Frequently asked questions.
| STORE | ART | PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS | ADVICE |
| SPITFIRE | MONSTER POP! | MUSIC | ABOUT
STORE
How do I find out when skirts and other merch will be available?
My store has a mailing list! Subscribe to receive email updates about new products, restocks, preorders and sales. I also have a skirt design tracker where you can see what skirt designs are in production, scheduled, or retired.
Additionally, if you’re interested in clothing that was previously available for preorder, you can see updates about its status here. In general, after preorder items ship out to customers, it takes an additional 2-3 weeks before leftover inventory is listed in the store.
Why does your clothing cost more than [insert brand name]?
My clothes are made in a factory that is both SEDEX and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified.
SEDEX certifies ethical labor and business practices within a company’s global supply chain, including ensuring that workers are properly compensated and have clean and safe working environments, that child or coerced labor is not used, and that the company is sourcing ethically produced and extracted materials that are then handled with environmentally responsible methods.
The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifies responsible textile production, verifying there are no harmful substances (like formaldehyde or lead) used in the creation of our garments and ensuring that the clothing is safe for both human health and the environment.
Third party certifications are expensive, especially when they audit the entire supply chain. Doing that means not just auditing the factory itself, but also the harvesting of materials like fabric fibers and pigments, as well as small things like buttons, zippers, and elastic, which can be very difficult to track.
In short, we believe that everyone who makes our clothing, from the design stage, to the harvesting of materials, to the printing, cutting, sewing, packaging and beyond deserves to be properly compensated while working in a clean and safe environment, without fear of being poisoned by harmful chemicals like formaldehyde which are often used in fast fashion.
Will skirt preorders ever return?
We’ve done several rounds of preorders this year, including for our skirts. In general we try to only run preorders for new garments we’ve never sold before, but sometimes we make exceptions for particularly popular skirt designs.
Have you considered making other apparel items like pants/dresses/etc.?
Yes, we make a lot of other garments now, including shirts, dresses, loungewear (including both shorts and sweatpants), and more! Our circle skirts are our staple item and are in our store basically always. Other garments are more limited runs and can sell out quickly, so I recommend joining the store’s mailing list to get email updates about them.
Do you print your art on fabric to sell?
Sometimes we have leftover fabric from making clothing, and in those cases we offer a small amount of fabric by the yard in the store!
But this doesn’t happen often and outside of these cases, we do not sell fabric because we typically do not create much excess fabric in our production orders. If we wanted to custom print fabric purely to sell as is, we would have to print at least 600 yards per design, which is a lot for a small business that is not solely a sewing supply store.
In addition, any fabric we do sell has to be stored in Ash’s apartment because when we do offer fabric by the yard, she cuts each piece to order so that customers can get a big, uninterrupted piece of fabric for larger projects. A single bolt of 600 yards of fabric is very big and cumbersome and takes up a lot of space.
Can I see a page of every single skirt design you’ve ever made?
Can I buy prints of your art?
I haven’t made prints of my art in quite a while, but if there’s enough interest I’ll consider making some! You can express your interest in particular pieces by emailing hello@mayakern.com
Where do you get your art prints printed?
Previously I’ve used CatPrint or printed my art at home.
Who are the models in your skirt photos?
The names and measurements of each model are included in the relevant store listings.
Is the underskirt in some of the skirt photos included with the skirt itself?
No, that is a petticoat, which is also from my store. We developed our very own size inclusive, sensory friendly, cooling petticoat to work perfectly with our skirts. Our petticoats feature a satin under layer that is smooth and cooling against the skin and keeps all that scratchy tulle from touching your legs. We use an extra stiff, high quality tulle to achieve maximum volume with minimal tulle to keep the petticoat lightweight and breathable.
Why isn’t the petticoat included with the skirt?
Not everyone wants a petticoat under their skirt! Additionally, including a petticoat with a skirt would more than double the price and would make storage incredibly bulky and cumbersome. Petticoats also need special care and cannot be thrown in the washing machine like most clothing. It’s much more practical, economical and efficient to own 1-2 petticoats and wear them under various skirts, rather than having a petticoat built into every single skirt.
How do I care for/wash my petticoat?
I have a guide right here!
Will you ever sell journals again?
We’re currently on the hunt for a new manufacturer to work with to make journals. If that proves fruitful we’d love to bring them back!
Do you have plans to sell maxi skirts?
I now make maxi skirts as part of my cotton collections! To catch them when they’re in stock, I recommend joining my store’s mailing list.
When will miniskirts return?
Miniskirts will likely be returning in limited amounts spring or summer of 2026!
Do you make cotton clothing?
Yes, I now make cotton collections, which include button up shirts, maxi dresses, button shirt dresses, and pleated box midi and maxi skirts! Separate from this I also make super comfortable 100% summer and winter loungewear and I have plans to make even more cotton garments in the future.
These garments tend to be more limited in quantity than my circle skirts, so I recommend joining my store’s mailing list so you don’t miss them!
What apparel plans do you have right now?
At any given time we’re developing like 2-5 garments. This is often an expensive and time consuming process because we grade everything in house (more about that here). Because we are a very small team (just 3 people) and we have very high standards, some garments take multiple years of development before they’re ready for sale.
I have a more specific question about your store!
Please check out my store’s FAQ, which is quite comprehensive when it comes to store things!
ART
What program do you draw in? What kind of tablet do you use?
I oscillate between Photoshop CC on my desktop with a 22HD Cintiq from 2014 (these are probably only sold on Ebay these days as the modern ones are quite different) and Procreate for iPad. I choose my tools based on my needs: for large files like patterns I need the processing power of my desktop and the specialized tools that Photoshop offers; for simpler/smaller works, Procreate and iPad are great for being able to create without being tied to a desk.
What brushes do you use?
In Procreate, my primary brushes are the JingSketch and JingPaint brushes! I also use these somewhat in Photoshop, as well as a bunch of sketch and oil pastel and oil painting brushes from Kyle Webster (which come free with your CC subscription).
How can I commission you?
Sorry, but I do not frequently take commissions! I will post on social media whenever I decide to take them, but client work is very stressful for me, so I do not do it very often.
Do you have any art tutorials?
I don’t make them frequently, but I do have a few scattered across my Youtube and Tiktok and my Tumblr tutorial tag.
Can I get a tattoo of your art?
I handle tattoo inquiries on a case by case basis and charge a small tattoo fee for the use of my work. You can send inquiries to hello@mayakern.com
Can I use your art as my social media icon/etc.?
Yes, as long as you credit me somewhere visible and it’s not for profit or self promotion (i.e. do not use my work to promote a paid service without express permission from me)!
Do not print my work without my express permission. Absolutely do not use my work for profit (i.e. YouTube videos, corporate accounts, etc.) without an express written agreement between us.
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS
Where did you get your desk/desk organizers?
Here is the desk, here are the marker organizers I use for my Copics, as well as these two desk organizers for other miscellaneous items. I also got this light for illuminating my work space and it is SO good!
What is that glove you wear while drawing?
It’s a drawing glove!
Where did you get the crop top/shirt you wear in your skirt photos?
It’s from my store! Though depending on when you’re reading this it may be out of stock.
What sort of petticoat do you recommend?
Our petticoats! They’re lightweight, comfortable and ethically made.
What sort of tights/shorts do you recommend to wear under skirts?
For me personally, my go to for tights or chub rub shorts is always Snagtights.
What do you use to record your TikTok art process videos?
I use my phone, plus a bendy gooseneck desk tripod and this little doodad for remotely starting/stopping recording
ADVICE
How do I get better at drawing fat/plus size bodies?
There is no short answer to this! This best way to learn is by practice and observation and lots of hard work. But here are some tips/resources:
Use reference. Here are a few: this reference pack, this book, and this online archive!
I made a brief Twitter thread about my thought process when drawing fat bodies.
Find good fat art that you like and figure out what you like about it and try to incorporate elements of it into your art!
Examine yourself and your own anti-fat biases. Having anti-fat bias isn’t bad as long as you’re willing to do the work to recognize and reverse it. I highly suggest following yrfatfriend on Twitter.
You may have some biases and thoughts that are negatively effecting how you perceive fat people and, therefore, how you draw fat people. I resisted drawing double chins for years because I hated mine so much I didn’t think I could ever draw one appealingly. I’ve done a lot of work trying to accept and love mine and other people’s and a big part of that has been learning to draw them in a loving and charming way.
How do you get started putting your art on clothing? Should I work with a print on demand service or find a factory?
Unless you are able to gather significant capital yourself, you probably want to do print on demand. my favorite POD service is Threadless since they have transparent pricing, no listing fees, and good quality printing. They will also generally suggest a profit margin for you, which I think is helpful when you’re starting out.
Profit margins for POD services are entirely different from if you’re working with a manufacturer directly and buying the pieces yourself. With POD, you’re likely to make a profit of 10% or less (depending on the item), with non-POD general rule of thumb for retail cost is 2.2-2.5x your cost to manufacture that item. That being said, if you work with a manufacturer directly you have to spend time and money finding a factory that can do what you need at a scale and price you can afford and you have to do your due diligence sussing out how they treat their workers and the quality of their craftsmanship.
Doing non-POD is much more expensive up front (thousands of dollars vs. free), but the potential long term profit is also much larger. However, that also comes with an amount of risk, Since non-POD services will expect you to buy a minimum number of pieces (usually in the hundreds) and you can’t make a profit if you don’t sell the pieces. As a rule of thumb, if you are just starting out making products and don’t have an established customer base, you probably shouldn’t put up money you can’t afford to lose.
Do you have any art tutorials?
I don’t make them frequently, but I do have a few scattered across my Youtube and Tiktok and my Tumblr tutorial tag.
How do you get popular on social media? How do you build an audience for your work?
Sadly there is no simple answer for this. It takes a lot of consistent work and activity, a certain amount of skill, an amount of appeal in your work (and appeal does not necessarily mean making it generic/cute), and a LOT of luck. I’m always surprised when my work takes off anew. I’m never expecting it — I just do what I always do and sometimes the stars align and it zooms off into the stratosphere. You cannot control your own popularity and it is unhealthy to try.
That being said, whatever you do, make sure it’s genuine. Draw things you like and draw consistently and other people who like the same things that you like will find you. Make friends around your skill level and help and encourage each other. Be genuine. Let yourself make the things you like, no matter how niche.
How do you make a webcomic?
I have a video about that right here!
Do you have any tips for putting together an artist portfolio for work or school?
I am not the best person to ask about this, as I stopped accepting most client work after 2016 and have not made a portfolio in literal years. But regardless, here is my advice:
Remember that your portfolio is going to continually change. Put in your strongest work and not work that brings down the quality of the portfolio. Don’t try to create a bunch of new work just to fill your portfolio, chances are you’ll end up with too little time and too much stress. You’ll be better off with work you’ve done before.
Don’t make apologies and do your best to present your work in a clean and efficient way. Some people like using tablets to show their work, I’d say only do that if the gallery or however you’re viewing it is really high quality, easy to navigate, etc. If you’re going for print, get good quality prints, consider formatting, etc.
Keep in mind that everyone looking at your portfolio is looking for something different. Some people won’t like your work, some people will. You won’t be suited for everything, it’s okay. At the end of the day all you can do is make a portfolio that reflects your work as best as possible and hope your work shows through.
How do you fill your shapes quickly in Photoshop?
I made an autofill action script!
How do I find work as a professional artist?
This is not my area of expertise; I have not taken on client work for a few years now. I highly recommend reading through the Dear Art Director and following the social media of artists who are currently working in the field you want to work in — and not just the ones with huge followings. Find the smaller creators who are still making a living doing what you want to do; they will frequently share advice and resources.
And make sure you make your art and contact information easy to find. A lot of people looking to hire artists are looking at social media. The more clicks they have to do to find your work/info, the more likely they are to give up and move on.
How do you make a portfolio or webcomic site?
Again, this is not my area of expertise, please try YouTube!
Where should I sell my work online?
That’s entirely up to you! There are a lot of options (Etsy, Woocommerce, Shopify, Squarespace, BigCartel, Storenvy, etc.) and each has its pros and cons. There are a TON of videos on YouTube about this, but it all comes down to knowing what YOU need.
Short answer, if you are a small artist without your own customer base to drive sales, you will want a site that has a marketplace (like Etsy or Storenvy) to help customers find you. These will offer less customization and will come with more fees, but you are paying for access to a large, existing customer space.
If you already have your own customer base then the world is your oyster!
What merchendise would you recommend for someone just beginning to sell their work online?
Start small. I started out doing prints, buttons, bookmarks, my books, and commissions. Merchandise is a lot of work and requires a lot of money to make. The artists you look up to with a fully stocked store have been doing this long enough to build up inventory and funds to buy that inventory. They’ve been doing this for years, don’t compare yourself to them.
A lot of small artists want to start out with enamel pins because they are cute and small and popular and seem easy. I would not recommend this. A reputable, good quality enamel pin seller will usually require a 100 MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity). That means that at minimum you will need to order 100 pins per design. Selling 100 units of something you yourself designed, from your own store, is not a thing everyone can do and it is easy to lose money if you start with items with a considerable MOQ like this.
Where do you get your art prints printed?
Can I cosplay something you’ve drawn?
Yes, totally! And if you do, I’d love to see it!
How do you find your art style?
An art style is nothing more than problem solving! It will naturally evolve as you encounter problems in your work and figure out how you want to handle them.
My art style is constantly evolving based on what I am working on — my Monster Pop! work does not look anything like my Spitfire work, and so on, but it is all mine and it is all my problem solving, so people will always see some sort of common thread when looking at my work even if I don’t see it.
How do I get in contact with you/another artist I admire?
If you approach working professionals/people you admire for help, demonstrate off the bat that you are familiar with them/their work and keep your email/message brief and be polite. Well-known/popular artists get a lot of emails/messages from all sorts of people, and most frequently from people who just see a follower count or a popular post or something and cold email them without any care or specificity to them as a creator. These sorts of emails usually get dismissed out of hand.
If you are looking to someone for help, be sure there is something specific about them that resonates with you that’s more than just “I see you are popular or successful and I also want that.” No one really likes getting those emails/messages because it feels like they could go to anyone as long as they had a high enough follower count or worked at X company. Instead, look at their work or accomplishments and go “this aspect of this person’s work speaks to me, they work this job that interests me, I want to learn, etc.”
SPECIFICITY IS KEY. General questions are very hard to answer without investing a significant portion of time that most of us do not have to give.
AND AGAIN: KEEP IT BRIEF. it’s really tempting to want to perfectly explain yourself/your situation, but you are a stranger and most people working in art are overworked and underpaid, and you are not the only person sending them this kind of inquiry.
SPITFIRE
What is Spitfire and where do I read it?
Spitfire is my queer, polyamorous dragon shifter romance novel. It contains dragons, monsters, blood magic, magical bonds, romance, violence, and people who are very bad at dealing with their emotions. It is the first of four books in a series.
When will Firebrand update again?
This is a bit of a complicated question, since the Firebrand from this question is not the Firebrand of the current day.
Originally, Spitfire was a two book story, but since initially self-publishing Spitfire and beginning its sequel, Firebrand, things have changed. A lot. Spitfire is now a four book series and the original version of Spitfire has been split into two books. Spitfire: Revised contains roughly the first 60% of the original Spitfire, as well as over 70,000 words of additional content.
I am currently in the process of editing Firebrand, the sequel. The in progress book once called Firebrand is now the third book in the series and will be called Stormbound.
What has changed with the Spitfire edits?
The biggest change is that Spitfire has been split into two books, for a total of four. Spitfire has undergone a major structural revision that helps to clarify character motivations and world building, among other things. It includes over 70,000 words of new content, including two new Lysithea POV chapters.
Over all, I feel that Spitfire: Rekindled is what Spitfire was always meant to be. Throughout the edits the story and characters have really bloomed and I’m so excited to be able to share this new version with you all.
Will there be a Spitfire audiobook?
An audiobook is my absolute dream for Spitfire. I’m not sure when it will happen, but some day I will find a way.
How did you make Spitfire’s map?
I am not a mapmaker! This was my first time making a map like this, but here is a rough breakdown of my process.
Where can I listen to the Spitfire playlist?
I have it up on Apple Music and Spotify! And I have Firebrand’s playlist up on Apple Music!
Is Spitfire a “why choose” romance? What’s the end game romance?
Spitfire is a polyamorous romance. This is expressed in multiple ways—Allene is from a primarily non-monogamous country, while Feon and Caed are from a monogamous one. Feon has many casual encounters, but also desires a committed relationship with Caed (and, eventually, Allene). Caed and Allene are engaged and while Allene openly expresses interest in including Feon in their romance, Caed (despite his feelings for Feon) is staunchly against this.
Spoilers for the end of the series ahead, so be warned: by the end of the story, Caed, Allene and Feon will end up in a committed relationship together. Feon will also have multiple casual encounters and a relationship with Lysithea.
MONSTER POP!
Is Monster Pop! really over?
Yes! You can read the comic on my site (with music) or on Tapas (without) and you can read the script for the end of Monster Pop! here.
Sadly, after seven years of work I had to throw in the towel and stop making MP! before the story reached its conclusion because even though I loved it, I just don’t love drawing comics anymore and it was negatively effecting my mental and physical health.
What are you going to be making next?
For the time being, I am done making comics! Maybe forever! However, I cam currently writing a queer fantasy romance novel called Spitfire.
Is Percy trans?
Yes!
How many snakes are in Marina’s hair?
As many as I feel like drawing.
Where can I find a certain song from Monster Pop!?
All of the Monster Pop! songs are up on Bandcamp!
MUSIC
Did you have a song on Welcome to Night Vale?
Yes! WtNV featured my song Haunted.
Did you have a song in Homestuck?
Yes, I created the Squiddle Song (now let us never speak of this again).
Where can I listen to your music?
On Bandcamp!
Is your music on Apple Music/Spotify?
Nope! Music is entirely a hobby for me and I don’t have the time or willpower to figure out how to put my music on other services.
Besides, I love Bandcamp! They allow me to offer free streaming, they take a very small revenue share of sales, they consistently support their artists by waiving their revenue fee during difficult times (i.e. COVID), and they have highlighted trans artists and donated to charities that advocate for trans rights.
ABOUT
What is your day job?
This is it! My wife and I both work full time together on our store! We are the co-owners and sole employees of our company (Maya Kern LLC; by the time we decided to work together my brand recognition was already my real name and it felt too late to rebrand lol).
I personally am in charge of creating all the artwork and product design and managing my/our social media. I also manage our finances and schedule. Devin handles most other things, including interfacing with manufacturers, managing our store, fulfilling orders, building/maintaining our sites, and product chain management.
In general, either of us may have an idea of what sort of product we want to make next, but this is Devin’s expertise and so they have final say (which is a good thing, they are way better at it than I am).
Do you have any pets?
Yes, my wife and I came into our relationship with one cat each and we adopted Annie (border collie/aussie mix) in 2018 and Rodeo (shiba) in 2021. Annie was retired from service work at the ripe old age of 3 and Rodeo has never worked a goddamn day in his life.
