Social media is full of creativity and inspiration, and you can look no further than teen artist Maggie’s Girl Meets Drawing Instagram account.

Started in May 2015, Maggie’s account has connected fans, celebrities, and aspiring artists as she enchants her followers with drawings of teen stars Rowan Blanchard, Sabrina Carpenter, Sofia Wylie, Yara Shahidi, and more – all created on her phone.   As Maggie grows as an artist, her fans have grown with her; as of April 2018, she has over 20,000 Instagram followers.

Everly Mag talked to Maggie all about Girl Meets Drawing, and how she turned a fan page into a phenomenon.

Everly Mag: How and when did you start drawing?

Maggie: I can remember when I was about 5 years old and had to rest for a week because I had surgery and I was bored out of my mind!  I missed my friends and really wanted to go to school, so I decided to draw individual portraits of each and every one of my classmates.  By the time I returned to school, I had finished them all and my potato-head drawings were up on the classroom walls!

I believe that was when I first discovered my love for drawing.  Ever since then, I had practiced every day and slowly improved.  Thankfully, my drawings no longer resemble potatoes with faces!  I wasn’t born with a magical talent for art – there is no such thing.  It’s practice!

Everly Mag: Why did you start your Instagram account?  How did it progress over the years?

Maggie: Originally, I didn’t even draw on my account!   It was just a fan page, where I posted pictures and edits of the cast of Girl Meets World.  I almost deleted the account when I decided to post drawings of the cast.

I’m so thankful I decided to keep my account going, and slowly I started drawing other celebrities besides the Girl Meets World cast.  I just wanted to get some feedback on my drawings, and almost 3 years later I have 20K followers and I still can’t believe it.  I’m so grateful for everyone that enjoys my art.

Everly Mag: What have been the biggest surprises and most important moments since starting your account?

Maggie: There have been a few times where I just cannot believe my luck.  Around five months ago, I was drawing Sofia Wylie and I hadn’t even posted it yet, and all of a sudden she followed and messaged me saying she liked my art and I was freaking out!  We have talked a couple of times since, and she is so sweet and supportive of my drawings.  I’m so grateful for her.

Also, about a year ago, Sabrina Carpenter reposted one of my drawings on her Instagram story.  I absolutely lost it – I was a mess!  It was a weird feeling, between being extremely proud and overwhelmingly happy, I was crying and smiling uncontrollably.  It was probably one of the best days of my life.  It’s still so surreal.

Everly Mag: Who are your favorite celebrities to draw?

Maggie: The four main celebrities that I adore drawing are Rowan Blanchard, Sabrina Carpenter, Yara Shahidi, and Sofia Wylie.

Their pictures inspire me to try new techniques and new ideas.  I end up with these very creative drawings that I really like and that make me happy.

Everly Mag: What goes into making one of your drawings – from the start of your idea to the final product?

Maggie: The full process takes about four hours.  Many people think that because I draw on my phone, instead of with traditional pencil and paper, it’s supposedly easier or faster, but it really isn’t.  I only draw if I’m inspired.  I’m inspired mostly by nature.  I love drawing flowers and oceans and leaves, so being able to merge that [inspiration] with my drawings is so much fun.

When I have an idea, I go through celebrity Instagram accounts and search for the perfect picture.  When I have it, that’s when I officially start.

I open Adobe Draw, start a new project, and then I outline and color the entire drawing.  After that, I open Superimpose and add the background, and finally I use Phonto for watermarks.  There are times when I do a little extra, and use the Werble app to add filters like petals falling, confetti, or an old camera feel to the drawing.

Everly Mag: What are your goals for your account and your future as an artist?

Maggie: There is so much I want to do!  I want to go out of my comfort zone and try new things.  In art class, I’ve already started sculpting, which I never thought I could do.  With my Instagram account, I want people to get surprised when I post.  Whether they like [the drawing] or not, I’ll be getting feedback which will help me get better.

Everly Mag: What hobbies and favorites do you have outside of drawing?

Maggie: I have been swimming since I was a kid, and that’s something that I’m passionate about.  I just love being in the water and it gives me a lot of time to think.  My favorite shows are Girl Meets World (shocking!), Black Mirror, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.  I just love how these shows [create] awareness of important topics in such clever way[s].

Everly Mag: Finally, what’s your best advice for aspiring artists?

Maggie: I know it’s frustrating to draw something and [have it] not turn out like you had in your head, but don’t stop drawing!  I will share the secret to drawing amazingly: PRACTICE!  We are in the 21st century – we can search up tutorials on YouTube or just watch Bob Ross.  Use references from your favorite artists and get inspired by them.  My DMs are always open for questions regarding how to draw, and maybe I’ll be posting tutorials soon.

Find Maggie’s Girl Meets Drawing account on Instagram.

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Feature Image Credit: Drawing of Sabrina Carpenter by Girl Meets Drawing