Hello there! My name is Kristen and I'm a graphic designer.
My story isn't quite linear—I took the scenic route to finishing my degree. Right after high school, I enrolled in a Fashion Design program at Fontbonne University in Saint Louis, Missouri. It didn’t take long for me to realize it wasn’t what I was looking for, so I left after the first semester. Art and music have always been my passions, but at the time, I lacked the confidence to pursue art school. Instead, I took courses at various community colleges while moving from Columbia, Missouri, to Los Angeles, California. Graphic Design, however, was something I was continually drawn to and practiced on my own. Fifteen years after leaving Fontbonne, and with personal growth under my belt, I enrolled in the Graphic Design program at the University of Missouri–Saint Louis.
Throughout my graphic design journey, I’ve honed my ability to create expressive visuals by immersing myself in the art and science of visual communication. Balancing complexity with contemporary craft, I design engaging, intentional visuals that feature a bold mix of organic yet modern vector graphics combined with handmade components. I draw inspiration from Japanese graphic designers—both classic and contemporary—and elevate my work with analog techniques like charcoal, wax pencil, ink, and printmaking. These techniques add texture and depth to my designs, while repurposed images from unexpected places often find their way into my pieces.
Every project I take on is a complex yet conceptually refined statement, showcasing my commitment to meaningful and visually compelling storytelling. Sometimes my work speaks seriously for the underrepresented, while other times it leans into humor. My process always begins with identifying the intended audience and conducting extensive research—a foundational step before blending my perspective into the task at hand.
When I’m not working on a project, you’ll likely find me walking my dog, Luna, or spending time with my three amazing nieces. I also love hiking any chance I get, and my all-time favorite pastime is stargazing.
I’d love to connect and collaborate with you!
