Born in Lebanon, I was immersed in French culture because my mother, half German, half daughter of a general and military pilot who spent his life in the clouds, decided so. I inherited my way of seeing things differently from her. On the other hand, my father, purely Lebanese and down-to-earth, always made things feel clearer and more serene. I like to think I am the perfect blend of both. My creativity draws inspiration from these two cultures and ways of thinking, shaping how I see the world. Behind each of my illustrations lies an enigmatic side and a more harmonious one.
I studied graphic arts in Beirut, specializing in illustration and comics. After a few years working in fashion illustration and schoolbooks, I felt the need to explore human nature further.
I pursued a degree in psychology while continuing my freelance illustration career. Until 2019, among Lebanon’s vibrant scene, I collaborated on various projects, gave therapeutic art workshops, and began writing and illustrating my children’s book, Nuage. Nuage is about an only child who is introverted that embarks on an adventure that teaches her to manage emotions and open up to the world, just as I did.
In 2020, I moved to Germany. From here, I held my first exhibitions in Prague, Düsseldorf, Aachen, Vienna and Paris, co-created a performance art and music group called Mitsy, and did our first concert, worked with international clients beyond the Arab world, co-founded a Lebanese-German startup: Kebbe Bleiben, based on funny designs for Arab expats, and published Nuage.
I have also attended numerous fairs in Italy, Germany, and France to better understand my field and potential clients. Along the way, I realized the importance of standing out and having a clear profile. I do many things, but what I love most is collaborating on illustration projects: meeting clients, exchanging ideas, and creating a final product that reflects both of our worlds. Seeing my clients’ reactions is the most rewarding part of what I do.
I have been an illustrator since 2014, but it took me 10 years to create this clear, concise website. I made it for you, to connect, collaborate, and create unforgettable projects together!
Maya Akiki - Illustrator 