Why My Design Portfolio Is Different From My Illustration Portfolio

If you’ve browsed through my site, you might’ve noticed something: my Illustration portfolio has a very distinct, consistent style, while the Design section is more of a mix. That’s not a coincidence—it’s intentional. Today, I want to talk about why I approach these two sections differently and why that matters for potential clients, art directors, and anyone curious about my work.

When art directors visit an illustrator's portfolio, they’re often looking for one thing: consistency. They want to know exactly what they’re getting when they hire an illustrator. That’s why my Illustration portfolio sticks to what I like to call my “hero style.” It’s the look and feel I’ve honed over the years—cartoonish, expressive, and full of personality. Keeping it focused makes it easy for someone to picture how my work could fit their project.

But the Design section? That’s where I get to flex my versatility. It’s like the backstage tour of my creative process. I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many different types of businesses—everything from food packaging to children’s education, to motion graphics for big brands—and each project has its own unique needs. Sometimes that means working in a sleek, minimal style; other times, it’s bold and colorful. The style shifts depending on the audience, the brand identity, and the story that needs to be told.

For me, design is about solving problems. It’s about understanding what the client or brand needs and delivering something that works for them. That might mean creating an illustrated logo, designing eye-catching packaging, or crafting a cohesive visual system for a product line. The Design section of my site is where I show that range—where I let the project dictate the style, rather than the other way around.

So if you’re an art director looking for someone with a consistent, dialed-in style, my Illustration portfolio is for you. But if you’re a business looking for a designer who can adapt to your specific needs, dive into the Design section. You’ll see how I approach each project with fresh eyes, tailoring my work to fit the brand, the audience, and the story it needs to tell.

Thanks for stopping by—and if you’ve got a project in mind, let’s chat! Whether you’re looking for that hero style or something a little more custom, I’d love to help bring your vision to life.