HELLO!

I'm a freelance artist focusing on hand-lettered and linework editorial illustrations, and whimsical maps and murals. Books and reading, food addiction and weight, and people and their pets are my favorite topics. I also love drawing maps of real and imaginary places.

I have a soft spot for ink, color, and places where words and pictures come together: books, maps, magazines, websites, newspapers — even a creatively crafted label on a bottle of bourbon.

As an award-winning journalist at The Plain Dealer, the daily newspaper in Cleveland, Ohio, I spent five years as the book review editor. I wallowed in beautifully illustrated literature that came across the transom. There I also scored some illustration assignments from a super supportive art director, and eventually I quit my day job to go to art school.

I have a BFA in Illustration from the Cleveland Institute of Art and a journalism degree from Bowling Green State University.

These days, when I'm not hunched over my sketchbook, I'm probably reading, or walking the dog and listening to true-crime podcasts, or overdosing on politics. I've been a longtime volunteer at a rehab center for sick and injured birds of prey. Holding an owl is the best.

I'm passionately interested in issues of weight, body image, and food addiction. For some of us, eating in moderation isn't a thing. I find peace in abstaining from sugar, flour and processed food, although I drink coffee like it's my job. I am trying to love tea more; the jury is out.

My husband Carlo Wolff is a writer and journalist. We have two grown daughters. If I were a person who used the word "awesome," I would use it for them.

Editorial illustration clients

The Plain Dealer/Cleveland.com
Crain's Cleveland Business
Larchmere Historic District
Ohio Authority

Books
"Zombies! Evacuate the School!" by Sara Holbrook (Wordsong Press/Highlights)
"Weird? Me too! Let's Be Friends!" by Sara Holbrook (Wordsong Press, Highlights)
"Just Breathe" by Eliza Wing

Murals
Geauga County Public Library
LAND Studio

Illustrated Map Clients
Cleveland Institute of Art
Lorain FireFish Festival

News
Karen Sandstrom posts illustrations during pandemic
Illustrator Karen Sandstrom draws inspiration from pet rescue stories