Hi! I’m Mikayla, an artist and graphic designer based in California. I hold a BFA in Studio Art from the University of Denver and a BFA in Graphic Design from Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design. By day I work in graphic design; in my own practice I make ceramics, paintings, illustrated paper goods, and candles—and I’ve explored many other mediums along the way.

 

Born in Montana and raised in Colorado, I’m most at home outdoors—hiking, camping, and paying attention to the small, intricate things that are easy to miss. That habit of close looking runs through my work. I’m drawn to the quiet majesty of nature and to the storytelling threads of psychology, myth, and science fiction. Lately I’ve been revisiting the playful elegance of Rococo and introducing pattern into surfaces as a way to honor complexity and detail. Animals appear often, both for their charm and their role as symbols of human feeling. Mountains recur, too: familiar and comforting, yet vast and demanding.

 

My process shifts between focused bursts and slow, steady returns. Some pieces arrive in a single sitting; others unfold over years. My design background shows up in composition, color, and a love of cohesive visual systems. Whether a functional mug or a work on paper, I aim for tactile, considered pieces that invite you to pause, notice the craft, and carry a bit of curiosity and joy into everyday life.

 

When I’m not in the studio, I’m reading science fiction, baking, knitting, playing games with my boyfriend, meeting friends for dinner, or greeting every dog I meet. New work and process notes appear on my website and social channels. Thanks for being here and for following along.