Hello! I'm Karen Athens, a versatile fine artist and illustrator based in Encinitas, California. I enjoy blending artistic vision with practical design, bringing restoration, interior and visual design projects to life with meticulous attention to detail and an eye for aesthetics. I've built a career on restoration, design, project management and client relations, with strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite, photography, and visual merchandising. I thrive in collaborative environments where creative ideas meet functional solutions that delight clients.

Karen Athens

Hello! I'm Karen Athens, a versatile fine artist and illustrator based in Encinitas, California. I enjoy blending artistic vision with practical design, bringing restoration, interior and visual design projects to life with meticulous attention to detail and an eye for aesthetics. I've built a career on restoration, design, project management and client relations, with strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite, photography, and visual merchandising. I thrive in collaborative environments where creative ideas meet functional solutions that delight clients.

Available to hire

Hello! I’m Karen Athens, a versatile fine artist and illustrator based in Encinitas, California. I enjoy blending artistic vision with practical design, bringing restoration, interior and visual design projects to life with meticulous attention to detail and an eye for aesthetics.

I’ve built a career on restoration, design, project management and client relations, with strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite, photography, and visual merchandising. I thrive in collaborative environments where creative ideas meet functional solutions that delight clients.

See more

Language

Work Experience

Restoration Artist & Illustrator at Really Fine Artwork
January 1, 2015 - Present
Researched, photographed and documented data for restoration of various projects. Restored artwork, frames, furniture and architectural surfaces. Executed gilding, sculpting, antiquating and plaster replication techniques. Knowledge of artwork and architecture for restoration purposes.
Designer & Visual Merchandiser at BH2 Coastal Designs
May 1, 2011 - November 1, 2015
Handled correspondence on behalf of employer including phone calls, emails and mailing inventory. Provided excellent customer service to clients and managed accounts. Assisted with office operations of inventory management, data entry and filing orders. Processed sales orders, organized sales data, managed an e-commerce store and billing. Coordinated domestic and international product shipments.
Designer & Accounts Coordinator at Bionic Sisters Productions
September 1, 2007 - April 1, 2011
Provided detailed customer service and communications to clients. Worked with team members managing project timelines. Collaborated with design teams and attended creative meetings. Managed projects from start to completion all phases of design. Prepared sales quotes, processed sales orders and project delivery timeline.
Interior Designer & Project Manager at DJA Designs
June 1, 2000 - August 1, 2007
Managed and researched projects from concept to completion. Selected, estimated delivery costs of materials and furnished project budget. Color consultation and design direction for both residential and commercial projects. Coordinated and managed all subcontractors throughout duration of design.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Visual Communications & Photography at San Diego State University
January 11, 2030 - May 2, 2026
Spanish language studies (Two year college study with working knowledge) at Two year college
January 11, 2030 - May 2, 2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Visual Communications & Photography at San Diego State University
January 11, 2030 - May 2, 2026
Spanish Language Studies at San Diego State University
January 11, 2030 - May 2, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Retail, Education