“In first grade my art teacher sent a note home concerned about my inability to draw inside the lines. Instead of coloring the picture they gave us, I would draw a background and other characters around the one outlined princess. My dad and I laughed at this note and promised to express ourselves to the fullest extent, and never color inside the lines, physically or metaphorically. No matter what the old-school art teachers would say.”

Maya Aristimuno (@xmaristi) has always stuck to her dream of creating something beautiful and powerful. She is a fashion photographer and creative director based in the NYC area. Maya started a creative agency called MARISTI, and at age 15 has already worked with companies such as Refinery 29, Alice & Olivia, modeling agencies and so much more. With her personal fashion editorial work, she has been featured in online and print magazines and shown in a couple NJ/NYC galleries. Publications include Vogue Italia, Saperlipopette, Affinity, Dissolving Film; see more at MARISTI.COM. When Maya isn’t collaborating with a new brand, magazine, or influencer, she can be found sitting at Washington Square Park with a cone of lemon & strawberry sorbet drawing, watching, and writing about the people walking by. With her friends, dad, family or alone, Maya takes every chance she can to escape the boredom of the daily semi-suburban home routine. Currently working towards her Pre-College Certificate at Parsons School of Design, Maya enjoys and is inspired by every second in the city.