I have over 17 years of experience bringing children’s stories to life through warm, whimsical, engaging illustrations created with watercolor, mixed media, and pen & ink. My work is rooted in story-telling—translating narrative themes and characters into visuals that captivate young readers. In remote work environments, I’m highly communicative, responsive, and collaborative, ensuring a smooth and transparent creative process while delivering results aligned to project goals.…

Maria Gifford

I have over 17 years of experience bringing children’s stories to life through warm, whimsical, engaging illustrations created with watercolor, mixed media, and pen & ink. My work is rooted in story-telling—translating narrative themes and characters into visuals that captivate young readers. In remote work environments, I’m highly communicative, responsive, and collaborative, ensuring a smooth and transparent creative process while delivering results aligned to project goals.…

Available to hire

I have over 17 years of experience bringing children’s stories to life through warm, whimsical, engaging illustrations created with watercolor, mixed media, and pen & ink. My work is rooted in story-telling—translating narrative themes and characters into visuals that captivate young readers.

In remote work environments, I’m highly communicative, responsive, and collaborative, ensuring a smooth and transparent creative process while delivering results aligned to project goals.

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Language

Work Experience

Adjunct Faculty (Course Instruction, Mentoring & Curriculum Development) at Anderson University (Fine Art & Communications)
January 1, 2024 - Present
Instruction, mentoring, and curriculum development for courses including: Communication through Social Media, Digital Design, Graphic Design, Typography, and Drawing. (Dates span 2024–present as listed.)
Assistant Director of Marketing at Anderson University
January 1, 2023 - Present
Develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies and campaigns aligned with institutional goals and objectives. Lead, mentor, and manage a high-performing marketing team to foster a collaborative, results-driven work environment. Monitor brand consistency across marketing channels and materials to ensure cohesive messaging and presentation.
Adjunct Faculty (Instruction & Curriculum Development) at Ivy Tech Community College
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2024
Instruction and curriculum development for Design Fundamentals courses, including Web & Social Media.

Education

Master of Worship Studies at Liberty University
August 1, 2009 - August 1, 2011
Bachelor of Fine Art in Art, Graphic Design at Ball State University
August 24, 1998 - May 5, 2001

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services
    Straighten My Seams, Oh Lord

    Written by Faye Couch Reeves, this collection of stories, memories, musings, and devotions that reflect the art of sewing as part of God’s plan. This is not a book about sewing, it is an analogy for a life of faith.

    The Canticle's Path

    Written by Jennifer Gregory, this book is about a young girl’s quest. Available as an E-book. Cover art by Maria Gifford

    The Way We Talk

    Written by E.N. Quinlan, an illustrated poetry collection inviting readers into the world of a deaf and hard of hearing family.