Khadija Horton
Q What do you do?
“I’m a visual storyteller. I utilize my design skillset of collage, illustration, typography and photography to create art that conveys a story/narrative behind a brand, article, band, event… you name it!”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I attended Pratt Institute and received a Bachelor’s degree in Communications Design with an emphasis in Illustration. Upon graduation, I landed a job at Cosmopolitan Magazine where I currently work full-time.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I play with the old and the new. I love to incorporate a nod to classics while updating it for a newer generation. I also let my inner kid come out when designing. I like to make things that a younger version of myself would have geeked out about.
Q What are you working on right now?
Finding the time to make art just for pleasure again.
Q What’s your style?
I have my favorite bits of every era. I love films from the 60s and editorial design from the 90s. I'm love referencing 80s and early aughts editorial photography. Unfortunately—or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, I haven’t created my best work yet. Here’s where I’d like to arrive someday...
www.slimesunday.com
www.instagram.com/lefleur
www.petra-collins.com/commercial
www.nadialeecohen.com/future-beach-film-2019
www.vacation.inc
www.sarahbahbah.com
www.toiletpapermagazine.org
www.instagram.com/jacquemus
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Definitely photography. It’s something I did a lot of in college that I loved and I had so much fun storytelling through that medium.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Simply not enough hours in the day :/
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Personal chef all the way.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Remember when you prayed for what you have now. Be as present as possible... in a year nothing will look the same.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Directing! I want to delve into the world of making short films.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’d love to help build a brand identity, design or illustrate a campaign, contribute to a cool indie mag, and/or design a concert poster! I'd like to work for a client with an engaging and exciting story to tell—ideally in the fashion, beauty, wellness or music space!
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Creative directing a campaign for a youthful brand!
Q What is your rate?
Truly depends! Email me and we'll work something out :)
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Carrier pigeon, Candygram, message in a bottle (please include tiny hammer), or an email at khadija.ariana97@gmail.com with your budget and scope! :)
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Aitana Cantu — She’s a sick designer with an amazing eye for typography, editorial design, and bookmaking! Not to mention she taught herself blender—which basically makes her a wizard.
Margie Rischiotto — She’s super smart, equally talented. Hit her up for some cool weird art or—ya know, if you wanna take over the world…;)
Sabrina Kaune — She is the sweetest, most kindest person you will ever meet and she designs the coolest merch and concert posters around over at Bravado.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Revisit an old obsession.
This member profile was originally published in May 2024.