Katie Risor - Designer
Whimsical, charming art for the young at heart, adventurers, and fun-havers. Illustration, art direction, book design.
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Overview
Hello!
I'm an experienced illustrator, designer, and maker, trying to get all the weird stuff in my head out into the world. I strive to make unique illustrations that connect with hearts like mine, that yearn for the wonder of endless possibility in the world. I've done books, covers, editorial, layout design, personal commissions, and product design. So far I've illustrated 5 childrens books and a smattering of cover design, I've also done work for magazines, local brands, and run my own etsy store. I've been successfully freelancing for two years, and I look forward to what's to come!
I'm primarily a children's illustrator, with experience creating client books from start to finish. With my clients, I bring their story to life by taking their manuscript and creating character designs, storyboards, color comps, final artwork, then layout design, cover design, and typesetting. I have experience with KDP and Ingram spark, so I'm happy to help new authors through the publishing process.
I am also working on my own projects and stories for publication. While I love bringing stories to life, my true dream is to be a storyteller.
Testimonials:
I'm an experienced illustrator, designer, and maker, trying to get all the weird stuff in my head out into the world. I strive to make unique illustrations that connect with hearts like mine, that yearn for the wonder of endless possibility in the world. I've done books, covers, editorial, layout design, personal commissions, and product design. So far I've illustrated 5 childrens books and a smattering of cover design, I've also done work for magazines, local brands, and run my own etsy store. I've been successfully freelancing for two years, and I look forward to what's to come!
I'm primarily a children's illustrator, with experience creating client books from start to finish. With my clients, I bring their story to life by taking their manuscript and creating character designs, storyboards, color comps, final artwork, then layout design, cover design, and typesetting. I have experience with KDP and Ingram spark, so I'm happy to help new authors through the publishing process.
I am also working on my own projects and stories for publication. While I love bringing stories to life, my true dream is to be a storyteller.
Testimonials:
Katie was a true pleasure to work with on this project. As a first-time publisher, she showed extreme patience and helped walk me through the process step-by-step. It was painless! She also brought her creative ideas to the table from the minute we started and most importantly, brought to life the characters and story that I envisioned. Wouldn't hesitate to work with her again.
- Andrew Veach, "Red Ted and the Magical Melon Man"Katie was a great illustrator to work with in development of our children's book. I say our children's book because she was so integral in developing the illustrations to depict the characters, the actions in each scene, and the general flow of the book in terms of illustrations. She proposed a large majority of the illustration formats used in the book and did an amazing job with using watercolor to achieve a really fantastic illustration effect. I'd work with Katie again in a second and may develop a sequel to our first book.
- Jon Carlson, "When Mommy Caught a Dragon"Katie's work is impeccable! Really beautiful renderings that brought the story to life for my children's book! She was also very responsive to any needs or concerns that I had. I was really satisfied with my experience and would hire her again!
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Jarita, "Mason and the Magic Cape"Languages
English
Non-Fiction
Calendars
Fiction
Comics & Graphic Novels
Coming of Age
Fantasy
Magical Realism
Middle Grade
Middle Grade Fantasy
Picture Books
Certifications
- SCBWI Member
Awards
- Best Capstone - The University of Texas at Dallas 2018
Work experience
Designer
Rivet
December, 2018
–
Present
(over 1 year)
Remote e-book designer.
Illustrator
Self-employed
March, 2018
–
Present
(over 2 years)
I'm a freelance illustrator creating books, illustrations, and designs for clients and myself. Here are some of my books and projects:
"When Mommy Caught a Dragon" Published 2018 - Amazon
"Red Ted the Magical Melon Man" Published 2019 - Amazon
"There's an Alligator in the Elevator!" Published 2019 - Amazon
“Casey’s Kite” Publishing soon
“Concho Folks” Cover Design and illustration - Published 2020 - Amazon
“A Giant Leap” - Book Design - Published 2020
Mural - Tresors de Paris - Paris, Texas
Cocktail Recipes - Plano Magazine - 2019
Portfolio (6 selected works)
When Mommy Caught A Dragon
Jon Carlson
When Mommy Caught a Dragon is a delightful, child's interpretation of a dragon's intrusion into a magical family's home, which causes all sorts of mayhem. Chases ensue, spells are cast, cats are humbled, and children "assist" in wrangling the out of control dragon. Based on true events...with some embellishment on the type of reptile.
There's An Alligator in the Elevator
Ellen Ryan, Maryann Heidingsfelder
There's An Alligator In The Elevator! Who would put that together with getting a shot? Well...this story does exactly that. JJ hates shots! When he finds out he has to get one the next day, his dream life explodes into a tale that will curl your hair. It's a fun fantasy that helps children see there are worse things in life than a little needle prick. Order your copy today and enjoy the ride! ... read more
Concho Folks 1800s Fiction: Short Stories
Pam Backlund
You will find twenty-six stories in this book of almost one hundred human characters. In one sitting you will fondly embrace one story’s characters, setting, problem(s) and solution(s). You might find yourself liking some stories and disliking others. But by reading this book you will know something about the Concho Valley and the nation as a whole—in the late 1800s.During that time period, We... read more
Red Ted The Magical Melon Man
Andrew Veach
"Red Ted" is the story of Farmer Andy, a greedy melon farmer who thinks he knows it all. When his business is threatened, the only soul willing to help him is the mysterious and magical Red Ted who appears out of the dust on his tractor. Red Ted has a few tricks up his sleeve, and a few valuable lessons, that might just change Andy's life forever.
A Giant Leap
Karthiga Moorthy
"All you need is a little push."Mama duck has started her count down. The little duckling is nervous about the jump. Will she find the courage to leap from the comforts of the nest into the wild? Home is sweet, but there is a lot to explore out of your comfort zone. Reading "A Giant Leap" aloud to children will encourage them to venture into new things they are hesitant to do. A little nudge a... read more
Magicmals: Gone Rogue
Enciso, April
Katie has 6 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
If you know what you want, Katie can create it! If you are unsure of what you want, Katie is a competent guide. My experience was as I hoped it would be!
Dreamers X, July 2020
katie was amazing, and really responsive. She truly cares about the quality of the book and the message it wants to portray
Temistocles Diaz, May 2020
Reply from Katie Risor
Katie was timely and professional. She is also creative and friendly. I hope I can work with her again.
Matthew Searsy, May 2020
Did a great job on my cover and great to work with!
April Enciso, April 2020
It was a joy working with Katie. She listened to what I had in mind, but also made suggestions as to what she felt might work better. In that it was my first time needing a book cover, as the expert, I appreciated her input and suggestions. I would absolutely recommend her for anyone looking for a professional.
Barbara Held, March 2020
Reply from Katie Risor
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