Hi, I'm Gillian an author, illustrator, and painter focusing on narrative work with fantastical elements. I strive for a whimsical, cozy and hand-crafted style which shines through in my world building, backgrounds, and character designs. I have been creating art for as long as I can remember and would love to help you on a project!

Gillian Girod

Hi, I'm Gillian an author, illustrator, and painter focusing on narrative work with fantastical elements. I strive for a whimsical, cozy and hand-crafted style which shines through in my world building, backgrounds, and character designs. I have been creating art for as long as I can remember and would love to help you on a project!

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Gillian an author, illustrator, and painter focusing on narrative work with fantastical elements. I strive for a whimsical, cozy and hand-crafted style which shines through in my world building, backgrounds, and character designs. I have been creating art for as long as I can remember and would love to help you on a project!

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Work Experience

Membership Associate at Hill YMCA (Westminster)
January 1, 2023 - Present
Greet members, process check-ins, assist with event setups, open/close facility, provide tours, manage memberships, register for classes, answer inquiries, and contribute to social media content creation; develop data entry, organization of spreadsheets and files, and reinforce policies in a friendly, professional manner.
Published Author and Illustrator at Amazon
September 1, 2022 - August 1, 2025
Wrote, illustrated, formatted, and self-published a Halloween-themed children's book, Happy Jack in Hallow’s Eve; produced art using acrylics, Bristol board, Photoshop, and InDesign; managed the project from rough concept to published book.
Summer Research Fellow at McDaniel College
June 20, 2024 - July 20, 2024
8-week program focusing on narrative art; created narrative oil paintings and large-scale charcoal drawings (~3 feet) exploring folklore; studied master painters and compositional techniques to enhance storytelling and originality.
Theater Office Aide at Carroll Community College
September 1, 2022 - December 1, 2022
Student employment supporting theater operations; made copies, painted sets, designed flyers and brochures, prepared PowerPoint presentations, and assisted with event setup.
Gallery Intern at Carroll Community College
August 1, 2022 - December 1, 2022
Assisted gallery curator with exhibitions; helped install exhibitions, pack/unpack artwork, wall painting, frame cleaning, wiring, and gallery cleanup; contributed to a self-guided project resulting in an original children's book.
Game Master at Escape Adventures
May 1, 2021 - October 1, 2021
Engaged with customers, processed payments, maintained rooms, introduced escape rooms, reset rooms, and solved problems using walkie-talkies, cameras, and locks; enhanced quick-thinking and communication.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts with Minor in Art History at McDaniel College
May 1, 2025 - March 25, 2026
AA Degree of Fine Arts at Carroll Community College
January 11, 2030 - December 1, 2022

Qualifications

CPR / First Aid certified
January 11, 2030 - March 25, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization