I’m a graduate from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago with a BFA in Visual Communication and Film, Video & New Media. I have 4 years of professional freelance experience in illustration and graphic design, specializing in book illustration and 2D character design. I enjoy developing creative projects and connecting with clients to bring their ideas to life. Alongside my professional work, I create a romance/drama webcomic called Letters To My Favorite Person, which has helped me fine-tune my skills in storytelling, layout, and time management. I’m passionate about conveying mood and emotion through art and writing natural dialogue.…

Leslie Shaner

I’m a graduate from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago with a BFA in Visual Communication and Film, Video & New Media. I have 4 years of professional freelance experience in illustration and graphic design, specializing in book illustration and 2D character design. I enjoy developing creative projects and connecting with clients to bring their ideas to life. Alongside my professional work, I create a romance/drama webcomic called Letters To My Favorite Person, which has helped me fine-tune my skills in storytelling, layout, and time management. I’m passionate about conveying mood and emotion through art and writing natural dialogue.…

Available to hire

I’m a graduate from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago with a BFA in Visual Communication and Film, Video & New Media. I have 4 years of professional freelance experience in illustration and graphic design, specializing in book illustration and 2D character design. I enjoy developing creative projects and connecting with clients to bring their ideas to life.

Alongside my professional work, I create a romance/drama webcomic called Letters To My Favorite Person, which has helped me fine-tune my skills in storytelling, layout, and time management. I’m passionate about conveying mood and emotion through art and writing natural dialogue.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

French
Beginner

Work Experience

Freelance Illustrator at Self-Employed
January 1, 2021 - June 16, 2024
Developed a network of clients, conducted meetings to present mockups and collect information for adjustments. Created both digital and print assets including advertisements, emoticons, backgrounds, and 2D character designs.
Switchboard Operator at Lincoln Gastroenterology Specialties
March 1, 2025 - June 30, 2025
Handled switchboard operations for Lincoln Gastroenterology Specialties.
Technology Consultant at Target
September 1, 2022 - March 1, 2025
Provided technology consulting services at Target.
Sales Associate at GameStop
February 1, 2021 - September 1, 2022
Worked as a sales associate handling customer service and sales.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Art at School of The Art Institute of Chicago
August 20, 2019 - May 20, 2024
• Relevant Coursework: VISCOM 1001 Intro to Visual Communication & VISCOM 1002 Illustration Technologies & 2001 Issues in Visual Critical Studies 2021 • Relevant Coursework PTDW 2030 Figure Drawing: Multi-Level & PTDW Comics: Idea to Execution 2022 • Relevant Coursework: NAJ 4221 Publishing Online: Wired Writing & PROFPRAC 3900 Freelancing Comics/Illustration 2022 • Relevant Coursework: FASH 3010: Multi-Level Illustration 2023 • Extracurricular Activities: LANG 2050 French II 2023
BFA at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago
August 1, 2019 - December 31, 2023

Qualifications

Scholastic Art and Writing Award
August 1, 2018
Awarded the golden key for Portfolio work
Scholastic Art & Writing Award, Individual work (Gold)
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Scholastic Art & Writing Award, Portfolio (Silver)
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail, Professional Services, Education, Other

Skills

Experience Level