One could say twins Maya and Marena Landeo were destined to be artists. Both visual arts majors with a concentration in graphic design, they grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, raised by their dad, Dave Landeo, a professional musician, and mom, Christy, who designs and sells high-end uniforms for employees of luxury hotels, resorts and golf clubs.
“Our entire family is very creative,” says Marena. “Seeing our mom and dad be successful left us no doubt that we could pursue careers in the arts too.”
“Art and creativity definitely run in the family,” Maya says, adding that even though they both know they can make a living as artists, they’re realistic about it.
“We know we’re not going to get rich right out of college, but we’ll be doing something we love to do. What else could a person ask for?”
The twins developed a fascination with graphic art and design through the eclectic lineup of animated shows on the Cartoon Network. The ubiquitous channel was always on as they were growing up, and both say one of their favorite childhood memories is when their dad would watch cartoons with them during the day while their mom was at work.
“We watched so many cartoons,” laughs Marena. “SpongeBob, Adventure Time, Regular Show – really anything on Cartoon Network. They’re all considered kids’ shows, but they often touch on mature subjects, and because kids are smart, they understand that. I think watching those shows definitely led us into pursuing careers in art.”
Marena’s favorite cartoon is “Adventure Time,” a series that follows a boy and his best friend, a magic dog, as they go on adventures in a fantastical post-apocalyptic world, which she would watch religiously as each episode premiered.
“I felt like I was growing with the main character, Finn,” she recalls fondly. “The world-building in that show is so inspirational, and the depth in every character. Some of the characters are morally grey, which is uncommon for shows marketed to children. I also love the music. It has genuinely been my biggest inspiration for creating my own cartoons and sound for my films.”
Maya’s favorite cartoon is “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” a series set in a largely Asian-inspired world in which some people can telekinetically manipulate one of the four elements.
“I actually didn’t watch it until I was around 15, although it’s a classic childhood cartoon for a lot of people our age,” says Maya. “It has amazing storytelling and world-building, with great character writing to top it all off. Like ‘Adventure Time,’ it can tackle more mature and serious themes, while still being a children’s show. It’s one of those shows I think children and adults can enjoy and learn from – which in my opinion is what makes a truly great cartoon.”
Maya and Marena drifted toward graphic art while attending Wando High School, loading their schedules with as many art classes as possible. They graduated in 2022, ready to pursue their passion.
Both sisters chose Clemson for its strong reputation and burgeoning art department. Also, it was far enough from Charleston to feel like a new place, but not so far that it wasn’t still in South Carolina. It also helped that their high school art teacher, Ashley Webb Wyrick ’01, was an alumnus.
When asked whether there was any hesitation about attending the same college, the sisters both say no without hesitation.
“It actually worked better for our family for us to go to the same school, for easier travel, etcetera,” says Maya. “We’ve been going to the same schools our whole lives, so it felt natural. It also definitely helped already knowing who to room with these past 4 years!”
“We both figured having a guaranteed roommate would be helpful, and we are really close to our family and like to visit each other, so going to the same school is helpful for that too!” says Marena. “Plus, we’ve always worked together creatively, so attending the same school allowed us to continue that.”
While they are both earning degrees in graphic design, their interests differ. Marena’s focus is illustration, including self-publishing a children’s book about her cats called “Sushi and Preach,” which led to a commission to illustrate a second children’s book by author Ginger Ford titled “Gretta and Gamble.” Maya has been drawn to animation and animated her own film titled “Harbor” for her senior project.
The sisters both praise the Art Department faculty for guiding them through their undergraduate journeys and for consistently presenting them with challenges that made them better artists.
“They really are what make the art program here,” says Maya. “You kind of stay with the same group of professors, and those relationships are super helpful. It’s the main thing that has pushed me to keep going.”
“And we’re a pretty small department, so you get more one-on-one time with them,” adds Marena. “You feel like they actually care about what you’re making – because they do.”
Both say they’ve grown exponentially as artists since joining the program as first-years.
“I look at my stuff that I was making freshman year and I’m like, ‘What was I thinking?’” laughs Maya. “I’ve grown so much. I’m more confident in what I do, and I have more drive to keep creating. Maybe the burnout will hit me eventually, but not yet.”
After graduation, the sisters plan to start a studio together where they can continue to explore new avenues of creativity and, more importantly, monetize their skills in graphic design, animation and illustration.
“As long as I can enjoy the creative work I do in the future, that’s all that matters to me,” says Maya.
“I plan on taking any opportunity as life gives it to me,” says Marena.
