Kristina Swarner created her first illustrated story using crayon on manila paper at the age of 5 and has been drawing ever since.

Kristina no longer uses crayons, but creates her illustrations using a mixed-media technique based on linoleum printing. After transferring her drawing to a linoleum plate, she carves out the design and prints it on paper. She then paints over the print with watercolors and gouache and draws on it with colored pencil. Often described as magical and atmospheric, Kristina’s work draws much of its imagery and inspiration from nature, dreams, memories, and emotions. Since graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design, Kristina has created many award-winning illustrations and exhibited her work internationally, including at the Society of Illustrators and at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. She works out of her book, music, and plant-filled studio in Chicago.

Kristina Swarner is represented by Anne Moore Armstrong — to work with Kristina please email Anne