
Kristen Adam is an illustrator and print & pattern designer based in Portland, OR. Her illustrations have been applied to a wide range of product categories including: kids and nursery bedding, apparel, bath, rugs, window, gear, games, books, stickers, and greeting cards. Kristen is also an accomplished children’s book illustrator, her published titles include the bedtime story collection Secrets of the Forest by Alicia Klepeis (2023), and picture books The Secret of Fall by John Coy (2024), The Urban Owls by the Emmy Award winning host of National Geographic's Extraordinary Birder, Christian Cooper (2025), and The Outermost Mouse by Lauren Wolk (2026).
Kristen’s illustrations use a rich blend of digital media, traditional hand painted textures, and subtle characterization to capture the magic of the weird and wonderful natural world. She especially loves bringing the emotional content of a story to life with her art, and has a particular passion for books with environmental themes. When she's not wandering the woods looking for wildflowers, she loves star gazing, reading fantasy novels, and snuggling with her dog, Charlie.
Contact
Select Clients
Little, Brown for Young Readers
Dutton
Neon Squid
Sleeping Bear Press
Slumberkins
Pottery Barn Kids
Pottery Barn Teen
West Elm Baby
West Elm Kids
Mud Pie
Awards & Recognition
2026
Winner of the 2026 Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award in the Transitional Nonfiction category
Maryland Library Association
2025
Selected for Original Art Exhibit
New York Society of Illustrators
2016
Selected for Student Scholarship Competition Exhibition
New York Society of Illustrators