Though she has been drawing animals and other mythical creatures since a young age, Carisa’s professional career as an artist officially began when she was discovered at Lunacon 2000 and offered a freelance job by art director and Magic artist Ed Beard Jr. Recently she has stepped into the world of children’s book publishing with several illustration jobs for Scholastic Inc.

Originally entering college with the ambition of becoming a veterinarian owing to a passion for animals since a toddler, Carisa quickly realized her mistake after stumbling through such classes as chemistry and advanced mathematics courses. After a sad farewell to her veterinary dreams, she switched into illustration, another constant in her life. Graduating in ’96 with a BFA in illustration, and minor in English, Carisa worked steadily on her portfolio (incorporating numerous animals, of course), and along with the encouragement of friends and family she began attending and showing at sci-fi/fantasy conventions. Which led to the beginning of her professional illustrative career.

Due to an abundance of books in the house from her father who was an high school English teacher, an over-active imagination, and an only child, Carisa spent hours creating fantastical beasts and worlds. Much to her mom’s relief, none of these creatures ended up gracing the walls of the house. Already enamored with strange beasts and dragons, movies such as The Last Unicorn, Dark Crystal and Clash of the Titans only served to fuel the fire. Many a mythology book’s spine in her father’s collection has been broken from repeated readings.

To this day Carisa continues to be an avid reader of world mythology and folklore books, especially those by the renowned Joseph Campbell. Other interests which are represented in her burgeoning bookshelf include Edward Gorey, the Pre-Raphelites, Art Noveau, a multitude of books on various flora and fauna, and a sizable collection of children’s books.

Though much of her time is taken up by her 9-5 job as a graphic designer, Carisa spends as much time as she can allow working towards her goal of full-time illustrator. She currently resides in Brooklyn with her two cats who delight in sitting on whatever illustration she happens to be working on and asking for belly rubs.