Hello!
My name is Mikaela San Pietro and I’m a freelance illustrator based out of Connecticut, USA. I’ve had the opportunity to work with small publishers and independent authors to help bring some wonderful stories to life. Some previous clients include: Sacred Stories Publishing and Media, their imprint Owlet Books, Tinwoman Productions, Inc., MakSchu Productions, and Just Be.
Storytelling and illustration has played a huge part in my life. I don't think there's anything quite as exciting or satisfying as finishing a book or illustration, and seeing people genuinely connect with your work.
When I’m not busy drawing, I love to try new food, go for a run, enjoy a good stretch with some yoga, and most importantly continue my quest to find the cutest dog. Spoiler alert: it's every dog.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Experience
Illustrator at Sacred Stories Publishing and Media
2016 – 2022
• Designed characters that help tell the story and meet the author’s vision
• Worked on storyboards and color script for different children’s books
• Created illustrations that convey important story moments
• Provided final files in the proper format required for printing.
Designer at Sacred Stories Publishing and Media
2016 – 2022
• Designed multiple book covers, including fully illustrated designs
• Designed interior design assets
• Worked with publisher to finalize interior layouts of children’s books and chapter books
Illustrator and Book Designer at Tinwoman Productions
August 2020 – November 2020
• Designed characters that help tell the story and meet the author’s vision with their Ditty Zoo series
• Worked on storyboards and color script for the first children’s book in the series, "I Am an Orangutan: Lost and Found"
• Created illustrations that convey important story moments
• Provided text samples, interior, and cover layout samples as well as final book layout
• Provided final illustrations, in full color, and the final book and cover layouts in the proper file formats and ready for print.
Logo Designer at MakSchu Productions
July 2020 – September 2020
• Worked with MakSchu Productions to help their client bring their ideas to life through visual means
• Provided concept sketches, color studies, and samples for the logo design process.
• Created the final logo for HouseMasters in South Tampa, Florida, as well as delivering final files in the proper format.
Art Teacher/Building Intern at Trumbull Board of Education
Aug. 2017 Trumbull, CT
•Responsible for teaching foundation art to children ages 2-4; including developing fine motor skills, basic painting, etc.
• Filling in when teachers are absent, assisting with lessons and children supervision.
Art Instructor at Central Connecticut Cost YMCA
2011 – 2015
• Responsible for children’s safety, development, artist growth, overall well being; volunteered with children with special needs, lead children through daily activities, created murals, and office work.
Education
Illustration at Ringling College of Art and Design
2012 – 2016
at SACI: Studio Art Centers International Florence
Spring Semester, 2015 Florence, Italy
Skills
Exhibitions
Soft and Sensual Group
MadeBy Gallery Sarasota, FL
MadeBy’s 5th Annual Student Show Group
MadeBy Gallery Sarasota, FL
Awarded 3rd place for “Rooster vs. Farmer: The Showdown”.
The Illest of Illustration Group
Ringling College, Exhibition Hall Sarasota, FL
The Illustrator’s Sketchbook: A Closer Look Group
CJ Gallery Sarasota, FL