Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Mai.
Hi Sarah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hello! I am Sarah Mai, an illustrator and writer living in Minneapolis. I was born in Chicago and raised in Milwaukee, so I am deeply Midwestern. I am currently working on illustrating and writing books for tween and teen audiences, but am passionate about literature for all age ranges! In order to share why I am the way that I am, I have to describe how fundamental drawing has been to the fabric of my family.
My grandfather was an architect and my grandmother was an interior architect before beginning an illustration career in her early fifties doing greeting cards for Hallmark. They had nine children, six of them ending up in design-related careers, including my mom, who studied graphic design in college but has worked as an illustrator since. Despite all of this, there was never any pressure to take up art.
I was interested in drawing as a kid and kept with it through high school. Eventually I got into writing (or the idea of it) early on in my teens. For a little while, I flirted with the idea of animation or production design, but was scared of the idea of committing fully to art school. I decided on studying English at the U of MN. I figured I could pursue drawing on my own time. Through college, I got super into graphic novels and began to develop a pitch for a book. Unexpectedly, by the fall break of my senior year, I had secured my first book contract. By the next spring, I sold the pitch I had been working on. The past few years have been a sprint working on the three books! Currently, I am working on setting up future projects and developing book pitches and products.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In some ways yes, and in others, no. I’ve gotten incredibly lucky so far: for example, getting the right book on the right editor’s desk at the right time. That is something to be very thankful for! On the other hand, there are the normal problems that come with self-employment. I’m finding there are infinite ways to plague yourself with self-doubt, some fears more rational than others. The publishing industry seems to be a fairly inconsistent place in a lot of ways- that doubled with precarious confidence is a perfect recipe for anxiety! The best I can do is to keep trying my best and be open-minded, and if it doesn’t work out, I will be happy to try something else.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I am a writer and illustrator of graphic novels! I am mostly focused on comics for tween, teen, and young adult audiences, but am building a portfolio for children’s work as well. I am most proud of the work I have done over the last couple of years on the books- what a dream. I have grown a lot as an artist and am so excited to see how things continue to develop. The best part so far is listening to kids’ responses to The Cool Code and seeing their drawings of the character CC. As for what sets me apart, it’s hard to say, but I think my sense of humor and bright color palettes are what draws people in.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love having access to the outdoors, the local arts community, and the people I’ve met while living here. I don’t love the highways.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarahmai-illustration.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smaibird/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SarahMaiShop
