katelynmckenna.com is my porfolio! I’m an Irish illustrator and graphic designer residing in Berlin, Germany. When it comes to freelancing, I am rather disciplined. I've had my fair share of experiences working with clients based in varying timezones, so I recognise the importance of achieving not only that balance of accustoming to such, but also respecting the importance of my own frame of work in the process. With receiving feedback and critique on projects, I find it rather important. Albeit imperative! To get to the finish line, both myself and other parties must be open to listen and respectable. I am not afraid to ask follow up questions on design choices in order to achieve the best result and also understanding from the other person of their wants and preferences. I have a huge passion for illustration and the energy it carries in connecting people. With the ever-growing presence of ai art, I really trust that what makes work like mine special is the true human touch behind it! It’s made by me; informed by my own experiences. Both subconscious and intentional. My work is primarily digital, and I’m represented by my agents at Illo Agency, as well as by the people at Illustrators Ireland. Feel free to check out my website to see my work @ katelynmckenna.com.…

Katelyn McKenna

katelynmckenna.com is my porfolio! I’m an Irish illustrator and graphic designer residing in Berlin, Germany. When it comes to freelancing, I am rather disciplined. I've had my fair share of experiences working with clients based in varying timezones, so I recognise the importance of achieving not only that balance of accustoming to such, but also respecting the importance of my own frame of work in the process. With receiving feedback and critique on projects, I find it rather important. Albeit imperative! To get to the finish line, both myself and other parties must be open to listen and respectable. I am not afraid to ask follow up questions on design choices in order to achieve the best result and also understanding from the other person of their wants and preferences. I have a huge passion for illustration and the energy it carries in connecting people. With the ever-growing presence of ai art, I really trust that what makes work like mine special is the true human touch behind it! It’s made by me; informed by my own experiences. Both subconscious and intentional. My work is primarily digital, and I’m represented by my agents at Illo Agency, as well as by the people at Illustrators Ireland. Feel free to check out my website to see my work @ katelynmckenna.com.…

Available to hire

katelynmckenna.com is my porfolio!

I’m an Irish illustrator and graphic designer residing in Berlin, Germany.

When it comes to freelancing, I am rather disciplined. I’ve had my fair share of experiences working with clients based in varying timezones, so I recognise the importance of achieving not only that balance of accustoming to such, but also respecting the importance of my own frame of work in the process.

With receiving feedback and critique on projects, I find it rather important. Albeit imperative! To get to the finish line, both myself and other parties must be open to listen and respectable. I am not afraid to ask follow up questions on design choices in order to achieve the best result and also understanding from the other person of their wants and preferences.

I have a huge passion for illustration and the energy it carries in connecting people. With the ever-growing presence of ai art, I really trust that what makes work like mine special is the true human touch behind it! It’s made by me; informed by my own experiences. Both subconscious and intentional.

My work is primarily digital, and I’m represented by my agents at Illo Agency, as well as by the people at Illustrators Ireland. Feel free to check out my website to see my work @ katelynmckenna.com.

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Skills

Experience Level

Work Experience

Art Director (via Bundesfreiwilligendienst – BFD) at Wellbeing For Everyone
September 1, 2024 - September 1, 2025
Led the full visual rebrand of the organisation, including logo redesign, brand colours, type and visual language. Designed social media content through Canva and Adobe programmes, contributing to increased online engagement. Provided design input in Figma during website redesign and worked with developers to ensure brand consistency and improved usability. Oversaw the full process from concept to execution, including layout and print production. Organized and led a group artist exhibition, coordinated participants, and managed workshops and the event itself. Edited photo and video content from events, producing short-form interviews to extend storytelling. Communicated with interns, workshop leaders, and team members to delegate tasks and maintain smooth project workflows using tools like Miro and Trello.
Freelance Illustrator & Graphic Designer at Self-Employed / Freelance
January 1, 2022 - Present
Collaborating with clients across publishing, health, editorial, education, and nonprofit sectors to create illustrations, branding assets, and campaign visuals. Proposing original concepts and visual solutions that have led to long-term client relationships and repeat commissions. Operating art stalls and participating in conventions, engaging with customers. Maintaining an active online presence by regularly updating a personal portfolio website via Squarespace to showcase new work and attract clients as well as Instagram.
Cashier & Social Media Manager at Southshore Arts Gallery
January 1, 2019 - December 1, 2019
Managed the gallery’s social media presence, increasing engagement through regular posts, artist spotlights and event coverage. Handled day-to-day customer service, resolving queries and complaints while building positive rapport. Supported exhibition setups and collaborated with artists to ensure work was well-presented and aligned with the gallery’s aesthetic.
In-house Illustrator at MAKTUS
August 1, 2018 - December 1, 2018
Illustrated commercial products based on feedback from the shop owner and other in-house artists. Created engaging video content for social media platforms to increase brand awareness on Facebook and Instagram. Adapted to evolving design briefs and sudden changes under tight turnaround times.
Junior Graphic Designer Intern at Abbey Ireland & UK
May 1, 2017 - September 1, 2017
Supported international marketing efforts by designing brochures, leaflets and digital visuals for tourism campaigns. Delivered print-ready materials ahead of schedule under tight deadlines. Interpreted and implemented feedback from multiple departments to deliver print-ready, on-brand design assets.
Graphic Designer Intern at Dublin City Volunteer Centre
July 1, 2017 - October 1, 2017
Created branded assets for print and digital outreach that strengthened the organisation’s public image. Collaborated with communications team to design materials that were accessible, easy to read and inclusive. Participated in brainstorming sessions with the team, offering creative input on campaign tone and visuals.
Art Director at Wellbeing For Everyone
September 1, 2024 - September 1, 2025
Led the full visual rebrand of the organisation, including logo redesign, brand colours, type, and visual language. Designed social media content (Canva and Adobe programs) that increased audience engagement across Facebook, Meetups, Eventbrite and Instagram. Contributed design input in Figma during the website redesign and WordPress transition, collaborating with developers to ensure brand consistency and improved usability. Managed end-to-end design processes from concept to execution, including layout and print production. Organized and led a group artist exhibition, coordinating participants and managing workshops and the event. Edited photo and video content from events, producing short-form interviews to extend storytelling. Communicated regularly with interns, workshop leaders, and team members to delegate tasks, align on deliverables, and maintain smooth project workflows using tools like Miro and Trello. Mentored design-involved interns, offering guidance and feedback.
Freelance Illustrator & Graphic Designer
January 1, 2022 - Present
Collaborating with clients across publishing, health, editorial, education, and nonprofit sectors to create illustrations, branding assets, and campaign visuals. Proposing original concepts and visual solutions that have led to long-term client relationships and repeat commissions. Operating art stalls and participating in conventions, engaging with customers. Maintaining an active online presence by regularly updating a personal portfolio website via Squarespace to showcase new work and attract clients as well as Instagram.

Education

BA (Hons) in Visual Communications at National College of Art & Design, Dublin
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2018
BA (Hons) in Visual Communications at National College of Art & Design, Dublin
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2018

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

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

Skills

Experience Level