How did you start making art?

I have been drawing for as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved creating things and telling stories through my art. For years I have taken art classes and had support from my family and teachers to help me grow as an artist. From picture books to graphic novels, my life has always been surrounded by art.

Why did you enter the Doodle for Google contest?

I have always loved the Google homepage art, it feels like such an amazing way to highlight both important events and different artists. When I found out about the contest a few years ago, it stayed on my radar and last year I meant to enter, but I missed the deadline. This year I stayed on top of it and started working on the piece the second the theme came out. It is an artist’s dream to have their art seen. And this contest gives a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have your art on the Google homepage like all of those artists I have seen throughout the years.

What was the inspiration behind your wish for the future in your Doodle?

I am going to the University of Michigan to study Art & Design next year, and it feels like my entire life is changing. My inspiration behind my wish for the future in my Doodle comes from trying to keep the things that are important to me constant.

Why is your wish important to you?

I love my family and friends, and our family dinner routine has emerged as something I look forward to every week. My dad is a chef, and so food and dinner tables have always been a safe space for bonding with the people who are important to me. I have so much I wish for in the future but I wanted my wish to be something I have the power to control. It is up to me to keep these people close and I will.

How does it feel to be the contest winner?

It feels like such a dream, I can’t even believe it. I entered the competition thinking I had next to no chance of winning, so making it to this point is a huge honor. It also feels like all of my years of developing my art is starting to pay off. I’m really proud and humbled.

Congratulations again to Maisie! For more updates on all things Doodles, visit Doodles.google.