Katie Risor

Katie Risor – Designer

Professional illustrator, designer, and cartoonist. Creator of the Welcome to the Forest series published by Andrews McMeel.

Overview

Seasoned illustrator, designer, cartoonist, specializing in book design and whimsical illustrations for young readers. My debut early reader graphic novel published in August 2025 and I have been freelancing since 2018. Currently, I am most interested in taking book design and cover illustration clients.

I like to work closely with my clients and guide them through every step. I've helped several first time authors self publish as well as worked with brands and traditional publishers. I especially enjoy creating interesting lettering, deep textures, and cute characters. For book design, I am well-versed in publishing standards and can create basic ebooks.

Services
Fiction
Children's Comics & Graphic Novels
Languages
English
Awards
  • Best Capstone - The University of Texas at Dallas 2018
  • Advertising Award - San Antonio 2021
Certifications
  • SCBWI Member

Work experience

Self-employed

Mar, 2018 — Present
I'm a freelance illustrator creating books, illustrations, and designs for clients and myself. Here are some of my books and projects: Some books I've illustrated and designed on include: Author/Illustrator (by me): Welcome to the Forest Picture Books: When Mommy Caught A Dragon Red Ted the Magical Melon Man There's an Alligator in the Elevator! Casey's Kite Mommy's Time Middle Grade: That's How it Was Armstrong Adventures: Zoe's Purpose Other clients: Faygo - holiday add Armed Forces Entertainment - illustrated booklet for Month of the Military Child Little Lamb Books - book design for All God's Creatures

Rivet

Dec, 2018 — Mar, 2020 (about 1 year)
Remote e-book designer.

Portfolio

Made with Reedsy
Mommy's Time

King Jaiven, Kristen

Cover Design Illustration Book Interior Design
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 Te... read more
Cover Design Illustration Book Interior Design
Made with Reedsy
Let's Have A Meltdown/Laugh

Hepner, Debbie L

Debstories

Cover Design Illustration
Made with Reedsy
Lessons from a Birdbrain: Summer, Ohio

McDermott, Laura

Cover Design Illustration Book Interior Design
Made with Reedsy
Armstrong Adventures - Zoe's Purpose

Hill, Robyn

Cover Design Illustration Book Interior Design
Made with Reedsy
The Girl with the Mark of Wauvu

Charles, Lynn

Cover Design Illustration Book Interior Design
Casey's Kite

Miller, Rick

Cover Design Illustration Book Interior Design
There's An Alligator in the Elevator

Ellen Ryan

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, hi... read more
Cover Design Illustration Book Interior Design
Justin and Benja's Adventures in Dignity Village: A Child's View of Migrant Protection Protocols

Ralston,Marsha

Cover Design Illustration Book Interior Design
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 a... read more
Cover Design Illustration Book Interior Design Production Management
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 mi... read more
Cover Design Illustration

Katie has 19 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Roberta G.

Roberta G.

Apr, 2023

Pinned
Writing and publishing a children's chapter book comes with its challenges. Katie Risor stuck with the project to the end, turning out a beautiful book - inside and out - which I am very pleased with. I would highly recommend Katie.
Kristen K.

Kristen K.

Mar, 2022

Pinned
Katie is creative, talented, and flexible. Katie's skill and beautiful illustrations brought my book to life. Katie provided both illustration and book/cover design services. I loved collaborating with Katie because she tackles her projects with patience - encouraging dialogue and open idea excha...
Read more
Katie R.
Thank you Kristen!! Your book was a blast and is one of my favorites to date :)
Hazel R.

Hazel R.

Oct, 2021

Pinned
This was my first book. Katie went over and beyond to help me through the process. Katie excels in talent, experience, and patience!
Katie R.
Thank you, Hazel!
Zachary C.

Zachary C.

Jun, 2023

Great sketches!
Emil B.

Emil B.

Nov, 2022

Katie was very helpful and knowledgeable. I asked her to evaluate the design and she was able to perform a comprehensive review and identify all deficiencies. Great job!
Katie R.
Thanks, Emil! Glad I could help and I hope your book launch goes well!

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