Hi, I’m Nalena

Since launching her creative path in 2010, Nalena has evolved into an illustrator, celebrated for her unique surfy characters. Her designs blend hand drawn charm with contemporary style.

A first-generation American with roots in Pondicherry, India and Kiev, Ukraine, Nalena’s diverse heritage fuels her work. Her coastal lifestyle in San Diego and her love for surfing inspire her art, casting a beach vibe over the world her characters live in.

Nalena’s characters embody an aesthetic true to her surf adventures. From her multicultural origins to the surf of San Diego, Nalena’s journey has cultivated a passion for creating fun characters for licensing.