Shahrzad Maydani

Shahrzad Maydani, a Maui-based illustrator and author, is celebrated for her whimsical, quirky, and delightfully playful art style. Critics praise her work as dreamlike, fresh, and joyful, marked by a vibrant palette, lush detail, and heartfelt character. Her enchanting illustrations stand out for their clever intricacies—hidden animals and layered surprises—that invite viewers into richly imaginative worlds.

Primarily working with chalk pastels, watercolor, crayons, and colored pencils, Shahrzad’s creative process is profoundly influenced by her spiritual beliefs. She is passionate about using her art to make a positive impact, especially by creating books that represent children who are too often underrepresented in stories.

When she's not illustrating or writing, Shahrzad loves immersing herself in nature, reading, spending time with family, and traveling to other times and worlds through movies. She dreams of one day seeing one of her own book projects brought to life as a stop-motion film.