Hi, I’m Maili Nina, a painter and illustrator originally from Tokyo, now based in Honolulu. I was an in-house painter for Louis Vuitton for 2.5 years, and now I work as a freelance artist, collaborating with Marc Jacobs to paint pet portraits on client-purchased bags during special events.

I also work on private commissions from my home studio, creating artwork in watercolor and acrylic on canvas, wood panels, and even your personal items. While I specialize in pet portraits, I have experience painting a wide range of subjects—so if you have an idea in mind, feel free to reach out!

The Story Behind "Shelloux"

I sign my paintings as Maili Nina, but Shelloux (“sheh-loo”) is my whimsical artist name, reserved for projects that capture the essence of my daydreams and inner world. 'Shelloux' is a name I made up, inspired by the word 'shell'—as tribute to my love for snails. Snails have always fascinated me—I relate to their quiet, introverted nature and strangely alien-like anatomy. Something about their slow, thoughtful existence resonates with me, and they often find their way into my work subtly.