Hello there! I am a freelance illustrator living in Pittsburgh, PA. In 2011, I graduated from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with a BFA in studio art. Although my background is in painting, I gravitated towards illustration and it's ability to use drawing as an educational tool. My roots as a painter initiated my love of color and composition, and my experience as a commercial artist sparked an interest in hand-lettering and vintage-style graphics.  My favorite projects to work on allow me to bring my individual style to help tell someone's story, or to explain the significance of beloved places. Since 2017, I have been steadily working on a personal illustration project called 100 Days of Pittsburgh (#100daysofpittsburgh on Instagram), where I illustrate 100 people, places and landmarks connected to Pittsburgh (you can find a selection of these under the “portfolio” tab) .  This has been invaluable in finding my creative voice and personal style, and has allowed me to work with likeminded, local clients such as WYEP/WESA, BikePGH, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

I strive to create illustrations that inform in an approachable and fun way, using joyful color palettes and inventive lettering styles. My specialties include portraits, hand-lettering, and architecture. Every illustration begins with hand-drawn line work. I add color digitally in Photoshop, or sometimes traditionally with watercolor or gouache.  Also, I like to scan in textures made by hand to layer within my illustrations in order to further incorporate a handcrafted touch.  This marriage of analog and digital techniques is something that keeps me endlessly interested and helps to create the most dynamic images possible. 

Thanks for checking out my work!

Wanna work together? Please direct all project inquiries to abby.e.winkler@gmail.com

Be sure to follow me on instagram (@winkler_abby, just click on the icon below) and see what prints and greeting cards I have for sale on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/abbywinkler/