Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Clyde.
Hi Morgan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always had a wide range of interests, so when I was a young adult figuring out what I wanted to do for a career, I had a little bit of decision paralysis. I had a degree in communications with a theatre focus, a strong musical background, a flair for the artistic, a panache for creative problem solving, and the ability to talk to almost anyone like they were an old friend. I knew I could do almost anything, so it was hard to narrow down the options. After trying a few unfulfilling things for money’s sake, I was presented with a teaching opportunity at a local private school. They wanted a Fine Arts teacher, essentially determining which elective would be offered based on the expertise of the applicant. It finally clicked for me that I didn’t have to limit myself to just one thing. I went into that interview with a complete syllabus for a comprehensive Fine Arts program that covered visual art, vocal music, theatre performance, and technical theatre. I no longer teach at that school. but I continue to incorporate my multi-hyphenate approach to my high school visual art students, my part-time theatrical production business, and my music career.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. I live alone by choice, and the financial strain of trying to find my way wasn’t always easy. I’m fortunate now to have a steady paycheck, but that wasn’t always the case. It also took me a while to call myself an expert in the areas in which I actually do possess expertise. Whether that was imposter syndrome or feeling like a jack-of-all-trades or the societal pressure not to brag, I’m not sure.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a creative by nature, I’m prone to exploration within most creative fields. My main source of income is teaching high school visual art, with strong cross-curricular elements of literature, history, and career prep. I’ve received a couple awards for my teaching performance, as well as a substantial grant due to my inclusivity and diversity in the classroom. I do teach creative expression, but my students also learn confidence, problem-solving, collaboration, and empathy.
I’m an artist, myself, as well. I primarily work in acrylic paint or mixed media, anything from pet portraits to abstract expressionism.
I also do contract work as a theatre practitioner. I do perform occasionally, but most of my work comes in the form of directing large-scale musicals (I just finished a reimagined My Fair Lady), costume design and creation, and fight choreography. In fact, I’ve received multiple awards for my fight choreography on local stages. I also have several play writing credits to my name, three of which have been produced in San Antonio.
And, because I needed to add one more hyphen to my titles, I have a steady music career with local San Antonio hard rock band Daphne Kills Fred. I serve as the band’s vocalist, lyricist, and co-composer. We’ve had music released since 2021, and stay consistently booked with local shows and small tours.
It’s hard to say which of these I’m most proud of, since they all scratch a different itch. But I think it’s fair to say that the most impactful of these is my teaching career. I have a vast collection of student notes to back up that claim, too.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I find that most people are surprised by the multi-hyphenate. If I first meet them as a fight choreographer, they’re always surprised when they find out I also paint. If I meet them as a teacher, they’re surprised to learn that I’m also a musician.
Even those who know my work, though, would probably be surprised to learn just how much I do in any given day. I’m not one to stay still, and I frequently have multiple projects going at the same time, even if they’re hobby projects. You could just as easily find me renovating my kitchen as in elaborate cosplay as working on old Jeeps.
Pricing:
- Art Commissions – $30 per hour
- Fight Choreography – variable by project
- Custom Apparel – $30 per hour plus materials
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/daphnekillsfredband/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lytlehighschoolart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/184WZC735h/
