Haley Maka he/him is a New England illustrator (thinker, crafter, creative) with a love for the magic of nature. His artistic practice spans traditional and digital techniques, often collaging mediums together. He loves experimenting with texture, color, and layering. For his children’s illustrations, Maka primarily works in gouache and colored pencil, and frequently uses hand-cut collage.
When not illustrating children’s content, Haley is working on his personal oil paintings. In his painting practice, Haley is fascinated by color and light relationships while representing topics of inner reflection and personal identity.
Haley graduated from RISD in 2026 with a BFA in Illustration. With his work, Haley strives to emulate the very books that sparked his creative curiosity as a kid. When not at his desk, you can find him crocheting, spending time outdoors, or watching movies.
His favorite things to draw are foliage and bears.
Email for inquiries at haley.maka.art@gmail.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn at Haley Maka
Follow my process on Instagram @haleymadeamess
Exhibitions and Awards
2026 | RISD Illustration Small Group Show, “It Takes A Village"
2026 | RISD Illustration Senior Department Show, Woods-Gerry Gallery
2026 | Norman Rockwell Museum Award, Society of Illustrators LA, Illustration West 64 Competition
2026 | Third Place Award, College Biennial, Providence Art Club
2026 | RISD Illustration Advanced Painting
2025-2026 | Homecoming, RISD Museum
2025 | Boston-Wide Art Gallery, Harvard University
2025 | Baker & Whitehill Artists' Book Exhibition, Fleet Library
2025 | RISD Illustration Juried Junior Show
2024 | RISD Illustration Juried Sophomore Show
2023 | Safe in My Garden, RISD Museum