A Little Bit About Me...

Hi! I'm Kristy Benicase, a twenty-four year old graphic designer, hockey lover, and avid tea drinker. I am from the small town of Highland NY, and grew up surrounded by great artistic inspiration, having been raised by both the peace and solitude of the Hudson Valley, and the bright lights and fast pace of the city that never sleeps. 

From a very early age, it was clear that I was "the creative" in my family. Two things that I picked up on very early were art and writing. I was drawn to them. I drew constantly, and filled countless journals over the years. Both mediums gave me a platform of self-expression that just couldn't compare to any other outlet. I am so fortunate to have been able to make a career out of this, because to me it has never felt like work. I love a challenge, learning new mediums in the field, and translating a message into a visual. Each project is an opportunity to grow, and each one is unique. That is the greatest thing about this field. If it feels mundane, you're not doing it right.

Typography is Key.

If I were ever asked to play favorites, or to choose a personal strength, it would undoubtedly be typography related. I began to teach myself hand lettering in early 2015, and have been striving to perfect it ever since. I think that it all stems from my love of writing. Words are so powerful, and I like to put them on display quite often in my personal work. 

Academic Career

I studied graphic design at Ulster Community College for a year on a full scholarship. I then transferred to SUNY Oswego in the fall of 2013. After graduation in May of 2015, I went back to work at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, where I had been the graphic design intern since 2014. In the summer of 2015, I began working as a full time Graphic Artist in Westchester County.  In addition to this full time position, I am currently running my own freelance side business. I entered into an online graduate program through Marist College in the fall of 2016, and graduated with my M.A. in Integrated Marketing Communications in May of 2018.