Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Pegues
Hi Maya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been drawn to storytelling in all its forms—whether through painting, filmmaking, design, or photography. My journey started with dance, which taught me about movement, rhythm, and emotion, elements that still influence my work today. I pursued my BFA in Painting with a minor in Production Design at SCAD, where I deepened my understanding of visual storytelling.
After graduating, I explored multiple creative avenues—working as a filmmaker, mixed-media artist, and graphic designer. My directorial debut won over 13 awards, which encouraged me to keep pushing my vision forward. I’ve done design work for local musicians, installations for galleries, and photography that captures layered narratives. My artistic approach is about merging intuition with research, using textures, details, and contrasts to bring stories to life.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my practice, pitching my work to galleries, and bringing my gothic fantasy short film A Tale of Gothica to life. My goal is to create immersive experiences that challenge perception and evoke emotion, whether through fine art, film, or design.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s part of what makes the journey worthwhile. Pursuing a creative career means constantly navigating uncertainty—figuring out how to balance artistic integrity with financial stability, dealing with rejection, and pushing forward even when things don’t go as planned.
One of the biggest challenges has been finding opportunities that align with my vision. I’ve had to learn how to advocate for my work, pitch myself, and create spaces where my art can thrive. There have also been financial constraints, especially when working on personal projects like A Tale of Gothica, where every decision—budgeting, sourcing materials, assembling a team—requires resourcefulness.
On a personal level, self-doubt has been an ongoing battle. As an artist, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison or feel like your work isn’t enough. But I’ve learned to trust my process, embrace experimentation, and understand that growth isn’t linear.
Despite the struggles, every challenge has shaped me into the artist I am today. I wouldn’t trade the highs and lows because they’ve pushed me to refine my vision, build resilience, and stay committed to telling the stories I believe in.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a multidisciplinary artist working across painting, filmmaking, graphic design, photography, writing, costume design, and set fabrication—all with a strong emphasis on storytelling. My work explores the intersection of intuition and research, layering textures, details, and contrasts to create immersive narratives. I specialize in mixed-media art, film, design, and visual storytelling.
I’m probably best known for my filmmaking and fine art. My directorial debut won over 13 awards, and I’m currently developing A Tale of Gothica, a gothic fantasy short film that merges dreamlike visuals with dark, emotional themes. In my paintings and mixed-media pieces, I explore my intuition, often messing with texture and layering to create tension and contrast.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to build entire worlds through my work—whether it’s a film, a painting, a written piece, or a fully designed set and costume. I love creating layered, emotionally rich experiences that invite people to step into something beyond the surface.
What sets me apart is my multidisciplinary approach and the way I blend different mediums to tell a story. I don’t limit myself to one format—I use whatever tools best convey the emotions and themes I’m working with. My work isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating something deeply immersive, where every detail holds intention.
How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t just about accolades or financial gain—it’s about creating work that resonates, pushes boundaries, and stays true to my vision. It’s about having the freedom to tell the stories I want to tell, to experiment, and to grow as an artist without compromising my voice.
Success also means being able to sustain myself through my creative work while making an impact—whether that’s through a film that moves people, a painting that sparks conversation, or a costume that helps bring a character to life. It’s about building a body of work that I’m proud of, collaborating with like-minded artists, and continuously evolving.
At the end of the day, success is about fulfillment. If I’m waking up every day excited to create, challenging myself, and making space for new ideas, then I know I’m on the right path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mayapegues.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayapegasus/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-pegues-686058198/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@starstruckmaya
Image Credits
Hanna Middleton
