I am a Native Hawaiian artist and designer, public school parent, PTA leader and public education advocate. I have worked as a fashion designer in Italy, California, Hawai’i and Oregon, taught art & fashion design from kindergarten to college level, and have contributed as Creative Director on several meaningful projects. I have worked for years supporting merchandise lines for non-profits, in addition to my own small apparel line. As a Creative Director on multiple community-focused initiatives, I stay engaged in advocacy and education, collaborating with diverse groups to inspire positive change. I strive to empower students, families, and educators through imaginative art and design projects that promote equity and lifelong learning.…

MAYA PUEO VON GELDERN

I am a Native Hawaiian artist and designer, public school parent, PTA leader and public education advocate. I have worked as a fashion designer in Italy, California, Hawai’i and Oregon, taught art & fashion design from kindergarten to college level, and have contributed as Creative Director on several meaningful projects. I have worked for years supporting merchandise lines for non-profits, in addition to my own small apparel line. As a Creative Director on multiple community-focused initiatives, I stay engaged in advocacy and education, collaborating with diverse groups to inspire positive change. I strive to empower students, families, and educators through imaginative art and design projects that promote equity and lifelong learning.…

Available to hire

I am a Native Hawaiian artist and designer, public school parent, PTA leader and public education advocate. I have worked as a fashion designer in Italy, California, Hawai’i and Oregon, taught art & fashion design from kindergarten to college level, and have contributed as Creative Director on several meaningful projects. I have worked for years supporting merchandise lines for non-profits, in addition to my own small apparel line.

As a Creative Director on multiple community-focused initiatives, I stay engaged in advocacy and education, collaborating with diverse groups to inspire positive change. I strive to empower students, families, and educators through imaginative art and design projects that promote equity and lifelong learning.

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Work Experience

Creative Director at Various community/education projects
January 1, 2020 - Present
Creative Director for multiple groups/projects including Mask Maker Hawai’i, 10,000 Tablets, City Council campaign materials, PPS campaign work, and literacy advocacy initiatives; role focused on community engagement, education and advocacy.
Fashion Design & Illustration Teacher at LA County High School of the Arts
January 1, 2005 - October 26, 2025
Teaching design, illustration and studio sewing skills to high school students at a public arts-focused high school, offering college-prep instruction and conservatory-style training.
Fashion Design & Illustration Teacher at Otis College of Art & Design
January 1, 2005 - October 26, 2025
Teaching fashion design and illustration to college-level students, collaborating with mentors and contributing to Otis College's diverse, supportive environment.
Designer at Ink & Tailor, LLC
January 1, 2002 - Present
Fine artist and fashion designer with 20+ years experience; oversees textiles, web and graphic design projects; freelance collaborations with community members and organizations.
Art Teacher at Corpus Christi School
January 1, 2002 - October 26, 2025
Teaching Art to students in kindergarten through 8th grade at a small private school in Southern California.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design at Otis College of Art & Design
January 11, 2030 - October 26, 2025
Glass Blowing, Jewelry/Metal Arts at California College of the Arts
January 11, 2030 - October 26, 2025
Art History at Scuola Leonardo Da Vinci
January 11, 2030 - October 26, 2025
Art History at La Sorbonne
January 11, 2030 - October 26, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services