About

Maheswari Janarthanan is a passionate artist, illustrator, and designer originally from Chennai, India, now based in the United States. Self-taught in illustration, she collaborates with clients worldwide, drawing profound inspiration from nature, folk art, cosmic mysticism, and human experiences. Her work seamlessly blends the real world with the whimsical realms of her imagination. Driven by a deep enthusiasm for visual storytelling, Maheswari earned an MA in Graphic Design from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA).

Select Clients: LUSH, The Jungalow by Justina Blakeney, Love Tea, Carolina K, Diaspora Co, Creative Mornings, Mijita Wine Co, and Santa Clara Magazine.


Awards, Features, Press & Publications:

IllustrationX, 2024

Communication Arts 2024, Illustration - Finalist

Love Tea, 2023

MICA Graduate Merit Scholarship, 2023

Noun Project, 2022 (The List, Top Illustrators and designers of 2022)

Sunset Magazine, 2022

New Punky Brewster show, 2021

Jungalow: Decorate Wild, 2021

Platform Magazine, 2021

Studio DIY, 2021

The Gallyry , 2021

Creative Mornings, 2020

Artistic Moods, 2018

Rangdecor, 2014

Buzzfeed, 2013 & 2014

100% Zine, 2013

Kyoorius, 2013

The Hindu, 2013

The New Indian Express, 2012

Midday, 2011

Pool Magazine, 2011

Jade Magazine

Femina Magazine

Masala Chai

Of Indian Origin

Artnlight

Pretty Paper Things





© 2025 by Maheswari Janarthanan