Welcome!
Hi, I’m Karly Richlinski, a visual and graphic design artist based in Chicago, currently shaping my craft at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I’m pursuing a BFA in Studio Art with a focus on painting, set to graduate in May 2025. As an interdisciplinary artist, I thrive on experimenting with various mediums, blending concepts to create bold, vibrant works that showcase my distinct flair for color and composition.
When I’m not in the studio, you’ll find me outdoors. Whether hiking mountain trails or watching a sunset by the water, the natural world fuels my creativity. Music is my constant companion, sparking ideas whether I’m exploring or unwinding. Together, these passions inspire how I see—and design—the world.
My dream is to combine my artistic vision with creative leadership to build a career in design that motivates, excites, and leaves a lasting impression. Dream job: art director!
Visual Art
My artwork dives deep into portraiture and still life, brought to life through oils, pastels, and charcoal. I love playing with color and texture, often starting with photography that I transform into expressive compositions bursting with personality. Beyond painting, I explore printmaking, book arts, and ceramics—constantly pushing boundaries and trying new things.
My artwork dives deep into portraiture and still life, brought to life through oils, pastels, and charcoal. I love playing with color and texture, often starting with photography that I transform into expressive compositions bursting with personality. Beyond painting, I explore printmaking, book arts, and ceramics—constantly pushing boundaries and trying new things.
Graphic Design
Graphic design is where creativity meets strategy, and I’m all in. As the lead designer for a Champaign-based monthly music magazine, I’ve honed my design skills while creating layouts that bring stories to life. From coordinating photoshoots and interviews to encouraging my team to take creative risks, it’s all about celebrating local music with style. My other design projects span photography, videography, custom lettering, and event promotions.
Graphic design is where creativity meets strategy, and I’m all in. As the lead designer for a Champaign-based monthly music magazine, I’ve honed my design skills while creating layouts that bring stories to life. From coordinating photoshoots and interviews to encouraging my team to take creative risks, it’s all about celebrating local music with style. My other design projects span photography, videography, custom lettering, and event promotions.
Curious to see what I’m working on? Take a look around!
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CV
Education
2025 — BFASA in Painting, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
2021 — Mundelein High School
2024
CFE.6 Art Installation — Champaign, IL
Pass Down Magazine: Creative Director & Lead Designer — Printed magazine and online
CFE.5 Art Installation — Champaign, IL
Fresh Press Art House Exhibition— Champaign, IL
The Whole Donut Link Gallery Exhibition — Champaign, IL
Advanced Drawing BLOC Gallery Exhibition — Champaign, IL
2023
"b-sides" zine for The Collective Magazine — Printed magazine
2022
Commissioned Corporate Artwork — Glen Ellyn, IL
2021
Commissioned Pet Portraiture — Mundelein, IL
2014
Lake County Art Fair — Grayslake, IL
2013
Lake County Art Fair — Grayslake, IL
Awards
Talented Student Scholarship — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (2021)