Masturah Shaari (published as Masturah Jeffrey) grew up in the heart of Siglap, Singapore, with more than 10 cats, her three brothers and two sisters playing batu serimbat, capteh and yeh-yeh. Family trips to their Minangkabau kampung in Negri Sembilan, Malaysia, was a joy, as it was time to reconnect with cousins, relatives and know more about their ethnic roots. And to go barefoot, run with chickens, climb trees, get dirty, or simply bask in the kampung sun.

Masturah graduated with an economics major from the National University of Singapore. But she had always loved to draw since the minute she could hold a pencil, leading her to win art competitions by the age of 10, and getting As in Art in her schooldays (a mean feat for a geek like her, she says). After being inspired by a traditional washi papermaker during a month-long stay in Japan, she came back to pursue Design Communication at LaSalle Collge of the Arts, and thus established her career in art and design. She has illustrated for Tuttle's Asian Arts & Crafts for Creative Kids series and Book & Paper Kits series, as well as My Day at the Istana, published by Ant for The Istana Singapore. When not doodling, Masturah is founder of Maya & Associates, creating corporate and marketing identities, and graphic design works. This designer and illustrator also set up Sejati Cards, her own line of wedding and party invitation designs, where she hopes to create interest and awareness of the vibrant Malay and Asian heritage and cultures. Proceeds from the card sales have been donated to the School Pocket Money Fund and Mercy Relief.

Masturah lives in sunny Singapore with her husband and their three lovely children, and enjoys travelling to exotic locations.