Elena Kato is an illustrator, artist, designer, and bug enthusiast based in Eugene, Oregon. She recently graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor’s in Architecture, where she leveraged her design and communication skills to create engaging illustrations for magazines and dynamic graphic content for events, workshops, and public initiatives.

Growing up in Japan, Elena’s mixed heritage and immersion in nature profoundly shaped her perspective on diversity and representation, driving her commitment to uplift underrepresented voices through her work. Her appreciation for non-Western architecture further enriches her approach to spatial design and aesthetics, allowing her to bring a diverse and innovative perspective to her artistic projects.

Elena’s work often bursts with bright colors and playful textures, celebrating the intricate connections between humans and the natural world, particularly small critters and their role in the ecosystem. Outside of her creative pursuits, you can find her hiking, listening to audiobooks, and attending classical concerts with her partner.