"Travel Write Draw" Creator Dishes on Summer Style

After one look at Meagan Morrison’s nomadic Instagram, @TravelWriteDraw, you’re likely to plan your next dream vacation, up your #ootd game, or, at the very least, spend more time than you’d like to admit lost in her exquisite feed. The New York-based illustrator spends her days traveling to the far corners of the earth, from Tanzania to Tokyo, and painting every step of her journey through a fashion-meets-art lens. The best part? Each breathtaking painting or FOMO-inducing travel snap is accompanied by witty captions or rap lyrics. In short, this girl is on fire.

After growing up in Queensville, Ontario — an idyllic small town filled with old school movie drive-ins, farm animals, and rolling hills — she visited New York as a teen and fell in love with the undeniable energy of the city. Since then, she’s made a home in the city that never sleeps and counts fashion and travel brands, such as Harper’s Bazaar, Diane von Furstenberg, and Conde Nast Traveler as clients for her bespoke sketches and custom social media content. With the dog days of summer on the horizon, we met up with Meagan in partnership with H&M to learn more about how she plans to spend the season, what inspires her, and, of course, what she'll be wearing to stay chic in the heat.

Her Go-To Warm Weather Outfit

Featuring: Long Vest and Sunglasses, H&M.

“This look for me is my quintessential summer outfit that will take me from lunch meetings to gallery hopping and after-work drinks. I love very clean silhouettes, so the simple black dress with the pop-orange vest are a perfect combo for me. It's easy, chic, and still showcases my creative flair.

“Summer makes my mood and style infinitely more liberated. I despise layering during the winter and too much fussiness when I dress. When summer (finally) comes around, and all you have to do is throw on a great dress and cute slides, I'm utterly rejoicing! I also love being able to let my hair air dry without worrying about Arctic tundra temperatures when I leave my apartment.”

Her Style Mantra to Live By

"My No. 1 style tip always and forever is embrace BEING YOU. I love that New York women are unapologetically themselves. Specific to summer, I would say always keep a pair of flats in your handbag if you can manage. It's the perfect time of year to hit the pavement and walk the city. "

Her Favorite New York City View

“I used to live in the West Village for five years, so I have very fond memories of this area when I was first starting my career as a fashion illustrator here. On the weekends, I used to walk to the Hudson River and draw while listening to my music. In a concrete jungle like New York, you can't put a price on the feeling of being next to open water. It is so liberating and refreshing. That is why I love the High Line so much. It gives you a great view of the River from above and also connects you to amazing art — from the Whitney Museum to Chelsea galleries — and great stores in the Meatpacking District. What more could you ask for on a Summer Friday?!”

Her Best Summer Memory

“Studying art history in Florence when I was 20 and living in a house with 12 classmates around San Lorenzo Market. We had summer passes to the Uffizi Gallery, and I ate gelato every day after school. At the time I didn't realize that my love of fashion, art, and travel could ever coexist in a career. Now I know with absolute certainty that they can and very much do.”

Her Motto: Location, Location, Location

“Location is the starting point for nearly every illustration I create. It sets the mood, helps me determine the story I want to tell, and the best fashion to complement the destination. When I travel, I want all the flavors of that specific place and its culture to come through my paintings. I just got back from Japan and Portugal, such visually rich destinations, and everything from the food to the architecture, landscapes to the people, inspired what comes through in my work.”

Her Summer Tunes on Repeat

“Drake, Disclosure, Satin Jackets, Sampha, SBTRKT, Rihanna (obviously).”

This post is sponsored by H&M.

Hair: Akihisa Yamaguchi; Makeup: Jamie Dorman

Images: Lauren Perlstein