Marianna Smith is a Brazilian-American children’s book illustrator, cartoonist, and art educator based in Virginia. Her Brazilian cultural heritage and childhood memories inspire her work. Utilizing a bold, expressive watercolor and ink technique, Smith captures joy and emotion in her work.

Smith’s work has garnered recognition from The Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles and the iJungle awards. Her work has also been shortlisted by Communication Arts and was featured at ICON13.

Smith graduated summa cum laude from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2020 with a BFA in Communication Arts and a Creative Writing minor. Smith is currently attending Syracuse University to obtain an MFA in Illustration in 2026.

Smith is a member of the SCBWI. She also serves as an Adjunct Art Instructor at Virginia Commonwealth University.

For work inquiries, contact ms@mariannasmith.com