Hi, I’m Kay Meadows, an illustrator and surface pattern designer with a strong foundation in print production. I create original artwork and repeat patterns for product, publishing, and branding projects, blending storytelling with a refined sense of color, composition, and production-ready execution. I work as an independent illustrator and collaborate with publishers, brands, and clients to translate concepts into engaging visuals. My approach emphasizes clear storytelling, color accuracy, and clean pre-press preparation to ensure files print beautifully across channels.…

Kay Meadows

PRO

Hi, I’m Kay Meadows, an illustrator and surface pattern designer with a strong foundation in print production. I create original artwork and repeat patterns for product, publishing, and branding projects, blending storytelling with a refined sense of color, composition, and production-ready execution. I work as an independent illustrator and collaborate with publishers, brands, and clients to translate concepts into engaging visuals. My approach emphasizes clear storytelling, color accuracy, and clean pre-press preparation to ensure files print beautifully across channels.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Kay Meadows, an illustrator and surface pattern designer with a strong foundation in print production. I create original artwork and repeat patterns for product, publishing, and branding projects, blending storytelling with a refined sense of color, composition, and production-ready execution.

I work as an independent illustrator and collaborate with publishers, brands, and clients to translate concepts into engaging visuals. My approach emphasizes clear storytelling, color accuracy, and clean pre-press preparation to ensure files print beautifully across channels.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Independent Illustrator at MS Tourism - Pacesetter Gallery
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2026
Created original illustrations for four Mississippi Welcome Centers; developed artwork for public-facing and promotional use. Collaborated with clients to translate concepts into production-ready illustrations aligned with regional branding and messaging. Prepared final artwork based on required specifications.
Illustrator at Mississippi Forestry Commission
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
Illustrated a published book for educational and environmental outreach; collaborated with stakeholders to translate subject matter into clear, engaging visual narratives; prepared final artwork for print with color, layout, and production accuracy.
Illustrator / Author at Pelican Publishing
January 1, 2022 - Present
Illustrated 9 published books and authored/illustrated 2 titles, creating original artwork for interiors and covers with a focus on storytelling and production-ready design. Collaborated with editors and publishing teams to develop visual concepts aligned with narrative and market goals. Prepared final artwork for print, ensuring color accuracy, layout, and pre-press readiness.
Creative Manager - Senior Graphic Designer at Megatrade International, Inc.
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2025
Leads and manages all phases of the design and production process, including scheduling, art direction, photography coordination and styling, print production, pre-press, proofing, and press checks. Designs packaging, marketing collateral, and digital assets (website, emails, and social media) with consistent brand execution. Collaborates with internal teams, sales associates, and overseas printing vendors to meet project deadlines. Produces and retouches product photography, manages color correction, and maintains organized files. Proficient with Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop to develop production-ready files.
Senior Graphic Designer at Dynamark Graphics Group
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2012
Supported project vision and execution across traditional, large-format, and variable data projects from concept through production. Prepared production-ready files for offset, flexo, digital, and large-format printing; performed pre-flighting and file setup. Developed marketing assets including website updates, social media, and email campaigns. Utilized Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
Graphic Designer - Contract at United Methodist Publishing House
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2009
Designed logos, book covers, interior layouts, and packaging for curriculum materials. Researched, selected, and color-corrected photography; delivered production-ready files using InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Also illustrated interior art for curriculum.
Graphic Designer at Thomas Nelson Incorporated
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2008
Designed book interiors, covers, and advertising materials for hardcover, trade, and mass-market publications; focused on typography and layout. Managed editorial revisions and prepared files for pre-press production. Collaborated with editorial and production teams to ensure quality. Illustrated artwork for published books using QuarkXPress, InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
Illustrator at Mississippi Tourism - Pacesetter Gallery
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2026
Independent illustrator responsible for creating original artwork for four Mississippi Welcome Centers. Translated concepts into production-ready illustrations aligned with regional branding and messaging, and prepared final artwork to required specifications.

Education

Associate Degree, Commercial Design & Advertising at Hinds Community College
January 11, 2030 - June 21, 2026
Fine Art Studies (Painting) at Belhaven University
January 11, 2030 - June 21, 2026
Associate Degree, Commercial Design & Advertising at Hinds Community College
January 11, 2030 - June 21, 2026
Fine Art Studies (Painting) at Belhaven University
January 11, 2030 - June 21, 2026

Qualifications

Mississippi Artist Guild Director
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2026
Art Show Chairman
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Retail, Other
    Poseidon Front of Birthday Card
    This watercolor painting was created as a special birthday card for my nephew, inspired by his fascination with mythology. The scene features Poseidon riding a powerful seahorse as they surge through a cresting wave, capturing both motion and majesty. Hidden within the curve of the wave is the number nine, subtly marking his age and adding a playful, personal touch. A dolphin leaps alongside them, bringing a sense of joy and companionship to the composition. Rendered in fluid washes and expressive detail, the piece blends storytelling with symbolism, celebrating both the wonder of the sea and a child’s imagination. illustrator graphicdesigner…
    Mississippi Blues Trail Marker Map

    This collection was thoughtfully designed and curated by Pacesetter Gallery to showcase the very best of Mississippi’s artistic talent. It brings together a diverse range of mediums, styles, regions, themes, and perspectives—reflecting the richness of our state’s creative community.

    Over the course of a full year, we collaborated closely with artists, carefully planning, creating, and installing each piece into brick across all 11 Welcome Centers. I was honored to be one of the artists selected, contributing illustrations for the Vicksburg, Itawamba, DeSoto/Hernando, and Moss Point Welcome Centers. It was a truly special project, and I’m deeply grateful to have been part of something that highlights so many gifted Mississippi artists. Seeing this work shared with visitors from across the country for years to come is a true pinnacle moment in my career.

    I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Visit Mississippi and the Mississippi Development Authority for their commitment to promoting original Mississippi art in our Welcome Centers. Tourism is the ninth-largest industry in our state, supported by hundreds of dedicated professionals who work tirelessly—often behind the scenes—to strengthen our economy and create jobs.

    Mad Hatter Tea Party Birthday Invitation
    Mad Hatter 60th Birthday Invitation – Watercolor Illustration To celebrate my 60th birthday, I created a whimsical, storybook-inspired 5” x 7” watercolor invitation drawing from the imaginative world of Alice in Wonderland. The concept invites the viewer into a dreamlike journey—stepping through a vintage frame that doubles as a “looking glass” and descending into a playful rabbit hole. At the entrance, the White Rabbit announces the occasion by blowing a horn, welcoming guests into the scene. Above, the Cheshire Cat lounges in a tree with a mischievous grin, delivering the cheeky message: “Can it be! Kay is turning six-tea?”—a lighthearted nod to both the Mad Hatter’s tea party and this milestone birthday. The composition is rich with imaginative details, including hand-painted mushrooms, blooming florals, and whimsical rocking horseflies fluttering through the air—adding movement, charm, and a touch of surreal humor. The back of the card continues the visual storytelling with coordinating illustrations that frame the event details, creating a cohesive and immersive design from front to back. This piece reflects my love of narrative illustration, playful typography, and intricate watercolor work—transforming a personal milestone into a collectible, art-driven experience. graphicdesigner designer illustrator…
    Divinity Tea Towel
    This custom tea towel design was created as a deeply personal and meaningful keepsake. A client approached me with a cherished family recipe for divinity—traditionally made each year by her sister—and wanted to preserve both the memory and the handwriting in a beautiful, functional piece. I illustrated a delicate plate of divinity, capturing the light, airy texture and nostalgic warmth of the confection. The most special element of the design was the inclusion of the original handwritten recipe. I carefully isolated and refined the handwriting to maintain its authenticity while ensuring it reproduced clearly on fabric. The final composition brings together illustration and heirloom typography, transforming a beloved family tradition into a timeless tea towel that celebrates memory, legacy, and the art of handmade sweets. graphicdesigner illustrator designer…
    Mississippi Board Books
    Mississippi Board Book Series – It’s Buggy in Mississippi & It’s Muggy in Mississippi This board book series was born out of a very personal and familiar moment. After illustrating children’s books celebrating Louisiana, Florida, and Texas, I often found myself at book signings here in Mississippi being asked, “Are you from one of those states?” My answer was always the same—I’m a Mississippi girl. It became clear there was a missing piece. Mississippi deserved to be represented, especially for its youngest readers. That realization sparked the idea to create books that celebrate the unique charm, humor, and climate of life right here at home. I reached out to the author I had previously collaborated with on titles like It’s Hot in Louisiana, It’s Sunny in Florida, and It’s Bigger in Texas to explore the possibility of a Mississippi addition. With her encouragement, I began writing—and what started as a collaboration quickly turned into something more personal. After reading my poems, she simply said, “These are great—go with it.” With that support, I stepped fully into the role of both author and illustrator, creating It’s Buggy in Mississippi and It’s Muggy in Mississippi. These books capture the playful realities of Southern life—from buzzing mosquitoes to thick summer air—through rhythmic, engaging language and vibrant, joyful illustrations designed especially for babies and young children. This series is more than just a set of books—it’s a celebration of Mississippi’s identity, created by someone who knows and loves it deeply. illustrator author…
    Pip and the Mississippi Wildfire

    I served as the illustrator for Pip and the Mississippi Wildfire, a children’s educational storybook created for the Mississippi Forestry Commission’s 100-year anniversary. In this role, I was responsible for visually bringing the story to life from the ground up, including the creation and development of the main character, Pip, along with the supporting cast.

    I designed each character to be engaging, approachable, and memorable for young readers, while also ensuring the visuals supported the book’s important message about wildfire awareness and prevention. Through expressive character design, thoughtful composition, and vibrant illustrations, I helped translate complex environmental concepts into a story that is both accessible and meaningful for children.

    This project showcases my ability to develop original characters, visually interpret educational content, and create illustrations that balance storytelling with purpose—resulting in a cohesive and impactful children’s book experience.

    Book Cover Series

    I designed a cohesive series of three book covers for author Sharon K. Cambers’ cozy mystery collection, visually capturing the charm, intrigue, and lighthearted suspense that define the genre. Inspired by a “Nancy Drew meets Friends—1970s style” aesthetic, the covers blend vintage color palettes, playful typography, and iconic visual motifs to create a strong, recognizable brand across the series.

    Each cover was thoughtfully developed to stand on its own while maintaining consistency as part of a collection. I incorporated subtle symbolic illustrations—such as a rotary phone, fashion elements, a limousine, and a cat—to hint at each story’s unique mystery, while maintaining a unified layout, framing system, and typographic hierarchy.

    The use of bold, saturated colors paired with retro-inspired design elements evokes a sense of nostalgia while still feeling fresh and engaging for today’s readers. My goal was to create covers that not only attract attention but also immediately communicate tone, genre, and personality—inviting readers into a world of clever sleuthing, friendship, and fun.

    This project highlights my ability to develop series branding, balance storytelling with design, and create visually compelling book covers that resonate with a target audience.