My name is Mak Tardie and I’m an illustrator and surface designer from northern Virginia. Growing up in Virginia, I fell in love with the mountains, rivers, and animals surrounding me. My upbringing influenced how I see the world and create within it. I almost always start my work off traditionally, before transferring it to digital formats and playing around with mixing the mediums together. I see each part of my creative process as puzzle pieces, slowly put together to form a final picture.

 

My many interests and influences have helped shape my textural, youthful, and energetic artistic style. I use bright and bold colors to create fantastical worlds full of silly animals, colorful insects, friendly faces, and a lot of happy flowers! I am inspired by everybody I meet and the magic of the world around me.

 

It is my goal as an illustrator to make people smile! I hope the love and joy I put into my work shines through and inspires and encourages others. I want to create work that people can relate to and find comfort in. When not working, you can find me reading, playing guitar, and snuggling close to my beautiful grey and white cat, Mr. Booger.