Mary Quinlan is a New York City-based illustrator. Primarily working with pen and ink, she specializes in creating whimsical stories, often with a historical element. Originally from Santa Cruz, California, Mary’s artistic interests are deeply influenced by a childhood spent exploring foggy coastlines and redwood forests, searching for mermaids and fairies.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Following her undergraduate studies, she moved to New York to attend the School of Visual Arts, where she earned her master’s degree in Illustration. When she is not drawing, Mary can usually be found knitting or cuddling her spoiled tuxedo cat, whom she rescued from the streets of Manhattan.

Awards:

The Paula Rhodes Memorial Award for MFA Illustration as Visual Essay, 2025

SVA Alumni Scholarship Award 2025, for Bonny Sets Sail

Exhibitions:

Once Upon a Page: Highlights from the School of Visual Arts’ MFA Illustration Program, The Brooklyn Public Library (Central Branch), November 2025 - April 2026

MFA Illustration as Visual Essay Thesis Exhibition, School of Visual Arts, May 2025

“dRAW: Art of Location Drawing” Exhibition, December 2024

Education:

The School of Visual Arts, MFA Illustration as Visual Essay

University of California Los Angeles, BA in History