Kelsey Askew

Founder, Art Director & Senior Graphic Designer

I am a versatile professional artist with 13 years of experience in graphic design and 20 years in fine art, specializing in both design and illustration. My work with well-established companies like Nike and VF Corporation, alongside my experience helping small startups grow, has equipped me with a deep understanding of what resonates in both digital and tangible business spaces.

My Story

I began creating art at a very young age, and I distinctly remember drawing a sailboat with a person inside for a Kindergarten assignment. My teachers and parents were impressed, but I remember looking at the drawing and thinking, “That? I could do so much better.” That moment was the spark that ignited my passion for art. It was when I realized, I am an artist. It also marked the beginning of my drive to always push myself to excel in every project and to continuously challenge myself to improve.

In my early years, I wasn’t sure what my niche was, so I began painting dog portraits for family and friends. Over the years, I earned commissions for this work while still searching for my true career path. Eventually, I pursued Graphic Design in school and landed a role as an Image Artist at Nike. During this time, I was constantly honing my skills, always seeking ways to blend my hand-drawn art with digital techniques. I promised myself to challenge my creativity every day, and it was around this time that I launched my Instagram account, @kelsey.askew.

Since then, I’ve been building my brand, developing my craft, and forging lasting relationships with clients. The journey has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’ve never felt more aligned with my passion. I truly love the process at every stage, and I can’t wait to share my next project with you.

Mikala Young

Operations Manager

I never set out to work in the creative industry, but life has a way of bringing us exactly where we are meant to be. My background is in functional health, coaching, and business operations, and for years, I’ve been deeply invested in helping people transform their health through my own business, Thrive NTP. As a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP), I guide clients through personalized wellness strategies, helping them restore balance through food, lifestyle, and foundational health principles.

While I love the work I do at Thrive NTP, I realized something was missing—I missed being part of a team. Collaboration has always been at the heart of my career, whether it was mentoring teams at a regional level, coaching businesses to improve efficiency, or working closely with clients on their health journeys. I thrive in environments where ideas are shared, solutions are created together, and people bring out the best in each other.

At Askew Collective, I get the best of both worlds. I have the opportunity to help shape and support a growing creative team, ensuring that communication is seamless, operations run smoothly, and every client experience feels intentional and personal. I’m part of a company that values collaboration, sustainability, and meaningful impact, and I have the privilege of working alongside Kelsey, a close friend of 16 years. Stepping into a new industry filled with creativity and design has been both exciting and inspiring, pushing me to grow in ways I never expected.

I may not be the one creating the art, but I help bring the vision to execution. I ensure that our clients feel heard, their ideas are brought to life with clarity, and our team has the structure and support they need to create with confidence. At Askew Collective, we believe that great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about connection, strategy, and impact. I’m grateful to be part of this journey, and I can’t wait to see what we create together.

Lily Cronn

Graphic Designer

Art has always been my passion, from doodling in the back of the classroom as a kid to pursuing a professional career in design. Art has always been my favorite pastime, and that love has evolved into a career.

I studied graphic design at the University of Oregon, but in my final year, I decided to shift my focus and pursue a BFA in Printmaking and Fine Art. This decision allowed me to deepen my understanding of art theory and expand my creative thinking beyond the constraints of design. Anyone can learn Photoshop and Design software, but learning to think creatively and approach problems with thoughtful solutions is a skill that takes years to master.

I have had the opportunity to work in various roles that have shaped my career aspirations and skill set. From being a screenprinter to working as the head graphic designer at a kombucha company, I have gained experience across multiple creative disciplines and industries. Additionally, I've freelanced for organizations like Oregon State University and Sea Grant, where I applied my design, photography, and illustration skills to projects.

As a graphic designer by trade and an artist at heart, I strive to blend creativity, technical expertise, and thoughtful design to tell meaningful stories and elevate visual experiences.