Marlena Myles
Marlena Myles is a Native American graphic designer and fine artist who lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
National Geographic’s Picture Atlas of Our Universe
What’s your favorite line from a book?
“Suddenly for no earthly reason I felt immensely sorry for him and longed to say something real, something with wings and a heart, but the birds I wanted settled on my shoulders and head only later when I was alone and not in need of words.”—Vladimir Nabokov, The Real Life of Sebastian Knight
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Illustrators: Alvin Schwartz, Erté, Andy Warhol
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
Children and I share the same aesthetic when it comes to art, so naturally they’re my favorite audience when showing my work. Plus, I love their openmindedness to new ideas—I learn a lot from their feedback.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
If you want to be an illustrator, don’t be afraid to tell everyone about your goal. Simply opening that door will bring in opportunities to work on projects, so don’t be shy about your hopes and dreams.
