Hi! My name is Mackenzie Haskell, but you can call me MJ. I’m an illustrator and designer based in Richmond, Virginia, with a BFA in Communication Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University. I am experienced in illustration and design and proficient in programs like Canva and the Adobe Suite. My most recent experience is with Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond where I worked as a marketing intern for around 8 months. I worked closely with the Social Media and Graphic Design managers to create social posts and digital displays to advertise the garden. I love illustration-based graphic design and have experience working with various clients for digital marketing, book covers, and brand design.

Mackenzie Haskell (MJ)

Hi! My name is Mackenzie Haskell, but you can call me MJ. I’m an illustrator and designer based in Richmond, Virginia, with a BFA in Communication Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University. I am experienced in illustration and design and proficient in programs like Canva and the Adobe Suite. My most recent experience is with Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond where I worked as a marketing intern for around 8 months. I worked closely with the Social Media and Graphic Design managers to create social posts and digital displays to advertise the garden. I love illustration-based graphic design and have experience working with various clients for digital marketing, book covers, and brand design.

Available to hire

Hi! My name is Mackenzie Haskell, but you can call me MJ. I’m an illustrator and designer based in Richmond, Virginia, with a BFA in Communication Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University. I am experienced in illustration and design and proficient in programs like Canva and the Adobe Suite.

My most recent experience is with Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond where I worked as a marketing intern for around 8 months. I worked closely with the Social Media and Graphic Design managers to create social posts and digital displays to advertise the garden.

I love illustration-based graphic design and have experience working with various clients for digital marketing, book covers, and brand design.

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Work Experience

Social Media and Marketing Intern at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
October 1, 2025 - May 1, 2026
Created social media posts across platforms, edited short-form videos, and designed layouts for digital signs and displays to support garden outreach and events.
Book Cover Illustrator and Designer at Christy Landers Tallamy, Bendings Publishing LLC
November 1, 2024 - Present
Collaborated with author to create an illustration that best represents the story; communicated revisions in a timely manner; designed the book cover layout in coordination with the publisher.
Florence Study Abroad - Drawing From the Wellspring of Renaissance Thought & Vision at Florence Study Abroad Program
June 1, 2025 - July 1, 2025
Daily sessions studying in museums, cathedrals, piazzas, and notable landmarks in Tuscany; created studies and master copies of Renaissance works; maintained a travel journal.
Virtual Murals Artist at Costa Group
September 1, 2023 - April 1, 2025
Created large-format animations for LED screens; collaborated with the art department to design and display the work in a corporate lobby.
Barista at Omni Hotel Richmond - Starbucks
September 1, 2023 - April 1, 2025
Crafted drinks and communicated with customers; multi-tasked in a high-demand environment; handled the register and cash/tips with accuracy.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University
January 11, 2030 - May 4, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education