Meenal Patel is an illustrator, writer, and designer who is inspired by everyday moments that connect us and how our senses can ignite memories. Her work is rooted in reflections on the power of feeling seen, the journey to feel at home with all facets of ourselves, and the strength of community. She is the author and illustrator of Priya Dreams of Marigolds & Masala (Beaver’s Pond Press, 2019), which received the 2020 South Asia Book Award. She loves to mentally collect textures from nature, which she transforms into patterns throughout her art. Her background as a graphic and surface designer instilled an attention to detail, an affinity for unexpected color combinations, and a love of typography that flows into her work as an illustrator. Meenal has replanted herself in her home state of Minnesota, though part of her heart resides in California after spending many years in the Bay Area. When she’s not creating books, she loves painting with her nieces, baking birthday cakes, and hiking amongst trees with her husband and sweet dog. Visit her online at https://www.meenalpatelstudio.com and on Instagram @meenalpatelstudio