My name is Maddie Mahalick and I have lived in Milwaukee for my entire life. I go to the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design where I am majoring in illustration. My first job in high school was working at a family owned Hallmark and gift store called Winkie’s. I was a clerk at the cashier, I helped organize and put out greeting cards, and I also served candy. My second job was at Michaels where I worked in the framing department. I helped customers pick out frames, mats, and glazing for their pictures on a computer program. I also worked in the shop, assembling the frame pieces, cutting glass, stretching canvas, and backing picture frames. As a student at MIAD I have been on the dean’s list for every semester except for one, as of today.

Most of my work is within the topic of nature, including plants and animals. I mostly work all traditional using watercolors, oil pastels, and chalk pastels. I plan to be working in the market of scientific illustration. I am very interested in birds and have done multiple drawings including them. I also do observational drawing and always use a reference when doing scientific drawings. I enjoy sitting outside and watching the squirrels and birds, as well as going to the lake and parks. Animals have a special place in my heart and I have two cats of my own.