Hello!
I'm Kari Drake, a graphic designer Inspired by animated films and traditional art. I blend illustration and hands-on techniques with human-centered design to create purposeful, story-driven visuals. I’m passionate about work that connects, communicates, and leaves a lasting impression.
As a designer, I’m passionate about capturing the depth of human experience and translating it into thoughtful, impactful visual work. Growing up, I was endlessly inspired by animated films and could spend hours sketching characters, inventing stories, and bringing ideas to life on paper. That early love for illustration sparked my creative journey and still shapes the way I approach design today—with curiosity, imagination, and a deep appreciation for storytelling.
I deeply value one-on-one connections with the community members I design for, believing that meaningful design begins with meaningful relationships. I see social research and personal storytelling as powerful tools, often gaining valuable insights through interviews that allow me to better understand individual goals and create work that uplifts and reflects their visions. My creative process is rooted in both strategy and craft. I often draw inspiration from fine art techniques such as linocuts, illustration, and tattoo ideation. These hands-on, tactile methods inform the technical direction of my projects and encourage me to create adaptable, multi-use pieces that feel both polished and personal. I believe that great design lives in the details, and I always strive to bring a human touch to my work because design, at its core, is about connection. That humanistic approach adds warmth, relatability, and intention to every project I take on.
When away from my studio, I am busy being a dog mom, reading fantasy books, being a video game nerd, and outside, playing volleyball or rugby!