mainly look for ideas or a theme first, or sometimes I will already have something in mind. I'll use one of my characters for this example, whose name is Blade. I knew the first thing I had in mind was that I wanted them to be a vampire. Lots of research for different clothing regarding inspiration was what landed me into what they wear now. Although, they are still in their concepting phase, as I hope to implement fashion from the 1890s instead. Other times, I use a themed wheel you can use digitally that you can add or remove pre-existing prompts, which ended up with how I created my other character, Cameron (though I later made him a Tiefling instead). I tend to use this more often, since it's a lot more fun trying to work with a limited theme and things are out of your control–just follow the prompts and have fun with it! Otherwise, I use Picrews to figure out a main color scheme, and I brainstorm from there. The end result, though…never looks like what I chose from those. My artistic liberty takes over.
Artist’s House: How would you say your art style developed over time? Did you purposefully integrate any changes into your work, or was it more natural and something you didn’t think about?
Morghan Elliott: I think the coolest thing that comes from being an artist is that you can change and improve your style as time goes on. I would say it has changed quite a lot, moreso recently, since I found that the best thing that works for me is experimenting in every chance that I can get. So, I would say my change from the beginning of last year was on purpose so I wouldn’t be afraid of “coloring outside the lines,” in a sense. I used to think I always had to draw the same, always had to color it some other way…but I found myself stuck, and I realized that this thinking was hindering my progress as an artist. Other times, like how I shade clothing, is mostly something that comes natural. However, I prefer to learn from others in the end, since this helps you grow. Learning from others is never a bad thing.
Artist’s House: What is the biggest thing you’ve learned that really made you progress in your art?
Morghan Elliott: Do not be afraid to experiment and do not be afraid to go outside your comfort zone. If you’re in your comfort zone for too long, you won’t see any progress. Even if you've been drawing for years, it's always great to revisit the basics in art or look up those different tutorials, because it will help immensely. Pre-planning your light source as well is great, and creating backgrounds first so your character doesn't look like it's as tall as the Empire State Building…unless it is actually that tall.
Artist’s House: Do you have any art tips and advice of your own to share with others?
Morghan Elliott: I can not amplify this recommendation enough to be heard for all to acknowledge it, but use your references. Even the most professional artists that you look up to use references! I see a lot of people online speak about how using references is a “bad” thing, when it actually helps your progress as an artist and is commonly used within art classes. No one would expect you to come up with an entire painting of some fruit with a designated light source, especially if it is realism, with no references.
Artist’s House: What is your process like when working on a drawing? Are the plans different with personal art versus commissions?
Morghan Elliott: I believe the two are a little bit intertwined. For personal art, I usually can think of an idea and sketch out all the different poses and then settle on one idea; it is usually a bit more complicated. Commissions are about the same way. Sometimes, it is a little bit easier with the sketching because the client always has something in mind already. If there is a background involved, however, I always sketch that first before adding the character, since it helps with depth. So, to say they are the same wouldn’t be true–personal art takes more time, more pondering to figure out what I would like to draw or sketch, sometimes it comes more naturally. Commissions, I can figure out the layout pretty well just with the descriptions the client may give me. It just all counts on my ability!
Artist’s House: What are your favorite types of work to draw (whether it’s in a certain style, mood, world, etc.) and why?
Morghan Elliott: I actually find environmental art very fun to draw! I find nature and landscapes overall very gorgeous, as it’s been my favorite to make since I was younger. Other than that, general buildings can be pretty fun. I'd say I like doing them when I have the chance because I enjoy looking at different environments. It's so mesmerizing, the things in front of us…how could I possibly not draw them? I also like to experiment in different styles like cartoon, or a way to incorporate slight realism.
Artist’s House: Is drawing something you tend to plan, or do you usually get random inspiration to draw?
Morghan Elliott: For me, I usually plan. However, other times, I just get random bouts of inspiration or just feel like drawing, and it ends up being something I can't forget. Although, I do tend to listen to different music to get the creative flow going, so some of that may add to the current inspiration.
Artist’s House: Where do you see yourself in ten years as an artist? What do you envision and hope to accomplish?
Morghan Elliott: I’ve been asked this many, many times, especially in high school. I am definitely hoping to still be creating to my heart’s content; nothing would be the same if I wasn’t creating some sort of expression. So, I like to think in about ten years, I would have some sort of studio or room for all of my art–and possibly create some long-term projects within those ten years (hopefully, since they take a good while). If I somehow don’t follow through with my indie or solo projects that I have in mind, on the other hand, I would probably still be drawing and heading to a local Comic-Con again as a vendor. I hope to have my own business up and running.
Artist’s House: If you think about inspiring others through your art, what sort of message would you like to send to people?
Morghan Elliott: I will put it shortly, and this is probably a very short explanation of mine. If I could inspire anyone from my art, I would love to inspire others to hone in on their own craft. Art, crafting, or coding—whatever it may be—if I can inspire someone just by art alone, that would be marvelous. The world needs more artists, and the world shouldn’t give up on artists. Art was important eons ago…even though we all have digital equipment now, and the world has changed…but the thing that hasn’t changed–are artists. If you want to be an artist, start learning. It is a long journey, but it is incredibly worth it.
Artist’s House: There are places in the world that artists are drawn to that bring out the best of them and their talents. If you could pick anywhere in the world, where would you go to really bring out your creativity? Any countries or cities?
Morghan Elliott: I recently visited London, and going there has inspired me greatly. Both the architecture, fashion, and merely just being there. I went with my sister and my dad, and me and my sister explored for an entire week. The most that stood out, since I am quite into architecture and nature, was obviously the buildings and the overall environment I had walked in. It inspired me so much, I had wished to carry a sketchbook around with me the entire time I had visited and sketch the environment; people, if they were to end up in my art; and buildings. It was a big change of pace–something that I undoubtedly will never forget. On the other hand, I am certain that if I got to visit either Germany or Japan, I would also be inclined to have some sort of inspiration there. Fortunately for me, if I were to visit one or both of these locations, I will remember this time to bring a pencil, eraser, and sketchbook to carry at the hip in a bag.
Artist’s House: If you had a chance to hang out and have a coffee or tea with an artist from any previous century, who would you choose and why?
Morghan Elliott: Maybe Berthe Morisot, although I don’t know any French, so our conversation would be rather limited, unfortunately. I just admire her art style she had when she made them eons and eons ago. Or, perhaps, just meeting Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco would be pretty rad, in my opinion.
Artist’s House: How do you imagine the perfect workplace for working on your art? What would the environment look like? Are there any tools you dream of having?
Morghan Elliott: Oh, the best question to ask an artist! The perfect workspace would be a not-too-large room, but not too small either. Rather quaint, homey, furnished with a tilting table, bookshelves, my own paintings on the wall…canvases scattered about nearby, with an endless amount of storage to hold all my supplies. It would be pretty cool, too, to have decorated the walls with my own art. I would also keep gloves in the boxes to keep storage in, just in case I don’t want my hands to have charcoal all over them. Another one would possibly be a record player of some sort so I could play some tunes while I’m painting away. I have thought of this so many times, that I have this perfect vision in my head. Whatever I have or come up with, no matter the space, I will find any way to adorn it with my own personal touches.
Artist’s House: AI (Artificial Intelligence) art has become a popular thing lately. How do you feel it will affect artists, both in the near future and in the long run? How do you think artists can mitigate any roadblocks that AI art might cause?
Morghan Elliott: I believe it is already affecting us as artists, and it may affect us worse if we’re not careful. I have had many conversations about this topic with my friends and loved ones, and this is one topic that I could go on about sometimes. Some people will have different opinions, but never will I actually like AI or approve of my art to be used in these programs. I fear that, if it is not happening right now, people will prefer AI over human-made products. This will affect our jobs, our ability to be paid. A lot of us rely on our art for our finances, and AI is getting to be worked on so much, you sometimes can’t even tell the difference between human-made and AI-made. I think one of the ways that someone may help is paying some tribute to artists–support them! Support your local artists and those abroad rather than supporting your AI programs. If you don’t have the change to pay them, wait until you can. There is no harm in waiting!
Artist’s House: How, to you, has the world of art changed since you first started? Are there any changes you hope to see in the future?
Morghan Elliott: Before I became an artist, one thing was for certain: I didn’t quite admire life around me until I needed to focus on the finer details of the life I tried to replicate through a painting. I was a small child, so of course, naturally, I would not have paid much attention to my surroundings. However, the more I ventured into the awe-inspiring ability of art, the more I could properly point out details that not a lot of people notice. Environments, the way the light sets, the way the clouds are formed, to the singular direction of a branch. All of it, and all who I see, is worthy of being a muse.
Artist’s House: Thank you for joining us for this interview! Is there anything else you’d like to say, and do you have any message for your supporters?
Morghan Elliott: I want to thank my family; they have always consistently supported me in being an artist, and both as their kid and as a sister. Although, I do want to specifically point out my sister who motivates me and inspires me in many, many ways. Although we are now facing a distance between states, I have never once stopped admiring her. She's probably one of the strongest women in my life—and to have her as a sister, too, is crazy, and I'm thankful for her.
I also, of course, want to thank everyone who has followed me throughout the years. From selling at my first Comic-Con in 2018 in Tacoma, WA, to recent folks and friends I've met along the way. I also want to thank my other half, the person who gives me a great deal of inspiration. I'm incredibly thankful for her endless support she has given me since we have met, and she even encouraged me to take art courses as well. My final mention would be Skaivi, who happens to be one of my closest friends—and to this day, I am proud to call her my best friend. Whoever you may be, even if you are just passing by to support me and my art briefly, thank you! The support all of you could give me means a whole lot, and I am just so thankful for it all!
MAY 5, 2024