Multidisciplinary Artist, Illustrator & Author; Creator of "The Principles of Uncertainty"; Contributor to The New York Times

New York, NY, USA
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Maira Kalman Biography

Maira Kalman is an American artist, illustrator, writer, and designer recognized for her work in painting, storytelling, and design. Kalman is the author and illustrator of more than 30 books for adults and children, and her work has been exhibited in museums internationally. She describes herself as a storyteller, journalist, designer, and humorist, a multidimensional identity reflected throughout her career in visual arts and literature.

Kalman began her publishing career with the illustrated book "Stay Up Late," based on the lyrics to David Byrne's song. She created a series of children's books featuring Max Stravinsky, the poet-dog, and explored historical figures and events in titles such as "Looking at Lincoln," "Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote," and "Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey." For adult readers, Kalman authored "And the Pursuit of Happiness," "The Principles of Uncertainty," "Beloved Dog," and "Cake." She illustrated Michael Pollan's "Food Rules" and a bestselling edition of William Strunk and E. B. White's "The Elements of Style." Her book "Joy" presents an exploration of joy through paintings and prose.

Kalman has contributed regularly to The New York Times and The New Yorker. She created two monthly online columns for The New York Times: "The Principles of Uncertainty," a narrative journal, and "And the Pursuit of Happiness," an exploration of American history and democracy. Kalman is also known for her collaboration with Rick Meyerowitz on the "New Yorkistan" cover for The New Yorker. Her design work includes collaborations with Isaac Mizrahi, Kate Spade, Michael Maharam, Target Corporation, and set and costume designs for the Mark Morris Dance Company.

Kalman has exhibited at numerous museums, including the installation "Sara Berman's Closet" at the Metropolitan Museum, created with her son Alex Kalman. The Institute of Contemporary Art organized a retrospective of her work, "Various Illuminations (of a Crazy World)," which traveled to several institutions, including the Jewish Museum in New York, the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco, and the University of Pennsylvania. Kalman has participated in a residency at the American Academy in Rome and delivered TED talks on creativity and storytelling.

Kalman has been a finalist for the National Design Awards and has received honors from organizations such as the Art Directors Club, the Society of Publication Designers, the American Institute for Graphic Arts, and the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design. She received the Society of Illustrators Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame and the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame. Kalman has also been named a New York Public Library Library Lion. Her work spans children's literature, adult nonfiction, editorial illustration, product design, and fine art, contributing to the fields of illustration, contemporary art, and design.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/28/2026.

Maira Kalman Videos

How to Find Humor in Life's Absurdity | Maira Kalman | TED

How to Find Humor in Life's Absurdity | Maira Kalman | TED

With levity and profound insight, artist Maira Kalman reflects on life, death, dinner parties, not knowing the right answers, the joys of eating a...

Maira Kalman: The illustrated woman

Maira Kalman: The illustrated woman

http://www.ted.com Author and illustrator Maira Kalman talks about her life and work, from her covers for The New Yorker to her books for children...

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  • What topics does Maira Kalman speak about?

    Maira Kalman is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Art & Design, Author, Bestselling Authors, Children's Authors, Creativity, Democracy, Fiction Authors, Happiness, Non-Fiction Authors, Poetry, Storytelling
  • Where does Maira Kalman travel from?

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Maira Kalman is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Maira Kalman for your event is available upon request. Maira Kalman generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Laura Numeroff, Kylee McGrane-Zarnoch, Ashley Whittaker, Melissa Baron and Angela Cervantes. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Maira Kalman for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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