Mixed Media Artist Megan Quinlan Discusses her Signature Junk Journal Style

Meet the teachers behind Fodder School 4 Blog Series graphic for Megan Quinlan

Hello! I’m Wendy Solganik, aka @willa.wanders on Instagram. If this is your first time here on my blog, welcome! I’m pretty excited that you found me and my little corner of the art world.

I’ve done a bazillion kinds of art in my life, and the thing that intrigues me the most today is Mixed Media Collage Art.

I’m such a passionate student of this form of art and I’m obsessed with making and using collage fodder (what the heck is collage fodder?).

I really want to learn everything I can about it. I created an entire online art school called Fodder School where anyone with an interest in Mixed Media Art collage art, handmade books and journaling can come and learn this craft from a variety of incredible instructors, even if you have never made any mixed media art before! At this point, Fodder School is about to enter its fourth year with no intention of slowing down.

If you are looking for a great place to start your mixed media art journey from scratch, can I recommend this $19 course?

Artist Megan Quinlan shows three projects showcasing her animal paper dolls and handmade collage fodder

In this blog series, I’m going to be introducing you to the instructors that will be joining us in Fodder School as Fodder School 4 instructors. If you want to know all about what Fodder School is, go here.

Returning to Fodder School is our long-time collaborator Megan Quinlan!

Megan has been a bookbinder and mixed media artist for over 25 years. Her journey began when she was in her 20’s, exploring shops and magazines that had a treasure trove of art inspiration. She got started with bookbinding and making her own journals: "I had always been an avid 'journaler' since I was a child, and being able to make the books by hand really connected me to my process." Eventually, she began collecting rubber stamps and added them into her practice to jazz up her pages. Later, she discovered collage, "and it kinda took off from there!"

Megan has taught several courses with Willa Workshops, and she is known for her use of vibrant colors, hot pink being a recurring favorite, combined with paper portraiture, whether that be doll illustrations or photo cutouts, to make junk journals in her iconic style; check out her previous courses here! If you love junk journaling and are interested in making these adorable paper animals (pictured below) to include in your fodder projects, keep reading to learn more about this year's Fodder Challenge and how you can sign up for Fodder School 4 today!

Megan Quinlan uses watercolors, markers, and scrap fabric to make adorable animal paper dolls

Apart from her exuberant fodder style and color palette, Megan's art is also known for its graceful and serene figures. Once, she was asked why the faces in her art never seem to smile. She responded: "I tried to explain that most artists don’t make people fully smiling because it looks a little odd. But when I look at all the hundreds of faces, I’ve created over the years, I realize that these people are all deep in thought. They are meditating , they are thinking, and maybe even praying. But whatever they’re doing, they are fulfilling their life’s journey. When I look at these faces, I feel fulfilled and full of joy. I love to think of all of their stories and musings. When I look at them, their stories begin to unfold."

In this year's Fodder Challenge, Megan is adapting a lesson she taught in a previous Fodder School year to show you how to make these insanely cute paper animal dolls! She will give you some guidance on using the paper and textile materials you already have in your fodder collection to assemble and "dress up" your new animal friends. Megan will also show you how to easily draw, color, and embellish these animal figures with the aid of stencils--no stress at all! For more information about this year's Fodder Challenge, Keep reading to find out how you can sign up today!

Mixed Media Artist Megan Quinlan holds paper collage fodder she made using paint pens, watercolors, markers, acrylic paint, and stamps

Once Megan had children, she took a break from paper art and began a small sewing business. "I made lots of quilts and clothing and thought I would never return to art again. After a 10 year break, I came back full force into the world of Mixed Media and I don’t think I will ever tire of the joy it brings me!" Megan joined Fodder School 4 years ago and has enjoyed every minute of teaching and connecting with the community. In this time, she also became a stamp and stencil designer focused on designing products that inspire others in their art journeys. You can see more of her art on Instagram @meganquinlanstudio or connect with her in other ways through this link: linktr.ee/meganwhisnerquinlan

In this year's Fodder School, Megan will introduce you to her signature JIYA Junk journal style by making mini junk folders with you. You will learn many of her favorite mark-making techniques with markers, paint pens, pencils, and watercolors, along with getting some insight into how she curates and uses her fodder to make this mixed media style adored by the countless amount of students and artists who enroll in a (always fabulous) Megan Quinlan course. Megan would love to introduce you to her lively and delightful junk journaling practice, so keep reading to learn how you can sign up for Fodder School 4 today!

Mixed Media Artist Megan Quinlan shows her signature Junk Jounral style. She includes affirmation quotes, hand drawn portraits, watercolor paintings, and collage fodder made from scrap paper

If you think that you aren't capable of creating incredible mixed media art like what you see here, you haven't been to Fodder School yet! We make it accessible. We make it effortless. We make it incredibly FUN!

check out fodder school 4