Hi there! I'm Kaija Mackinnon, a Reno-based illustrator and designer focused on narrative art and book illustration. I collaborate with clients and fellow artists to bring stories to life through character design, composition, and expressive imagery. I work freelance on commercial and personal illustration, as well as painting projects, balancing client collaboration with personal artwork in books and gallery settings. I value open communication, reliable delivery, and a thoughtful approach to every project.…

Kaija Mackinnon

PRO

Hi there! I'm Kaija Mackinnon, a Reno-based illustrator and designer focused on narrative art and book illustration. I collaborate with clients and fellow artists to bring stories to life through character design, composition, and expressive imagery. I work freelance on commercial and personal illustration, as well as painting projects, balancing client collaboration with personal artwork in books and gallery settings. I value open communication, reliable delivery, and a thoughtful approach to every project.…

Available to hire

Hi there! I’m Kaija Mackinnon, a Reno-based illustrator and designer focused on narrative art and book illustration. I collaborate with clients and fellow artists to bring stories to life through character design, composition, and expressive imagery.

I work freelance on commercial and personal illustration, as well as painting projects, balancing client collaboration with personal artwork in books and gallery settings. I value open communication, reliable delivery, and a thoughtful approach to every project.

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Work Experience

Professor for Painting 1 at University of Nevada, Reno
May 1, 2026 - Present
Professor for Painting 1 college-level course. Strong foundational painting skills, focusing on conversations of academic drawing, composition, value, color, and narrative. Administrative duties include managing student grades, attendance, schedule, and deadlines. Maintain professional etiquette and active communication with program directors, faculty, and students. Demonstrate social skills that foster a positive and motivated environment.
Painting Professor at University of Nevada, Reno
May 1, 2026 - Present
Instructed college-level painting courses, building a strong foundation in artistic principles, including drawing, composition, color theory, and narrative development.
Portrait Painter at Self-Employed, Freelance Commercial Painting
October 1, 2024 - Present
Design and develop paintings according to clients' specifications. Demonstrate open and professional communication with clients and collaborators. Manage client orders, contracts, and payment transactions.
Portrait Painter at Self-Employed
October 1, 2024 - Present
Executed custom portrait paintings tailored to client requirements. Fostered transparent and professional communication with clients and collaborators. Managed all aspects of client orders, contracts, and financial transactions.
Graduate Gallery Assistant at University of Nevada, Reno
September 1, 2023 - June 1, 2026
Facilitated the setup and dismantling of exhibitions within a professional gallery context.
Illustrator at Self-Employed, Freelance Commercial Illustration
October 1, 2022 - Present
Design and develop art pieces according to clients' specifications. Work in a collaborative setting with clients and other artists. Demonstrate open and professional communication with clients and collaborators. Manage client orders, contracts, and payment transactions. Proficiency and understanding of book format.
Illustrator at Self-Employed
October 1, 2022 - Present
Conceptualized and developed art pieces to meet diverse client specifications. Engaged in collaborative art creation processes with clients and fellow artists. Maintained open and professional dialogue with clients and collaborators; administered client orders, contracts, and payment processing.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration at Ringling College of Art and Design
January 11, 2030 - July 6, 2026
Master of Fine Arts at University of Nevada, Reno
January 11, 2030 - July 6, 2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration at Ringling College of Art and Design
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2023
Master of Fine Arts at University of Nevada, Reno
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other
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    Digital illustration focused on fantastical narrative.…