Hello! Kiara Johnson works as a multidisciplinary artist with professional experience in editorial/book illustration, motion design, and customized traditional paintings.
Formally trained for five years at the Rochester Institute of Technology, Kiara graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Film & Animation. The published illustrator completed her undergraduate degree while working as a full-time book illustrator for independent publishing companies.
As a recipient of the 2023 Regrant program hosted by the Arts Center of the Capital Region, Kiara taught an after-school program at Colonie Central High School, her alma mater, about the basics of Plein Air. After being awarded the 2024 BUILT Young Artist Award, Kiara then became a recipient of the 2025 ARTS Connect Grant program to independently produce and animate her trailer film, "Stuffed Hearts".
As an aspiring jack-of-all-trades, Kiara is currently expanding her skillset into 3D motion design through online school while working at the Albany Center Gallery as a Gallery & Marketing Associate.
Previous clients include: Scholastic, Discover Albany, Columbia High School Athletics