Morgan Daniel, who is professionally known as Morgan McKensey, is a Senior Fashion Marketing student, Wardrobe stylist/Creative director, and part-time content creator. She sat down to discuss some of her favorite editorial work, her time as a Fashion Editor at the Manor, her secret synesthesia talent, and more. Morgan is a creative who loves a “hands-on” approach to her art, which manifests itself in her striking visuals and compelling narratives. You can see her latest work on Instagram @morganmckensey. To begin the conversation, we talked about some of her most recent editorial content.
Your editorial “The Black Renaissance” resonated with a lot of people. Would you say that this dedication to promoting inclusivity and uplifting black artists is a really important aspect of your work and something you want to apply to your future career goals?
McKensey: Absolutely yes. Especially now, it is a crucially important time to uplift, highlight and advocate for black and brown creators. We’re the ones that are doing the most work behind the scenes, yet we’re not getting that same level of recognition. At the end of the day, it’s about fairness and equality; we’re all people, black people are people. We matter, and we are important. I try to [promote inclusivity] the best way possible through the visuals I create, which I hope to continue stimulating and inspiring other people with.
Who is the biggest inspiration/influence in your work, if you have one, and why?
McKensey: Someone that I really look up to is Law Roach, for sure. He styles a lot of amazing people that girls and guys look up to in the fashion world, such as Zendaya or Anya [Taylor Joy]. I love the power his styling has. However, fashion right now is moving beyond having a person as their sole inspiration. It’s better to be inspired by different things. It just makes the story more dynamic.
What are your other sources of inspiration like?
McKensey: I’m inspired by anything! I get inspired by Pinterest, which I feel like a lot of people use as their inspiration, but it’s true. Music inspires me, and music videos; one of my favorite hobbies is listening to music while finding [matching aesthetics] on Pinterest. That is the reason why I started doing videos with my photoshoots, too, because when I’m creating that story in my head, I see it as a movie, like synesthesia.
I believe the singer Lorde also has synesthesia, so she sees colors when she writes her songs. How have these unconventional sources of creativity shaped your workflow?
McKensey: Yes, it is almost as if I get the “taste” of a song, and then who knows, I might end up using that song as the soundtrack to my [fashion content]. It is this kind of subconscious thing. Therefore I try to expose myself to as many different forms of creation (media) as I can. That way, I can say that I tried it and that I have experience in it. Then, wherever I end up with my career, I have the skills ready.
How has your past experience as a Fashion Editor for the Manor helped shape you into the incredible artist/content creator you are today?
McKensey: Being a part of The Manor, in general, has really helped my confidence not just in myself but also in what I do/create. Also, as an editor, you have to possess a certain level of maturity when you’re networking with so many different people. I surprised myself sometimes with how much I’ve been able to do and have done just by being an editor because it has given me so much opportunity. I didn’t necessarily have a roadmap along the way; I just tried to expose myself to as many opportunities as I could.
Any parting words of advice for current students/future seniors?
M: Follow your gut because at the end of the day, only you know what’s best for you.
Special thanks to Morgan @morganmckensey for participating in this interview!
Interview conducted by Anna McGregor.
Photo courtesy of Morgan McKensey.
Graphic by Emily Tobias.