Maya Hutagalung
Degree: B.F.A. with a Concentration in Illustration and a Minor in Earth and Environmental Sciences
Graduation Year: 2026
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
How did you first get interested in art?
I made my first children’s book in Kindergarten, complete with illustrations and a story about my favorite animal: chickens! From there, I never stopped making art. Narrative illustration and children’s books will always have my heart, being where I started and where I hope to continue. I look forward to the publication of the children’s book I illustrated: “When Will Santa Be Here? The Magic of the Reindeer Bells” by Chris Fadden.
My other works are concerned with the intersections of humans and nature. I presented my research on Upcycling’s impact on Art at the “PIT Journal Conference”, 2023, and my creative work “Faux Bug” at the “UNC Charlotte Undergraduate Research Conference”, 2024.
What kind of career do you hope to have?
I aim to become an illustrator for literary media. This may look like becoming a children’s book illustrator, working with narrative, or a technical/scientific illustrator, combining my interests in the natural sciences with art.
What is your favorite thing about the College of Arts + Architecture?
My favorite thing about UNC Charlotte’s College of Arts + Architecture is the amazing community I am surrounded by. As a transfer student, I was nervous to plunge into a new environment, but was pleasantly surprised with how welcoming the College is. It is here that I’ve been both inspired and encouraged to seek out art-related opportunities, from publishing to galleries.
Do you participate in any community activities or work in the Charlotte arts community?
I’ve been an illustrator for the Niner Media student newspaper “The Niner Times” since my first semester here. I’ve made several illustrations and page layouts for various articles you can find in the newspaper stands around campus and the Niner Times website.
For the Department of Art and Art History, I work as a Peer Mentor, also enjoying assisting in departmental events such as Open House.
Additionally, I volunteer as a church violinist every Saturday here in Charlotte.
What have you gained by being a scholarship student?
Being a recipient of the MacKillop Scholarship has given me the great opportunity to pursue my studies with less financial stress. The scholarship helped me to accelerate my degree progression, starting from my summer Study Abroad experience and now being able to pick up a minor.
Receiving the MacKillop scholarship has also inspired me to be more ambitious in my art studies. I desire to become more involved with the College of CoA+A and the local arts community.
When you are not in class, studying, or working, what do you like to do for fun?
When I’m not making more art, I especially enjoy reading, playing the violin, composing on the piano, and playing board games with family and friends.