Maya Creates is my passion project-turned-micro business that benefits the dogs I love (and sometimes people I love who need service dogs). This is where I sell my handmade, custom watercolor pet portraits. Each piece is made with much love and admiration (and sometimes cuteness aggression) for your beloved furry, feathered, or scaly friend(s) and each one is a messy masterpiece. All commissions are adorable, but may have some imperfections (we’re all human, am I right?). Check out my work here.

Commission requests and inquiries can be made via my form. I'm going to ask for reference photos, so have those ready at your fingertips. After that, I will be in touch about processes including payment and delivery time.  You can read more about me, my art, why delivery time is different than before and other things about my life over here. My intention is to use revenue generated to re-supply materials and then provide care to street dogs of Nepal, inclusive of flea/tick treatment, medical care, and nutritional food supply.

What sizes are available?

currently, the two sizes are small (6x9) and large (9x12.)

Can I get commissions in different formats?

Yes! If you want your pet printed professionally on something other than paper, I can have my custom portraiture of your pet scanned + digitally printed on Wood, Metal or Canvas and shipped to your address. Email me if you have an idea, and we can work it out together.

Can I get commissions in other sizes??

Probably. Email me to tell me about your vision, and we can go from there.

How long does it take for you to Complete commissions?

Typically I can complete a portrait in 3-5 days, however given I'm on the other side of the world and I rely on family to be the courier I now have specific designated windows of time where I accepting commissions, and delivery will be based on that.

Do you drop off or do we need to pick up?

I am currently living in Kathmandu, Nepal. Your original/paper commission will be coordinated with my mom, who travels back and forth between Seattle and Nepal quarterly. Options are currently convenient pick up in West Seattle locations (ex. Metropolist or Youngstown) or delivery for a small fee.

Digital files will be delivered electronically.

How it began . . .

I was on a family trip to Florida staying at my uncle's house to celebrate Tihar. As the artist I am, I obviously brought my watercolors and brushes, but as a slightly scatterbrained person… I obviously forgot to bring a palette and paper. So, watercoloring was no longer an option, and I could only go around catching anoles (a type of lizard) for so long. Eventually I became bored. That's when my very generous uncle came along and offered to let me use one of his plates as a palette, and to take me to the store to buy a watercolor notebook.

For the rest of the trip, I was lying on the floor painting different dogs all in a row, all day long... just nonstop - hunting dogs, bulldogs, retrievers, mutts, you name it. Once I got back home in Seattle, I just kept going and practicing and slowly started improving. After needing to go out and buy more paints and papers, my mom said: “Maya, you should turn this into a business. You could sell your art as custom portraits of people's pets.” I was hesitant at first, but I decided to try it out - and it has been so much fun. Now I'm here, in Kathmandu still painting a ton and constantly learning and improving.