About us

Who We Are

Mali is a creative studio based in New York City.
We create hand-painted art and turn it into scarves, creative projects, and experiences.

Our work is inspired by nature, memories, and moments of change.
We believe art doesn’t have to live only in museums — it can be worn, used, shared, and felt in everyday life.

Here, every piece has a story, and every story is an invitation back to yourself.

What We Do

At Mali, we work in different ways.

We design scarves and wearable art that begin as paintings in our studio.
We create custom artwork for brands, events, and institutions.
And we host workshops and creative nights where people can slow down and make something with their hands.

Whether it’s a product, a project, or an experience, everything we do starts with the same thing:
art made with care and intention.

Why Mali Exists

Mali was created as a response to fast, disposable design.

We wanted to make things that feel personal.
Things that take time.
Things that hold meaning beyond trends.

Our goal is simple:
to create art that fits into real life and helps people reconnect with creativity, even if they think they’re “not artistic.”

Meet the Founder

Hi, I’m Barbara, the artist behind Mali.

I’m an illustrator and textile designer based in New York.
I’ve always loved drawing, painting, and collecting stories from nature, travel, and everyday moments.

Mali grew from my personal art practice into a creative studio where I get to work with people, brands, and communities who value thoughtful design and meaningful details.

Through Mali, I want to help people slow down, feel, and reconnect with their creativity.
And I want to help brands and events tell their story through art that feels warm, honest, and human.

How We Like to Work

We believe in:

• Hand-drawn work over shortcuts

• Quality over quantity

• Collaboration over rushing

• Art that feels approachable, not intimidating

We work closely with our clients and community, taking time to listen and build each project with care.