Today we’d like to introduce you to Maliyah Clark.
Hi Maliyah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always had a love for art. Growing up, my teachers noticed my attention to detail in my drawings. These teachers urged my mother to enroll me in a magnet art school. Then, from fifth to twelfth grade, I attended schools that allowed me to explore further and expand my love of art. Through these key experiences, I couldn’t image my life without art in it. This passion led me to pursue a Bachelor in Fine Arts with a major in illustration. Through higher education, I learned how to create a better space for myself and my illustrations in art. Through every step of the way, my mother and family have encouraged me to pursue an art career.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of my biggest challenges has been self-doubt. It’s hard to imagine myself succeeding in my field because I don’t see many people like me pursuing this career. I can name many female artists, queer artists, Black artists, or fantasy illustrators. There are very few who encompass all these identities as I do. This fact makes it feel like there isn’t a space for someone like me in the art world. I learned to see this unclaimed space as an opportunity. It is clear to me that someone needs to fill this unique niche, and there is no reason it can’t be me.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I believe I’m most known for my cover art and comics. I love incorporating fantasy and people of color into my work. No matter the subject, I like to add a fantastical spin to my illustrations. I think a little bit of magic or make-believe makes art more enjoyable for me. It keeps me excited to keep creating new illustrations.
You don’t need a reason to add people of color to your work. So, inclusion plays a significant role in my art, regardless of genre, subject, or story. I aim to create the kind of work I wanted to see growing up. The piece I’m most proud of is a digital illustration named “Wish I could go back and give her a Squeeze.” This is an illustration of the singer Laufey. A piece inspired by a song meant to show love for her younger self. I depict her hugging a slightly misshaped star with animated lines radiating from this embrace. All these elements encapsulate my distinct style. It is moody and whimsical yet heartfelt and thoughtful. While also showing off some of my technical skills, such as animation and portraiture.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Artists should make the art they have always wanted to see. You may not be the only one enjoying your art in the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mvclarkstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mvclarkstudios/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maliyah-clark-7938591b8/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXhksoLRjoS0O_c2CoYbMJg
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mvclarkstudios?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Image Credits
Personal Photo by Yongbo Hayden.
