Illustrator Spotlight: Crista Kathleen McGinley

 

© Crista Kathleen McKinley

Sept. 2, 2026

We are pleased to feature illustrator Crista Kathleen McKinley and her banner design for Kidlit411.

Welcome! Tell us about yourself and how you came to illustrate for children.   

© Crista Kathleen McGinley

 

Hi there! I'm Crista Kathleen McGinley. Creativity runs in my family and I'm lucky to have had encouragement at an early age. I grew up watching Saturday morning cartoons and then spent my afternoons drawing on every piece of paper. There was also nothing quite like the joy of opening a new box of crayons, especially with a sharpener tucked in the back!  Art has always fascinated me, which led me to pursue a degree in illustration from Ringling College of Art + Design. It was there that I discovered my passion for creating illustrations for children's stories, and I've been dedicated to the path ever since.

© Crista Kathleen McGinley

 

Congrats on your banner design for Kidlit411! Tell us about how you approached this project.

Thank you! As I started this project, my main goal was to have fun! I envisioned a warm and inviting nighttime ambiance that reflects the sense that autumn is just around the corner. I wanted to honor the classic birds on a line, and I thought it would be sweet to have the birds perched on the roof, peeking in, while the owls observed quietly from afar. I've always had a fondness for kitties, so I made sure to include one that looks all cozy and warm. Growing up, I loved watching fireflies at night, so I definitely needed to incorporate a few into my illustration.

© Crista Kathleen McGinley

What projects are you working on now?

I recently illustrated, When the Sea Left, written by Nadine Holland and published by Tielmour Press.This daring new picture book explores choices, consequences, and the belief that one child can set things right. When Felix carelessly tosses his trash into the sea, he thinks nothing of it. That is, until he is warned about the dire consequences! But Felix doesn’t listen, and the sea disappears! Can one boy undo the damage and restore the sea before it’s too late? https://www.tielmourpress.com/books/when-the-sea-left. 

 

I'm thrilled to announce that I will be illustrating another wonderful children's book, written by Carla Ahlberg, set to be published in 2027.

© Crista Kathleen McGinley

 

What is your preferred illustration medium and style?

Watercolor is among my favorite mediums due to its charming imperfections, which pair beautifully with children's books. I also sketch traditionally on paper first and then illustrate digitally in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. I'm a versatile illustrator, and I enjoy working on various projects. 

© Crista Kathleen McGinley

What is something most people don't know about you?

Halloween is my favorite holiday! I loved reading Halloween-themed picture books, getting dressed up and carving my pumpkin for the big night. One of my favorite picture books is How Spider Saved Halloween by Robert Kraus, published in 1988.

© Crista Kathleen McGinley

 

Where can people find you online?

You can find me through my website, https://cristakathleen.weebly.com

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, 

Clove Emporium, Etsy Boutique. You can find me on social media, LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/crista-kathleen-mcginley

Instagram @powdertucson, Facebook, Bluesky and X  

 

 

Crista lives in Orlando, FL with her husband and three teenagers, who inspire her daily. Crista loves walking on the beach with her family, and her favorite drink is sweet iced coffee.

 

Skilled in digital and traditional mediums, her illustration work has been described as storytelling with joyful, whimsical images that warm the heart. Crista has worked professionally illustrating various children's publications, including picture books, board books, coloring books, activity books, and kids' magazines. Additionally, she has designed artwork for toys, playing cards, kids' clothing, educational toys, lacing cards, puzzles, and sticker books.