About the Artist

Cherokee Nation artist and illustrator, Maekayla Shirley was born in Plano, Texas and raised in Northern Utah. She began drawing at a young age, learning to sketch from real life at the same time she was learning from her mother how to foster and rehabilitate orphaned and injured animals. This early background in animal care gave her a deep appreciation for all creatures great and small and continues to influence her work today.

Maekayla's artwork makes use of strong lines and bold contrast to tell a visually intriguing and balanced story. Her critical observation skills, acquired from years of hands-on work with animals, lends her a keen eye for detail. She has worked with clients to transpose concepts from written instructions to visuals with careful acuity. She has also worked to collaborate and efficiently communicate ideas in committees and other group settings to bring spoken concepts to the visual page. 

Maekayla is a TERO certified Cherokee Nation artist and illustrator, and is listed on the IACB Federal Directory. She has done work for private clients and collectors, small businesses & community organizations, as well as city art for her hometown.