Allie Yacina: Head: Artist, Illustrator, Designer, and More

Allie Yacina is an exciting young artist whose creativity bridges the gap between the traditional and the digital, the intuitive and the intentional. With a background spanning fine art, graphic design, and brand development, she brings both precision and passion to every project she touches. Her work is a study in color and space, balanced yet bold, thoughtful yet full of life. Much like her art, Allie radiates warmth and clarity, approaching each new challenge with a blend of artistry, intellect, and heart.  

Allie’s journey began in 5th Grade, when she began doodling in a sketchbook. Unlike most, she quickly discovered she had a genuine knack for capturing the essence of things. Flexing her creative muscles gave her joy and provided a unique means of expression. Her parents were instrumental in nurturing this gift and encouraged her to keep exploring. In high school, she studied under Mark Wamburg, a teacher who demanded the best from his students and helped her refine her talent. When it came time for college, her portfolio earned her a perfect score and admission to the University of Delaware, where she earned her degree in Visual Communications. 

Shortly after graduating in 2016, Allie moved across the country to Portland, drawn by its vibrant and thriving art scene. She allowed herself only two weeks to find housing, and fortunately for us, she succeeded. Looking back nine years later, she recalls that time with nostalgia. Her first position was with Mary Racila, doing computer graphic design work (among other things, she helped design signage for the famed Ladd luxury apartment complex). Next, she joined Modern Times Brewery, designing more abstract pieces for labeling and merch. Today, she works as an illustrator and designer for the local mobile game developer Brainium Studios. 

Never one to rest on her laurels, Allie continues to expand her horizons as both an artist and a person. The stability provided by her full-time positions in the digital realm has allowed her the freedom to explore a variety of inspirations in the analog world. In 2019, especially after discovering acrylic gouache, she made a concerted effort to grow her fine arts portfolio. The medium’s punchier color palette and lush matte finish offered a richness she’d never been able to achieve using watercolors. So, for the past six years, she has really found her creative groove, producing some of her finest, most personal work to date. These pieces evoke moods that are playful, nostalgic, and bittersweet, while capturing a sense of magic in the mundane.

Allie Yacina can regularly be found painting at Make Fun Studios in Southeast Portland. She has an upcoming solo show scheduled at Antler & Talon in 2026, and it’s not to be missed! You can also visit her website: allieyacina.com or follow her on social media platforms like Instagram and Substack.