Rachel is an illustrator based in Los Angeles with a background in editorial illustration. Her primary experience has been in crafting interactive graphics for investigative journalism. She has also worked on a variety of freelance projects such as album covers, branding infographics, graphic novels and more. Over the past decade she has collaborated with major outlets like the Miami Herald and The Charlotte Observer, earning industry recognition for storytelling that matters.…

Rachel Handley

Rachel is an illustrator based in Los Angeles with a background in editorial illustration. Her primary experience has been in crafting interactive graphics for investigative journalism. She has also worked on a variety of freelance projects such as album covers, branding infographics, graphic novels and more. Over the past decade she has collaborated with major outlets like the Miami Herald and The Charlotte Observer, earning industry recognition for storytelling that matters.…

Available to hire

Rachel is an illustrator based in Los Angeles with a background in editorial illustration. Her primary experience has been in crafting interactive graphics for investigative journalism. She has also worked on a variety of freelance projects such as album covers, branding infographics, graphic novels and more.

Over the past decade she has collaborated with major outlets like the Miami Herald and The Charlotte Observer, earning industry recognition for storytelling that matters.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Illustrator and Visual Journalist at McClatchy Media
June 1, 2025 - September 12, 2025
Designed the visual presentation of digital news stories across 30+ newsrooms using illustration, animation, and graphic design. Established the artistic direction for projects focusing on principles that would not only engage the audience but also accompany and drive the narrative. Principal illustrator for award-winning content, including the Pulitzer Prize in Breaking News Reporting awarded to the Miami Herald for 'House of Cards.' These stories had a real community impact that led to legislation reforms and investigative justice.
Freelance Illustrator at Polycentric Leadership
October 1, 2021 - September 12, 2025
Created logo and developed brand guidelines for a faith-centered non-profit group. Worked with a small team to design their website using WordPress while continually curating and managing the site.
Storyboard Artist and Illustrator at Gianluca Padalina
August 1, 2021 - September 12, 2025
Aug 2021: Storyboarded and painted 30 illustrations for a couples-themed storybook by Gianluca Padalina.
Illustrator at Brian Nathanson (Graphic Novel project: The Many Deaths of Barnaby James)
June 1, 2021 - September 12, 2025
Worked with writer Brian Nathanson to provide supplemental illustrations for his graphic novel “The Many Deaths of Barnaby James” and his website.
Illustrator at Addiction Policy Forum
November 1, 2020 - September 12, 2025
Responsible for illustrations on the topic of families battling addiction. These include brand illustrations for the web, editorial covers, and spot illustrations.
Illustrator at Fish Coin Press
June 1, 2020 - September 12, 2025
Illustrated trading cards for the “Behold” series created by Jared Boggess.
Volunteer Illustrator at Get Us PPE
June 1, 2021 - September 12, 2025
Worked alongside an illustration and graphic design team to create editorial illustrations for articles, web, and social media posts.

Education

BFA in Animation/Illustration at San Jose State University
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2018

Qualifications

SJSU Dean’s Scholar Award
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2018
SND Award of Excellence (Regional/Local) for Miami Herald's 'Made in Miami' and The Charlotte Observer’s 'Big Poultry' and 'Missing Migrants'
January 11, 2030 - January 6, 2026
SND Award of Excellence in Illustration for The Charlotte Observer’s story on Henry Louis Wallace
January 11, 2030 - January 6, 2026
Thomas L. Stokes Award for Best Energy & Environment Reporting for The Charlotte Observer’s 'Big Poultry'
January 11, 2030 - January 6, 2026
Pulitzer Prize Winner in Breaking News Reporting for Miami Herald’s coverage (e.g., 'House of Cards')
January 11, 2030 - January 6, 2026
Scripps Howard Award of Excellence in Local/Regional Investigative Reporting
January 11, 2030 - January 6, 2026
Webby Awards Winner for Best Individual Editorial Feature
January 11, 2030 - January 6, 2026
The Kim Wall Award for Miami Herald's 'Made in Miami'
January 11, 2030 - January 6, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Education, Professional Services, Software & Internet

Skills

Experience Level