I’m a California-based editorial illustrator and visual storyteller creating narrative-driven images for editorial, publishing, and children’s books. I focus on family, identity, community, and everyday life, blending folk-inspired storytelling with strong visual communication. With a background in journalism and public relations, I approach illustration as messaging—figuring out what needs to be communicated, who it’s for, and how to make it clear and engaging. I work in Procreate, watercolor, colored pencil, and mixed media, and I enjoy collaborating across creative and production needs to deliver print-ready results.…

Irina Kharlamova

Pro

I’m a California-based editorial illustrator and visual storyteller creating narrative-driven images for editorial, publishing, and children’s books. I focus on family, identity, community, and everyday life, blending folk-inspired storytelling with strong visual communication. With a background in journalism and public relations, I approach illustration as messaging—figuring out what needs to be communicated, who it’s for, and how to make it clear and engaging. I work in Procreate, watercolor, colored pencil, and mixed media, and I enjoy collaborating across creative and production needs to deliver print-ready results.…

Available to hire

I’m a California-based editorial illustrator and visual storyteller creating narrative-driven images for editorial, publishing, and children’s books. I focus on family, identity, community, and everyday life, blending folk-inspired storytelling with strong visual communication.

With a background in journalism and public relations, I approach illustration as messaging—figuring out what needs to be communicated, who it’s for, and how to make it clear and engaging. I work in Procreate, watercolor, colored pencil, and mixed media, and I enjoy collaborating across creative and production needs to deliver print-ready results.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent
Russian
Fluent

Work Experience

Packaging Designer (Freelance) at Coffee Cup Branding & Packaging
January 1, 2026 - Present
Designed a complete coffee cup packaging system for hot and cold beverages, including cups, sleeves, straws, and branded messaging. Developed custom graphics aligned with company colors and visual identity; created slogan concepts for a cohesive customer experience. Prepared all print-ready production files for commercial manufacturing and large-scale printing.
Illustrator (Selected artwork) at Bologna Children’s Book Fair – Illustrators Wall
January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026
Selected artwork featured in the Bologna Illustrators Wall international showcase.
Editorial Illustrator (Freelance) at Modern parenthood project
January 1, 2026 - Present
Developed conceptual editorial illustrations exploring modern parenthood, identity, and contemporary urban life. Produced publication-ready visual storytelling focused on opinion-based narratives.
Surface Pattern Designer (Freelance) at Corset Project
January 1, 2025 - Present
Created custom illustrated fabric patterns inspired by folk art for a boutique corset line. Adapted traditional motifs for modern garment shapes and fabric applications, focusing on storytelling through symbolism, color, and visual rhythm.
Illustrator (Freelance) at Remote
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Completed a 30-spread commissioned children’s book focused on courage, immigration, and personal growth. Created illustrations using traditional textures and limited digital layering to emulate natural media; designed character concepts and full-page scenes in collaboration with the author; developed original prints and surface patterns for fabric, wallpaper, and home décor inspired by folklore and everyday life.
Freelance Illustrator
January 1, 2023 - Present
Specializing in recreating the look and feel of traditional art mediums such as watercolor, oil paint, and colored pencil using both real materials and digital tools like Procreate. Experienced in creating expressive, character-based illustrations for children’s books, editorial content, and personal commissions. Skilled in blending hand-drawn artwork with digital finishing techniques to produce visually rich and emotionally engaging illustrations.
Author / Writer at Russian Observer Newspaper – Sacramento, CA
December 31, 2015 - July 9, 2025
Authored and contributed written content as a journalist for the Russian Observer Newspaper.
Author / Writer at Russian Observer Newspaper
October 1, 2013 - December 31, 2015
Contributed articles and cultural commentary for the Sacramento readership.

Education

M.A. in Socio-Cultural Service and Hospitality at Moscow University of Humanities
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2008
B.A. in Journalism and Public Relations at People’s Friendship University
January 11, 2030 - August 1, 2011
Illustration and Visual Storytelling Courses at Kalacheva School
January 1, 2024 - February 15, 2026
Contemporary Illustration & Visual Storytelling Techniques at Art Shima Online School
January 1, 2022 - February 15, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Retail, Real Estate & Construction, Healthcare, Travel & Hospitality, Consumer Goods, Non-Profit Organization

Skills

Experience Level