Karen Hallion Kenney is originally from Nahant, Massachusetts. She is a 1997 graduate of Ringling School of Art and Design, and holds a BFA in Illustration. Karen taught elementary school art in Swampscott, MA until 2009 when she transitioned to working full-time as a freelance artist.  

Karen is an illustrator and author whose art is characterized by its use of bright colors, intricate details, and a touch of humor, which make her work resonate with fans of all ages worldwide. In addition to her licensed work for various clients, Karen wrote and illustrated her first children’s book, Never Never Quit in 2018 and self-published the She Series Book, featuring 120 portraits and essays of inspiring icons whose actions changed the world. Karen has a strong online presence and her art can be found on a variety of products, including prints, enamel pins, puzzles, coloring books, apparel, home goods and more. Karen participates in pop culture conventions throughout the year including Epcot Festival of the Arts in Walt Disney World, Star Wars Celebration, San Diego Comic Con, and New York Comic Con.   

Karen’s clients include Ravensburger, LucasFilm, Wizards of the Coast, BBC Studios, DreamWorks Studios, Cryptozoic, Topps, Her Universe, Ashley Eckstein, Patrick Rothfuss, Chronicle Books, Hank Green, Eaglemoss, StudioX, and Disney Imagineering. 

Properties worked on include Disney, Doctor Who, Star Wars, Star Trek, Firefly, Marvel, Adventure Time and Studio Ghibli.  

 

She currently lives in Swampscott Massachusetts with her two children, her husband Brandon, their two dogs Annabelle, and Goose, and their cat Obi.