Nate Riley, with too much grey hair and even more snow, in an image his wife said would make a "good book jacket photo". Photographed in Pinecrest Lake, California.

I’m a creative designer and illustrator based in the SF Bay Area.

I spent much of my early childhood in hot water for drawing silly pictures instead of doing classwork. Later, that led me—through a roundabout path—into the ad, media, and design world.

I’ve worked across brand campaigns, digital experiences, environmental graphics, and narrative imagery. Illustration has always been one of my strongest tools. Most concepts start in a sketchbook—whether I’m designing a mural, storyboarding a video, or developing work for clients and communities.

I also explore picture books and education-focused storytelling—work that relies on simple ideas and clear, accessible visuals.

I’m drawn to projects that blend creativity, clarity, and a sense of play: exhibits, environmental design, interactive learning, illustration, and visual systems that make information engaging, meaningful, and fun.

If you'd like to work together or chat about ideas, feel free to reach out.

Services

Illustration

Digital & Graphic Communication

Art Direction

Environmental & Outdoor Design

Web & Mobile Experience

Storyboarding & Scripting

Concept Development

Visual Storytelling

Ideation & Occasional Silliness