Hello, my name is Mary
(Mary Asha was the moniker I chose to go by in art school as a way to differentiate my work from the other Marys also in the program during campus wide critiques. There were a lot of us. It stuck so I now I use it as my professional name.)
I’m an illustrator from Queens. NYC, and currently reside over in Connecticut. I received my BFA in Illustration from the University of New Haven in 2019, but have worked in the field for over 10+ years. I ran a popular art blog documenting my experiences as an art student who was also an occasional reader, but closed it in 2024. The most notable clients I had worked with includes: Nest New York, Lake & Skye, Frederik Fekkai, UNICEF, Lucasfilm, & Teen Vogue.
From the beginning, my work has always reflected sharp colors, striking textures, and intricate detail. I work primarily with traditional mediums like pens, finalizers, markers, & color pencils to achieve my signature style. I also like to experiment with digital mediums as a way to elevate my storytelling and design skills.
At the studio, I’m sketching out ideas, crafting designs, or planning upcoming projects. I am also selling my work online, at art fairs, and through local based stores based in Connecticut. After studio hours, I am reading something, interacting with my local community, or just out walking around somewhere. One of my favorite activities to do is to draw at a museum after exploring the exhibits - it doesn’t matter which museum I’m at.
Meet my Muse, The Galactic Cherub
The Galactic Cherub is a little character I created as a child to be the embodiment of my love and curiosity for astronomy. Space has been at center of my world since I was six years old and is the only passion I cherish more than art. In my free time, I like to make space inspired drawings and pretend it’s a part of his little adventures.