I’m Kristen Winkler, an illustrator, designer, and founder based in Central Illinois. My work focuses on warm, intentional, story-driven design—creating handcrafted macramé, illustrated paper goods, apparel graphics, and lifestyle photography that feel emotionally meaningful while staying operationally strong behind the scenes. After stepping fully into entrepreneurship, I’ve built cohesive product collections and visual worlds that connect with people in retail markets and through ongoing client collaborations. I also enjoy collaborating with brand partners to turn structured creative briefs into production-ready artwork aligned with established brand direction, and I support local families and small businesses through my photography services.…

Kristen Winkler

I’m Kristen Winkler, an illustrator, designer, and founder based in Central Illinois. My work focuses on warm, intentional, story-driven design—creating handcrafted macramé, illustrated paper goods, apparel graphics, and lifestyle photography that feel emotionally meaningful while staying operationally strong behind the scenes. After stepping fully into entrepreneurship, I’ve built cohesive product collections and visual worlds that connect with people in retail markets and through ongoing client collaborations. I also enjoy collaborating with brand partners to turn structured creative briefs into production-ready artwork aligned with established brand direction, and I support local families and small businesses through my photography services.…

Available to hire

I’m Kristen Winkler, an illustrator, designer, and founder based in Central Illinois. My work focuses on warm, intentional, story-driven design—creating handcrafted macramé, illustrated paper goods, apparel graphics, and lifestyle photography that feel emotionally meaningful while staying operationally strong behind the scenes.

After stepping fully into entrepreneurship, I’ve built cohesive product collections and visual worlds that connect with people in retail markets and through ongoing client collaborations. I also enjoy collaborating with brand partners to turn structured creative briefs into production-ready artwork aligned with established brand direction, and I support local families and small businesses through my photography services.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Artist/Illustrator at Wild and Woven Designs
September 1, 2021 - Present
Owner of a creative business specializing in handmade macrame, graphic design, and illustration.
Photography Lead / Lifestyle Photographer
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2023
Lead a lifestyle photography business serving families and small businesses across Central Illinois. Managed full client journey from inquiry to delivery, oversaw contract coordination, editing workflows, scheduling, and communication systems. Created emotionally driven storytelling visuals built on relationship, trust, and consistent customer experience.
Graphic Design / Visual Branding Roles (Project-Based) at EZ Mortgage; Mountain Movers
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2023
Designed large-scale branded word-cloud wall installation work for corporate office environments, focusing on typographic hierarchy, clarity, and brand alignment. Created youth-driven apparel graphics from detailed design briefs, delivering bold concepts while working within brand guidelines and incorporating feedback loops.
Freelance Illustrator and Designer
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2024
Collaborated with growing brands to translate structured creative briefs into production-ready artwork aligned with established brand direction. Produced design assets including branded typography/graphic concepts and apparel or marketing visuals while supporting turnaround needs and feedback cycles.
Owner and Creative Director at Kris ten Winkler Photography
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2023
Leads a photography business serving families and small businesses across central Illinois. Manages full client experience from inquiry to delivery, including contract coordination, scheduling, editing workflows, and communication systems. Creates relationship-rooted, emotionally driven visual storytelling and develops visuals that build trust with clients.
Electronic Payments Manager, CEF at Credit Union (C EFCU)
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012
Led operational projects within the electronic payments department, translating complex payment systems into streamlined solutions. Directed cross-functional project improvements, managed workflow systems and team coordination, developed training materials and onboarding programs, and fostered a collaborative team culture focused on clarity and efficiency.
Electronic Payments Manager, CEF at CEFCU Credit Union
January 1, 2012 - Present
Directed cross-functional electronic payments projects and process improvements, translating complex systems into streamlined solutions. Managed workflow systems and team coordination, oversaw work flow tools, and strengthened operational clarity and efficiency through training and onboarding materials. Built a collaborative team culture focused on clear communication and dependable execution; supported project timelines and structured work processes within a business environment.
Owner and Creative Director at Wild & Woven Designs
January 1, 2009 - Present
Founded and designed a creative lifestyle brand offering handcrafted macramé, illustrated paper goods, and home gifts. Conceived cohesive product collections across multiple categories (including stationery and lifestyle goods), maintained retail storefront presence, participated in curated regional markets, and managed merchandising, inventory planning, and in-person customer experience. Oversaw sourcing and vendor coordination, production timelines, pricing strategy, marketing, and fulfillment systems to ensure the brand runs smoothly while keeping the creative vision consistent.
Freelance Illustrator and Designer
January 1, 2009 - Present
Collaborates with growing brands to translate structured creative briefs into production-ready artwork aligned with established brand direction. Designed a large-scale branded word-cloud wall installation for corporate office space, focusing on typographic hierarchy, clarity, and brand alignment. Created youth-driven apparel graphics from detailed design briefs while working within brand guidelines and incorporating feedback cycles.
Founder, Owner and Designer at Wild & Woven Designs
January 1, 2009 - Present
Founded and runs a creative lifestyle brand offering handcrafted macramé, illustrated paper goods, and home gifts. Concept and design cohesive product collections across prints, stationery, and lifestyle items; maintain retail storefront presence; participate in curated regional markets. Manages merchandising, inventory planning, and in-person customer experience. Oversees sourcing and vendor coordination, production timelines, pricing strategy, marketing, and fulfillment systems.

Education

Bachelors at Bradley University
December 31, 2004 - December 5, 2007
BS at Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2007
AA at Illinois Central College, East Peoria, Illinois
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2005
BS at Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2007
AA at Illinois Central College, East Peoria, Illinois
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2005

Qualifications

Industry Experience

Computers & Electronics, Financial Services, Non-Profit Organization, Other, Consumer Goods, Retail, Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services

Skills

Experience Level