Hi there, my name is Mariia Furdei. Born and raised in Ukraine, I now call California my home. I bring imagination to life through my vibrant, playful illustrations, paying close attention to details to breathe life and richness into every piece. My digital creations, informed by my experience teaching traditional media to children, are interactive stories rather than static images. Children and I share a mutual connection, breathing life into my work and fueling my creativity. My inspiration is often drawn from cycling through the forest or listening to ocean waves – elements of nature that I subtly incorporate into my illustrations.

One project that resonates deeply with me is illustrating a humorous collection of Silicon Valley-inspired children's poems. My art brought life to the diversity and local flavor of Silicon Valley, transforming humorous written words into whimsical, imaginative illustrations. My clients value my collaborative, reliable spirit, and childlike creativity, creating a delightful and engaging experience for them. Equipped with a master's degree in computer science and a background as a medical interpreter, I render imaginative and character-driven illustrations that entertain, educate, and spark a child’s curiosity. Every project I undertake starts with extensive research and character development, followed by careful crafting of details, all intended to promote a meaningful connection between the reader and the piece.

My journey into the world of illustrations began when I was a child, mesmerised by the various children's books and classic paintings in my home. The walls of my house bore the brunt of my initial artistic explorations with my mom’s lipstick. Now, I find inspiration in both nature and urban landscapes like San Francisco’s quirky, brightly-colored houses. My love for being outdoors, whether gardening, hiking, or just spending time with family, fuels my creativity. Moreover, my two children, especially my elder one, are my creative partners, infusing extra magic into my illustrations. I hope to be remembered as an illustrator who brought joy, wonder, and a spark of curiosity to children and adults alike, inspiring a future generation of artists.