Hi, I’m Kaija Thorson, a senior level creative designer and illustrator with nearly two decades designing brand-aligned, family-focused visuals for a rapidly expanding national retailer. I blend illustration, graphic design, packaging, environmental graphics, and retail storytelling to bring seasonal campaigns and in-house brand initiatives to life. As a freelancer and creative studio owner since 2014, I create custom illustrations, character art, icons, and pattern design for clients in retail, lifestyle, nonprofit, and small business. I develop cohesive brand assets including character systems, illustrated logos, sticker sets, coloring books, and seasonal campaigns, and deliver printable coloring pages, templates, and art packs with a clean, approachable style. I manage end-to-end project workflows and cultivate an online presence through Etsy, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube tutorials, and blog content.

Kaija Thorson

Hi, I’m Kaija Thorson, a senior level creative designer and illustrator with nearly two decades designing brand-aligned, family-focused visuals for a rapidly expanding national retailer. I blend illustration, graphic design, packaging, environmental graphics, and retail storytelling to bring seasonal campaigns and in-house brand initiatives to life. As a freelancer and creative studio owner since 2014, I create custom illustrations, character art, icons, and pattern design for clients in retail, lifestyle, nonprofit, and small business. I develop cohesive brand assets including character systems, illustrated logos, sticker sets, coloring books, and seasonal campaigns, and deliver printable coloring pages, templates, and art packs with a clean, approachable style. I manage end-to-end project workflows and cultivate an online presence through Etsy, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube tutorials, and blog content.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Kaija Thorson, a senior level creative designer and illustrator with nearly two decades designing brand-aligned, family-focused visuals for a rapidly expanding national retailer. I blend illustration, graphic design, packaging, environmental graphics, and retail storytelling to bring seasonal campaigns and in-house brand initiatives to life.

As a freelancer and creative studio owner since 2014, I create custom illustrations, character art, icons, and pattern design for clients in retail, lifestyle, nonprofit, and small business. I develop cohesive brand assets including character systems, illustrated logos, sticker sets, coloring books, and seasonal campaigns, and deliver printable coloring pages, templates, and art packs with a clean, approachable style. I manage end-to-end project workflows and cultivate an online presence through Etsy, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube tutorials, and blog content.

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Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Illustrator and Creative Studio Owner at Kaija Thorson Creative Works
October 1, 2014 - January 1, 2025
Created custom illustration, character art, icons, and pattern design for clients in retail, lifestyle, nonprofit, and small business sectors. Produced hand-drawn and digital artwork for children’s activity pages, posters, logos, packaging, merchandise, and social content. Managed full project workflows from concept through print and digital delivery and built an online presence with Etsy shops, TikTok/Instagram art accounts, YouTube tutorials, and blog content.
Graphics Specialist at SCHEELS
June 1, 2009 - November 1, 2025
Illustrated characters, icons, patterns, and expressive art for seasonal, gifting, youth lifestyle, and retail campaigns; designed assets for in-store displays, environmental graphics, social media, ecommerce, catalogs, local and corporate events, packaging, and large-format wall wraps. Created visual stories across youth lifestyle apparel and footwear, toy shop, fashion, home goods, events, and employee spaces. Collaborated with buyers and marketing teams to maintain brand consistency and designed packaging, hangtags, labels, and in-house brand merchandise.

Education

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Qualifications

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Industry Experience

Retail, Consumer Goods, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment