iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

A sketch for a new skirt design, titled Hunger. #WIP #art #original

A mock-up of Maya modeling a pleated midi skirt with a deep red background and dramatic black, tentacle-like shapes filled with eyes and toothy details. Beside the mock-up is a close-up of the eerie red-and-black pattern, with an inset showing an alternate lighter colorway. Text notes that the mock-up may differ from the final product.

maya kern @mayakern.com · 29/09/2026

Having trouble picking a final background color for my magpie design. The art was inspired by linocut prints, so I originally wanted a color that resembles butcher-block paper, but now I can't decide! #art #store

Four color variations of a Maya Kern skirt design featuring black-and-white magpies flying through sparkling stars and swooping lines. Each row shows the print laid flat alongside a model wearing the finished skirt mock-up. Background options include warm tan, dusty mauve, deep muted purple, and dark taupe.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 28/09/2026

Presale update! 📦 The skirts have left the factory and are headed our way! Presales close once they arrive, so get your order in while your size is still available. Sold out? Sign up for restock notifications on the listing! #store Shop the presale: store.mayakern.com/collections/...

Presale Update graphic featuring two Maya Kern Pocket Dimension skirts modeled indoors. On the left is the Swan’s Pocket Dimension Skirt, a dark gray skirt with white swans along the hem; all sizes are available. On the right is the lavender Party 4 U Pocket Dimension Skirt with colorful party details along the hem; sizes S–3XL and 5–6XL are available. Both skirts are listed at $104.

Presale Update graphic featuring two Maya Kern skirts modeled indoors. On the left is the Sergle Anemones Pocket Dimension Skirt, a plum-colored skirt with pale pink and white anemones around the hem; sizes S, XL–3XL, and 5–6XL are available. On the right is the Bees Pocket Dimension Skirt, a black skirt covered in golden bees and honeycomb shapes; sizes S, XL–2XL, and 5–6XL are available. Both skirts are listed at $104.

Presale Update graphic featuring two Maya Kern skirts modeled indoors. On the left is the Deadly Florals Pocket Dimension Skirt, a dark botanical print featuring green, purple, and cream flowers; only one skirt remains in size 6XL. On the right is the Sharks Pocket Dimension Skirt, a blue ocean-inspired design with shark silhouettes around the hem; all sizes are sold out. Both skirts are listed at $104.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 26/09/2026

A little drama for your wardrobe. 🦢 The Swans Pocket Dimension Skirt has gorgeous white swans along the hem, huge pockets, and every size is still available! #store Shop Swans: store.mayakern.com/collections/...

Maya stands indoors modeling the Swans Pocket Dimension Skirt with a white eyelet blouse and brown sandals. The dark charcoal pleated skirt features white swans swimming around the hem, and Maya holds one side out to show the artwork and volume.

A collage showing preliminary photos of the Swans Pocket Dimension Skirt alongside notes explaining that the factory photos have unusual lighting and that the final print will be darker, clearer, and more vibrant. The graphic also compares the old and updated printing of the Bees pattern to demonstrate the changes.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 25/09/2026

A new skirt design: Magpies! Magpies represent luck, both good and bad, and boy, does that feel appropriate to my life right now. #art #original

Close-up of Maya digitally illustrating a repeating pattern of black-and-white magpies in flight, surrounded by white stars and sweeping motion lines on a warm taupe background. A hand holding a stylus is visible working on the artwork on a drawing tablet.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 24/09/2026

One of our newest collabs is here! 💜 The Anemones Pocket Dimension Skirt features Sergle’s artwork, soft cotton, plenty of volume, and HUGE pockets. #store Presale is open now! Shop here: store.mayakern.com/collections/...

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 23/09/2026

More skirts = more reasons to twirl. Buy 2 skirts and get your 3rd 50% OFF! So if you’ve had a few sitting in your cart waiting for a sign… hi, this is it. #store Go pick your three → shop now store.mayakern.com 💜

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 22/09/2026

With the new skirt shape (rectangles instead of circles) and style (pleats), the cathedral skirt needed some major changes… so I drew a bunch more elements for a new cathedral 2.0! #art

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 21/09/2026

Tiny Bento Babies, now in sticker form. 🍱✨ Each set includes two glossy sticker sheets packed with elements from Maya’s Bento Babies pattern. Perfect for decorating all your favorite things! #store Shop Bento Babies here: store.mayakern.com/products/ben...

Illustrated Bento Babies sticker sheet featuring eight colorful bento box designs filled with cute animal-shaped foods, including bears, pandas, chicks, cats, rabbits, pigs, and a snail, surrounded by vegetables and other tiny food details. The sticker sheet is displayed against a warm orange and yellow background.

A hand holds a gray water bottle decorated with several colorful Bento Babies stickers featuring cute animal-themed bento boxes. The bottle is photographed outdoors against a background of lush green foliage.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 19/09/2026

the sketch is not precious. nothing is precious. everything can be repainted. each “failed” iteration is a learning experience and each iteration teaches me about form + texture. it can be frustrating at times but generally i enjoy the process of discovery. it keeps the art from getting stiff #art

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 19/09/2026

i like to paint on a single merged layer, but will usually continually duplicate that single layer to save “progress states” so i can always revert a painting to a previous state if i don’t like parts of it. i also repaint things a LOT. i repainted the gauntlet + dress like 10x each here #art

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 19/09/2026

here’s a look at the same process for another character. i tend to like to use shadow colors in the reddish to purplish hues, esp for shading skin, to lend a warmth. i tend to reserve cooler purples + blues for non-skin unless i want to make someone look corpselike.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 19/09/2026

here’s all the progress shots in a single post so you can more directly compare them

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 19/09/2026

i do more refining + painting, adding final highlights. i add extra details to break up large forms. in more complicated pieces i would also do some color adjustment + effect layers, but this is a paper doll “character standing on a gray bg” piece so i don’t need to bother with all that here.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 19/09/2026

i also completely ignored my lines on the chemise. i do this often esp with clothing. it’s part of why my true drawing process is stupid and not very beginner friendly. sometimes the spirit of the lines is kept but i’ll often entirely paint over them if i’m not happy with the texture + folds

final render which almost completely paints over and ignores my line art

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 19/09/2026

now i merge all my layers together + start my first round of over painting. i’m sampling the colors that already exist in the drawing + maybe tweaking them a little, but not much. i’m refining shapes, softening harsh lines, softening edges.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 19/09/2026

underpainting. i merge all my flat color layers then paint on this layer with a maxU watercolor brush on multiply. i use multiple shadow colors depending on the color i’m shading + how close it is to the light source. this shading should not be super clean. we’re laying in form, shadow & texture.

under painting with rough shadows blocked in

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 19/09/2026

for cleaner work, i like to start with my lines (usually a textured sketch brush from jingsketch) set to multiply (tho sometimes i’ll do normal mode) over flat color. my flat colors are all separated on different layers. i will also colorize my lines on a separate layer clipped to the line art layer

digital flat color + line art of a woman with green hair

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 19/09/2026

i think a big part of why i dont rly make art tutorials anymore is bc while i can talk about how i approach drawing, my actual drawing process is pretty stupid and not tutorial friendly. but i’ve been asked a few times recently so i’ll share some tips and hope it’s helpful 😅 #art

my line art + flat color for a drawing of a woman with green hair

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 19/09/2026

And then there were two. 👀 Just TWO size smalls left in the Rii Abrego's Pomegranate Skirt, and then it’s officially sold out. Grab one while you can! ❤️ Shop here: store.mayakern.com/collections/... #store @riibrego.bsky.social

Devin stands outdoors in a sunny garden wearing the Rii Abrego Pomegranate Circle Skirt, a black knee-length skirt with a vibrant border of red pomegranates, flowers, and green leaves around the hem. They pair it with a red patterned cropped blouse and brown Mary Jane shoes while holding the skirt out to show its full shape and artwork.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 18/09/2026

This was a perfect suggestion- 10/10, no notes! Thank you! #store

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 17/09/2026

A Message from Maya... #store www.gofundme.com/f/help-maya-...

Hey, y’all. First of all, I want to say thank you for the outpouring of love and support you have shown us after we shared our predicament. Your kindness has truly moved me in ways I can’t even begin to describe. At the beginning of last week, this felt like a truly unsurmountable situation, but your support has given me hope.

That being said, we’re not out of the woods yet. Our recent skirt presales, giftcard sales and the GoFundMe have helped a TON but we are still facing a very scary October—and unfortunately not the fun Halloween kind!

Sales and donations have slowed down since last week, so while we have enough cash on hand to make our first few payments to UPS, we don’t have anywhere near enough to cover the entire bill.

To avoid this situation in the future, we’re planning to take on a new loan so we can place a large order of printed skirts that should arrive in time for the holidays, but that means we won’t have that money available to us to pay off UPS. We may also need to do presale on some or all of those skirt designs, but we’ll deal with that when the time comes.

The fact that we can even add this to our plans and look to the future in this way is a huge testament to how much you have already helped us.

What you can do to help us:

I know that for the vast majority of you, you have already made the purchases or donations that you are willing and able to do, and for that I cannot thank you enough. What we really need now is visibility. As a small business with not a lot of time or money on our hands, we rely almost entirely on word of mouth marketing. Sharing or engaging with our posts on your preferred social platforms helps immensely, and so does sharing us with your friends, family, and acquaintances in real life. If there are any creators out there that you think would like our size inclusive, ethically made clothing, consider recommending us to them! (Though please keep it chill and do not spam anyone)

To close this out, once again I just want to say how much I appreciate all the love and kindness y’all have shown us. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 17/09/2026

My wizard girl hemlock! Swapped out her full-length fringe cape for a capelet cuz it’s cuter! #DnD #LC #art

A warm red-orange monochrome illustration on a cream, textured background featuring several sketches of the same character with braided hair, a wide-brimmed hat, and a flowing dress. She appears in different poses, including holding a tiny worm on her finger and smiling while making a heart with her hands. Several chickens are sketched around her, along with small hearts.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 17/09/2026

POV: You let your wife decide how to market your skirt business! #store

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 16/09/2026

A little doodle page of my wizard hemlock (and some bonus peppers). #DnD #OC #art

A black-and-white digital sketch page in Procreate featuring several drawings of a cheerful character in a wide-brimmed hat, braided hair, and a flowing, old-fashioned dress. The character appears in a few different poses alongside several loose sketches of chickens.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 16/09/2026

And yes, she did "accidentally" spill her wine on Charlotte at least once. #dnd #art

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 15/09/2026

A skirt that’s always ready to party. 🎈 Party 4 U has balloons, bunting, huge pockets, and plenty of twirl. 💜 Presale is OPEN! Shop: store.mayakern.com/collections/... #store

Devin models the Party 4 U pleated box skirt, featuring a purple background with colorful balloons, bunting, and stars along the hem. She pairs the midi skirt with a burgundy ruched crop top, a colorful headscarf, gray socks, and black sneakers while smiling indoors.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 15/09/2026

Roxanna has been having such a rough time in the game, and weirdly, she's been called Hilda a couple of times... Wonder what's up with that? 🤔 #DnD #art

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 14/09/2026

Soft, stretchy, snake-covered & on final sale. 🐍 The Hiss Latte Cotton Button-Up Dress has breathable cotton, an adjustable waist tie, and, of course, pockets. A variety of sizes are still available! #store store.mayakern.com/collections/...

Devin smiles in a living room while modeling the Hiss Latte Cotton Button-Up Dress, a knee-length neutral dress featuring Maya Kern’s snake and rose print. The dress has short sleeves, a button-up front, a tied waist, and side pockets. Devin pairs it with purple socks and brown platform shoes.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 12/09/2026

Cute? Yes. Practical? Aggressively so. Our Parchment Beige cotton midi skirt has built-in volume, a stretchy waistband, and seriously deep pockets. Yes, we tested them with 10 cans of soda. For science. 🤎 #store Shop here: store.mayakern.com/collections/...

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 11/09/2026

The bees are back. 🐝 Our cult favorite Bee pattern is now available as a cotton pleated box skirt—with huge pockets, plenty of volume & a stretchy waistband. Presale is LIVE! Order yours here: store.mayakern.com/collections/... #store

Maya smiles indoors while modeling the Bee Pleated Box Skirt with her hands tucked into its deep pockets. The midi-length skirt features golden yellow bees inside abstract honeycomb shapes on a dark background. She pairs it with a black wrap-style top and brown sandals.

Maya models the Bee Pleated Box Skirt in a graphic explaining changes between the first sample and final print. Text notes that the sample photos have unusual factory lighting and show the older, lighter printing, while the final skirt will have a darker black background with clearer, more vibrant artwork. Close-up comparison photos show the old and corrected bee and honeycomb prints. Additional text says these are preliminary photos and the presale opens September 10.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 10/09/2026

Presale is LIVE! 🎉 All of the new skirts you’ve been seeing are officially available to shop TODAY. New designs, returning favorites, giant pockets, and plenty of twirl. Which one are you grabbing? 👀 Shop the presale now: store.mayakern.com/collections/... #store

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 09/09/2026

Okay, but spotting a Maya Kern skirt in the wild really is a “same hat!” moment. 😂💜 We love knowing our skirts are out there getting worn, twirled in, complimented, and apparently spotted from moving vehicles. Thank you for sharing this with us! #store

Testimonial graphic featuring a photo of Maya outdoors wearing a black midi skirt with bright red, orange, and yellow flames along the hem. Large white text shares a Tumblr message from a customer who says they spotted a stranger wearing a Maya Kern skirt in their town and felt like it was a “same hat!” moment.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 09/09/2026

crappy phone photo, but we also got the final print samples of the deadly florals and swans skirts! the black is deeper and more vibrant, the size of the deadly florals skirt is a bit smaller, and the fabric is nice and soft

the deadly florals skirt and swans skirt on a wooden table under a ceiling light. the colors are improved

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 09/09/2026

#store presales open tomorrow, and we're hoping that helps us bridge the gap! presales open september 10th at 3pm central you can sign up for restock notifications under any of the skirts you're interested in: store.mayakern.com/collections/...

six skirt designs launching tomorrow: bees, sharks, deadly florals, party 4 u, swans, and sergle's anemones

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 08/09/2026

Oh, you thought those were the only new skirts? 👀 Meet the other three joining the presale. Six new skirts. One presale. A lot of decisions to make. Presale launches 9/10. 💙 #store

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 08/09/2026

as a reminder, presales open on thursday. we're hoping presales, donations, and gift card sales will bring us to the finish line on the $90k bill UPS surprised us with you can sign up for restock notifications on any of the listings: store.mayakern.com/collections/...

devin is wearing the anemones skirt in size small. it has a plum background and white anemone flowers on the hem

maya is wearing the bees skirt in size 2XL. the skirt has a black background and gold bees and honeycomb pattern

devin is wearing the deadly florals skirt in size small. the skirt has a black background and is adorned with toxic flowers

maya is wearing the shark skirt in size 2XL. the skirt has a blue gradient from deep sea to surface with sharks swimming around

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 07/09/2026

ALL GIFT CARDS ARE 20% OFF after discussing options with my followers, i've put gift cards on sale for 20% off. many of you told me you want to support me but i just don't have anything in stock right now that you want to buy LINK: store.mayakern.com/products/gif... discount shown in cart

a preview of a gift card, it has black snakes and white roses

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 07/09/2026

hi all! this is really difficult for me to talk about, but the store is in danger of closing before the end of the year. you can read more about what happened here: www.mayakern.com/blog i'm at a point where i need to ask for help. 👇

maya is wearing the hot air balloons skirt in size 2xl. the skirt has a gradient of light blue to sunset pink with hot air balloons floating in the sky

maya is wearing the wrap top in a dusty green

maya is wearing a spaghetti strap maxi dress with a flattering pleated bust and belt, the pattern is a sepia-toned repeat of snakes and roses

maya is wearing a black midi skirt with pleats on the waistband

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 07/09/2026

Vanetta’s party went on an undersea treasure hunt tonight, so naturally I did a quick combat doodle of her as a mermaid. Her at-will Alter Self really comes in handy sometimes. #art #dnd #oc

Digital illustration of a fantasy mermaid with long, flowing green hair and a shimmering emerald-green tail. She has pale skin with green scale-like markings, a glittery green top, and large translucent fins along her hips and tail. She floats against a dark teal background with one hand raised.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 05/09/2026

I'm nervous to introduce this skirt concept bc it's special and so different from anything else I've done. Before I moved back to MN, my mom gifted me a few of her paintings to hang in my new home. I get to look at these beautiful pieces every day, and this one is my favorite. #store

Collage showing Maya modeling a work-in-progress mock-up of a colorful abstract midi skirt inspired by an original painting by her mom. The skirt features bold, overlapping shapes in green, blue, red, pink, yellow, brown, black, and cream. Beside Maya are close-ups of the work-in-progress pattern and the original abstract painting. Text notes that the mock-up may differ from the final product.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 04/09/2026

September says fall. The forecast says otherwise. ☀️ Our wrap tops are cute now and perfect for layering later. Consider this your reminder to grab yours. store.mayakern.com #store

Devin smiling, stands outdoors surrounded by green foliage, wearing an olive green cropped wrap top with a deep V-neck and matching green pants. They have one hand resting on their hip and visible tattoos on both arms.

Back view of Devin outdoors wearing an oregano cropped wrap top and green pants. The photo shows the top’s simple scoop-back neckline, cap sleeves, fitted silhouette, and cropped hem. Their hair is pulled up with a decorative hair clip.

Maya smiles outdoors surrounded by leafy green trees, wearing an oregano cropped wrap top with a deep V-neck and light-wash jeans. Her blonde hair is worn loose, and a floral tattoo is visible on her forearm.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 02/09/2026

A little Maya Kern art, but you pick the colors. 🎨 Coloring sheets are printed on thick, acid-free cardstock and work great with colored pencils and alcohol markers. Grab one or bundle five and save! Shop the designs here: store.mayakern.com/collections/... #store

Close-up of a Maya Kern coloring sheet featuring a whimsical dragon curled around a pile of treasure, partially colored in shades of orange, peach, and gold. Alcohol markers rest around the page as the illustration is being colored.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 02/09/2026

a few years ago i was drawing with this delicious sketch brush in procreate and i have NO IDEA what it was 😭

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 01/09/2026

New skirts just entered the chat. 👀 We’re only giving you a little peek for now…but you won’t have to wait too long. Presale launches 9/10. 💙 #store

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 31/08/2026

There’s something extra special about hearing that the joy Maya puts into designing and modeling- each piece comes through on the other side of the screen. We get excited about every new drop, too. 💙 And getting to share that excitement with all of you is a pretty great part of the job. #store

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 29/08/2026

Teachers, consider this your back-to-school reminder: your classroom outfits can be practical AND cute. Shop here: store.mayakern.com/collections/... #store

Maya smiles beneath an arched doorway wearing a white puff-sleeve eyelet top tucked into a black knee-length circle skirt with her hands in the pockets. She pairs the outfit with brown sandals.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 28/08/2026

Things are heating up. 🔥 The Fire Skirt is still available in XL, 3X, 4X + 6X! If your size is still here, consider this your sign. Shop here: store.mayakern.com/collections/... #store

Maya smiles outdoors while modeling the Fire Skirt, a black midi skirt with a vibrant red, orange, and yellow flame design around the hem. She holds out one side of the skirt to show its fullness and fiery print, paired with a white puff-sleeve eyelet top and black shoes.

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maya kern @mayakern.com · 27/08/2026

Started working on the malachite skirt design this week. #art #store

a work in progress. Showing my screen and me working on drawing the malachite designs. green.

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