I'm Kristen Neely, a graduating student at Boise State University with a BFA in illustration. I'm passionate about character design, concept art, comic book art, and children's book illustrations. I work great with others, have been told I'm very friendly, and I'm excited for all opportunities available to me.

Kristen Neely

I'm Kristen Neely, a graduating student at Boise State University with a BFA in illustration. I'm passionate about character design, concept art, comic book art, and children's book illustrations. I work great with others, have been told I'm very friendly, and I'm excited for all opportunities available to me.

Available to hire

I’m Kristen Neely, a graduating student at Boise State University with a BFA in illustration. I’m passionate about character design, concept art, comic book art, and children’s book illustrations. I work great with others, have been told I’m very friendly, and I’m excited for all opportunities available to me.

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Language

English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Beginner

Work Experience

Freelance Artist / Commission Work at Freelance
May 1, 2021 - Present
Completed multiple commissions since 2021, including paintings for gifts and personal projects; created sketches, planned timelines, and delivered finished pieces to clients in person or by mail.
Shirt and Graphic Designer at Freelance
July 1, 2022 - August 1, 2022
Created digital art for church apparel, posters, and promotional materials using Procreate; produced designs for shirts, banners, and event visuals.
Logo Designer at Events of Boise (Freelance)
August 1, 2023 - August 1, 2023
Designed a logo for a local business using Procreate on iPad; integrated across website and social media.
Sticker Designer at Freelance
May 1, 2023 - May 1, 2023
Created stickers in Procreate on iPad, printed on sticker paper, and cut with a Silhouette machine for family events.
Children's Book Illustrator at Freelance
February 1, 2024 - October 1, 2025
Illustrated cover and 35 pages for a children's book focused on Ukraine; hand-wrote the text; collaborating with author; project ongoing with planned Spring 2026 publication.
Artist Booth Exhibitor at Idaho Expo
July 1, 2018 - January 1, 2019
Displayed and sold artworks at an Idaho Expo booth, gaining exposure and direct interaction with customers.
Barista at Albertsons Market / Starbucks
December 1, 2021 - February 1, 2024
Customer service, drink preparation, cash handling; maintained inventory and supported store operations.
Barista at Starbucks / Boise State University Student Union
February 1, 2024 - Present
On-campus barista; memorized menu, built customer relationships, and supported fast-paced service.
Barista at Moxie Java Bistro
May 1, 2024 - Present
Seasonal/ongoing barista duties including making beverages, restocking, and customer service.
Volunteer Barista at Capital Church
June 1, 2021 - March 1, 2022
Volunteer at church cafe; supported JR high students; managed orders and assisted with event operations.
Graphic Designer (Volunteer) at Capital Church
August 1, 2025 - Present
Volunteered for church graphics and event design; contributed to seasonal campaigns.
Freelance Artist / Commissioner Work at Self-Employed
May 1, 2021 - Present
Completed multiple commissions for individuals; painted the Lebanese flag as a gift for a friend’s relatives; handled planning, painting, and delivery.
Freelance Artist / Commissioner Work at Self-Employed
July 1, 2021 - August 31, 2021
Created an acrylic painting (Cubism-inspired) for an aunt; planned canvases, sketched, and mailed the artwork.
Freelance Artist / Commissioner Work at Self-Employed
August 15, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Ink drawing for aunt; used Sharpie and Micron pen in an optical illusion style; created multiple sketches to gauge client preferences and mailed the final piece.
Freelance Artist / Commissioner Work at Self-Employed
December 1, 2024 - August 1, 2025
Oil painting for a friend’s baby room; explored various sketch ideas inspired by a daughter’s stuffed bunny; painting allowed to mostly dry before delivery.
Freelance Artist / Shirt and Graphic Designer at Self-Employed
July 1, 2022 - August 31, 2022
Created digital drawings on Procreate for church use on shirts, posters, and to promote a summer camp; designs printed onto T-shirts and banners.
Freelance Artist / Logo Designer at Self-Employed
August 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
Designed a logo for a cousin’s business, Events of Boise, using Procreate on iPad.
Freelance Artist / Sticker Designer at Self-Employed
May 1, 2023 - May 31, 2023
Created stickers using Procreate and printed on sticker paper; cut by hand with a silhouette machine at home; distributed at family reunion.
Freelance Artist / Sticker Designer at Self-Employed
June 1, 2025 - July 1, 2025
Designed stickers for family reunion; offered three design options for selection; printed and distributed.
Freelance Artist / Children's Book Illustrator at Selah and the Groaning Village (author collaboration)
February 1, 2024 - October 1, 2025
Illustrated the cover, 35 pages, and hand-wrote the text for a children's book focused on the war in Ukraine; collaborating with the author; planned for Spring 2026 publication.
Freelance Artist / Art Table at Self-Employed
July 1, 2018 - Present
Set up art booth at Idaho Expo (year approximate); sold prints; connected with customers and learned market preferences.
Freelance Artist / Online Selling at Self-Employed / Website
July 1, 2022 - Present
Launched website on Square in July 2022; practiced online marketing; sold stickers and prints.
Volunteer / Graphic Designer at Capital Church
August 1, 2025 - Present
Volunteer contributor; assisted with graphic design needs for church events; collaborated with team to complete designs using Affinity.
Barista at Starbucks (Boise State University Campus)
February 1, 2024 - Present
On-campus Starbucks; took orders, memorized menus, processed mobile orders, managed customer interactions and kept cafe area organized.
Volunteer / Barista at Capital Church
June 1, 2021 - March 1, 2022
Volunteered Sundays to help with church cafe operations; gained experience in customer service and teamwork.
Barista at Albertsons Market Starbucks
December 1, 2021 - February 1, 2024
Barista; on-site coffee service; trained in handling orders, cash register, and maintaining shop cleanliness.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts at Boise State University
August 1, 2022 - May 1, 2026
High School Diploma at Eagle High School
August 1, 2018 - May 1, 2022
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Boise State University
August 1, 2022 - May 1, 2026
High School Diploma at Eagle High School
August 1, 2018 - May 1, 2022

Qualifications

Dean's List
August 1, 2023 - May 1, 2024
Dean's List
August 1, 2024 - May 1, 2025
Dean's List
August 1, 2023 - May 1, 2024
Dean's List
August 1, 2024 - May 1, 2025
BFA Exhibition (Boise State University)
January 1, 2026 - May 1, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Retail, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization