Hi, I’m Maria Lia Malandrino — but most people online know me as Memo!

I’m an Italian author-illustrator, character designer, and digital art educator based in Turin. I create heartfelt, character-driven illustrations for books, games, animation, and creative humans of all ages. Whether I’m drawing moody thief girls with a secret soft side or a band of joyful goblins, my work aims to balance magic and emotion.

I didn’t go to art school—in fact, I have a BA in Magazine Publishing from the University of the Arts London. But I always knew I wanted to tell stories. After freelancing in editorial and layout design, I transitioned into the animation and illustration world, studying Traditional Animation and Storyboarding at the International School of Comics and CGMA.

Since 2017, I’ve worked as a full-time illustrator, creating books and products for brands like Disney, Dungeons & Dragons, Little Golden Books, Lucky Charms, Clementoni, and Penguin Random House. My focus today is split between publishing, visual development, and teaching illustration.

“Don’t devalue yourself and your art. Instead of doing low-paid gigs, focus on building your portfolio—then the right paying clients will find you.”

— Interview with 21Draw

“A character must be first of all charming... and charm doesn’t mean conventionally ‘pretty.’”

— Interview with ForArtists Newsletter

What I Love Drawing

My illustration style is expressive and storytelling-focused, with a love for magical realism and bold characters. I grew up devouring fantasy comics like W.I.T.C.H., and that blend of Disney aesthetics and manga emotion still influences me today.

I love drawing characters with big eyes, dynamic poses, and emotional range. My work often explores themes of identity, folklore, friendship, and transformation.

When I’m not drawing, you’ll find me in the forest with my partner and our dog, hunting mushrooms and photographing moss like it’s a national sport.

Skills & Tools

Character design, picture books, fantasy visual development, story development, teaching digital illustration
Photoshop, Procreate, Toon Boom and Storyboard Pro
Xencelabs 24’’ with a MacStudio 2023 and iPad Pro 2nd gen (2020) for remote work

21 Draw Interview

My career path and industry advice

Talking charm, style, and storytelling

ForArtists Substack interview

Character Design References

Character Design Process Features

Interviews & Press

Selected Works

‘Chappell Roan: A Little Golden Book’, Penguin Random House, 2025
‘Where’s Stitch?’ Easter Special Edition, Walt Disney x Bonnier Books, 2025
‘Dnd, The Perfect Party: a Little Golden Book’, Wizards of the Coast x Penguin Random House, 2024
‘It’s Her Story: Billie Jean King’, PI Kids, 2024
‘Le Cercle des chevaliers series’, Hachette, 2023-present
‘Mystère en Belgique’ series, written by Salvatore minni, Auzou Belgique, 2022-present
‘Disney 100 movie moments’ Colouring book, Igloo Media, 2023
‘Lucky’s adventures: the magic inside’, anomaly/Scout book & media, 2022
‘Character design collection: heroines’, 3d Total Publishing, 2021
‘Charles Dickens: Hard Times’, Sweet Cherry Easy Classics, 2021