Kristy Caldwell is a New York-based illustrator. She uses visual narrative to explore how imagination shapes perception and cultivates creative empowerment. She has illustrated more than a dozen children’s books, including Flowers for Sarajevo, a 2017 New York Public Library Best Book for Kids. While attending the School of Visual Arts, she co-founded the experimental literary journal Carrier Pigeon: Illustrated Fiction and Fine Art and served as editor for the first 12 issues.
Kristy’s illustrations have been recognized by American Illustration and Communication Arts. In 2025 she became the first visual artist to receive a William H. Helfand Fellowship at the Grolier Club Library. She is an Assistant Professor at Queens College, CUNY.
kc@kristycaldwell.com
@kristy.caldwell
WRITING ON ART
- The Blind Man in the Studio: A Visit with Richard Pettibone, Castelli Gallery
SELECT INTERVIEWS ABOUT ILLUSTRATION PROCESS
- ‘Trim Sets Sail’ and ‘Trim Helps Out’ — Historical Fiction about a Ship’s Cat, Conversations, Kansas Public Radio
- Thanks to Frances Perkins: An Interview with Kristy Caldwell, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast
- From the Sketchbook: Kristy Caldwell / Children’s Book Council
- Let’s Talk Illustrators #100, Let’s Talk Picture Books