Building community: The winner of Deakin Library’s 2025 Artwork Competition
Deakin Library is thrilled to announce the winner of the 2025 Library Artwork Competition: Maiya Steele! Maiya, a talented digital artist and third-year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in literature, has created a vibrant illustration that perfectly captures the energy of study sessions with friends and the role the Library plays in both academic and personal growth.
Connecting through art and friendship
Maiya Steele, an illustrator by profession, reflects on her university journey through her artwork titled Study date. While studying literature, she’s stayed closely connected to the Library – a place where she has nurtured both her academic pursuits and friendships. In our recent interview, Maiya shared, “My friends and I’ve always made an effort to come to the Library. For me, it’s the only place where I can stay connected by studying and pursuing my degree. It’s also a place where my friends and I can nurture our friendships.”
Her illustration delves into the nuances of university life, portraying not just the chaos of study sessions, coffee cups, and scattered books, but also the vibrancy and joy that comes from being at Deakin. Maiya elaborated, “There are times when University is very stressful … But, I feel despite all that, if you keep pushing, you do eventually get to a point where there are so many good experiences. So, I wanted to explore that in my artwork.”
Study date by Maiya Steele
A bold, colourful perspective
Maiya’s digital art style is vibrant, expressive, and full of character, reflecting her belief in the importance of connection and community through the Library. “I wanted my artwork to feel familiar – to feel like something you could look at and relate to,” she explained. The characters in her piece are designed to be expressive, with each one reflecting different aspects of the university experience. Maiya’s goal was to create an image that invokes a sense of safety and belonging for those who view it. “I wanted it to feel like a place where you could look at the characters and say, ‘That’s my friend,’ or ‘That reminds me of my friend,'” she said.
Despite being a seasoned digital artist, Maiya ventured into a new and more cartoonish style for this competition, pushing herself creatively. She noted, “It was a bit of a challenge, but I’m glad it paid off.”
The Library as a place of focus and growth
For Maiya, the Library isn’t just a study space – it’s a sanctuary for concentration and learning. “It’s a place where I can gather knowledge, I can access materials and resources. It’s a place where I feel very honed in on my work, and it’s a place where I kind of can get my thoughts in order,” she said.
“I’m here to develop my skills, and, you know, pursue this degree that I’ve signed up for because it’s got to get done, and I’m the only one who’s going to do it. So, the Library is a place that encourages those feelings.”
A message for new students
As Trimester 1 2025 rolls around, Maiya has words of encouragement for new students starting their university journey. “There’s so many new experiences, and there’s so many new people,” she said. For Maiya, these connections are what made her university life meaningful, and she hopes her artwork helps new students feel seen and supported as they embark on their own journeys.
“I want people to look at [the artwork] and go, okay, maybe this isn’t so scary if they’re feeling nervous, I feel a little bit more seen. Or, I feel a little bit more like this place gets me. And, hell yeah, I want a bag.”
Look out for Maiya’s artwork at Deakin Library
Maiya Steele’s artwork not only celebrates the essence of university life but also beautifully reflects the strong connection that Deakin Library fosters among its students. From the vibrant colours to the relatable characters, her piece invites viewers to reflect on their own university experiences, whether they are navigating the chaos of deadlines or cherishing moments spent with friends. As Deakin Library continues to be at the heart of Deakin, Maiya’s winning illustration serves as a reminder that, despite the challenges, the journey is full of opportunity and support from those around us.
We are excited to showcase Maiya’s winning piece throughout 2025 and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the Deakin community. Head to our OWeek stalls to find out how to get your FREE tote bag.
Congratulations, Maiya!