Mariya Prytula - Designer
Award winning children's and nature illustrator, available for middle-grade, picture book and cover work.
Request a quote
Verified identity
Overview
Mariya is an award winning illustrator specializing in watercolor and digital art. She has illustrated two award winning picture books, six books for private clients, and she has undertaken projects for Reeves International, Austin ArtBoards, Austin Wildlife Rescue, and other businesses. Her original work has been featured in fantasy and wildlife art collections. Mariya creates art with the goal of giving her viewer a hug.
Client feedback:
"Your comments and sage advice have been invaluable throughout this whole process, and I have learned so much from you. Thank you for your beautiful artwork which captured my vision for this book."
"You taught me what was possible and expected when working with other artists. You were so patient with me while working through an unfamiliar etiquette. It was a real kindness."
Client feedback:
"Your comments and sage advice have been invaluable throughout this whole process, and I have learned so much from you. Thank you for your beautiful artwork which captured my vision for this book."
"You taught me what was possible and expected when working with other artists. You were so patient with me while working through an unfamiliar etiquette. It was a real kindness."
Languages
English
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Home & Garden
Nature
Fiction
Classics
Epic Fantasy
Middle Grade
Middle Grade Fantasy
Picture Books
Works with
Squarespace
Awards
- Gold IPPY Medal from Independent Publisher Book Awards for "Little Moss, Big Tree" picture book
- Spark Award Honor from Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators for "Little Moss, Big Tree" picture book
- Foreword INDIES Book of the Year award finalist for "Little Moss, Big Tree" picture book
- NAPPA Award winner for "Happy Papas" picture book
- Best Illustrator 2019 from Moonbeam Children's Book Awards
Work experience
Illustrator
Self-employed
January, 2016
–
Present
(about 6 years)
Mariya (pronounced Maria) is known for her award-winning depictions of animals, nature, and warm children’s illustrations. Her art goal is to give the viewer a hug.
She would love to work on more:
- Middle-grade covers and interior illustration projects
- Picture books that tackle emotional learning, multi-generational relationships and/or the environment.
- Packaging
Self-taught in art from an early age, Mariya completed a BS degree in Biology Pre-Medicine at Baylor University, and upon graduating worked in medical device consulting. Mariya is passionate about wildlife conservation and works as the Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator for Austin Wildlife Rescue.
Portfolio (5 selected works)
Little Moss, Big Tree
M. Yap-Stewart
Little Moss and Little Tree are the best of friends. They do everything together. One day, Little Tree grows into Big Tree. Can the two remain friends? And what will they do when a winter storm comes their way? Little Moss, Big Tree is a celebration of the friendships that leave lasting impressions, the moments in life that cause us to pause and reflect, and the enduring magic of the natural w... read more
Happy Papas
Kathleen T. Pelley
Happy Papas, the follow-up book to CWLA's award winning Happy Mamas, is a beautiful read aloud that celebrates the wonder of fatherhood, exploring how both animal and human fathers shelter, nurture, and interact with their little ones. From ocean to sky and savanna to jungle, Happy Papas speaks to the universal joys of fatherly love.
True Feathers
Patrick, Carolyn
The Kilkenny Clowder
Perry, Shelley
Nimbus
Voss, Bernard
Mariya has 3 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Mariya was a pleasure to work with. She was prompt and professional, and delivered a product that was above and beyond what I had hoped for. This was my first collaboration for cover art, and Mariya was helpful and patient through each step of the process. I highly recommend her without any hesitancy.
Shelley Perry, November 2021
Mariya is the best!!! I cannot recommend her highly enough!!! Not only did she do an outstanding job of listening to my ideas, but she built upon them with her own vision to produce an innovative, cutting-edge design. Further, she delved into the book to better understand its focus and made several insightful suggestions that strengthened the manuscript. She also advised me on several aspec...
Read more
Herb Raffaele, September 2021
Mariya was great to work with. She communicated clearly and frequently, working with me at each step of the design process and asking for my input. She stayed on schedule, and the final result was beautiful! I highly recommend her and would definitely work with her again.
Bernard Voss, August 2021
Explore the Reedsy Community
Reedsy is a community of top publishing professionals. Join Reedsy today to browse 1000+ profiles.
Katie Risor
Professional illustrator and designer, specializing in whimsical, storybook fantasy art and expressive characters.
San Antonio, TX, USA
James Koenig
Professional children's book illustrator and character designer, having illustrated 45+ books. I love working on imaginative stories!
Gilbert, AZ, USA
