KHALILAH KERSEY is an artist, illustrator, and designer from southern Louisiana living in northern Louisiana. In 2018, she graduated with her B.F.A. in Graphic Design. Currently, she is pursuing her M.F.A. in Graphic Design while working as the International Student and Immigration Advisor at Louisiana Tech University. She owns her own business, studioKMAK, to encourage connection between people through intentionality, honesty, and empathy through prints, stickers, zines, and paintings. Her work has been featured in Bayou Life Magazine and has had pieces exhibited in juried shows at the FJ Taylor Visual Arts Center Gallery. Her prints, zines, and paintings utilize earth tones and serene color palettes with animals and nature being the focus. Her work has always been about two things: finding her voice and connecting with something outside of herself, whether that be with nature, animals, or humans. She uses digital programs to create her illustrations. Her goal is to encourage connection between people through intentionality, honesty, and empathy. She aims to make work that calms the viewer; that invites them over for coffee (or tea) and asks them to rest for a while. She wants to make work that actively listens and responds with compassion and wisdom. Her business, studioKMAK, exists to remind us of our place in the natural world. To remind that it’s possible to coexist without domination, but instead with appreciation and respect for all things. She draws inspiration from animals, plants, and predominantly mountains, and enjoys exploring new compositions and styles.