Hi, I'm Kathy.

I'm an art director and designer based in Brooklyn, NY.

I’m the art director for Games at The New York Times, shaping creative strategy and expression across editorial and product spaces.

Previously, I managed visual design systems and experiences at Rest of World and art directed at The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, and Globe Magazine. I also produced and designed The Mueller Report Illustrated, a graphic nonfiction book and six-part digital presentation.

 
 

Contact —

katherine.lee@nytimes.com (for illustration submissions)
katherineblee@me.com (for freelance)

Involvement —

Inkygoodness Collective
Mentor and judge (2024)

Society for News Design
Jury, digital (2024)

Society of Illustrators
Jury, uncommissioned (2023)
Jury, student competition (2017)

Society of Publication Designers
Illustration review (2022, 2021)

Sheridan College of Illustration
Jury, graduate show (2021)


Speaking
Engagements —

School of Visual Arts (2025, 2024, 2023)
Northeastern University (2025, 2024, 2019)
Fashion Institute of Technology (2023, 2017)
University of Miami (2020, 2017)
College Media Association (2020, 2014)
Associate Collegiate Press (2019, 2014)

Selected Recognition —

Society for News Design
World's Best Designer finalist (2023)
Gold medal, portfolio (2023)
Best in Show, small organization (2023)
Best in Show, large organization (2020)
Gold medal, print and digital (2020)
Silver medal, book (2020)
Bronze medal, Mueller report (2020)
Award of Excellence, portfolio (2017)

American Society of Magazine Editors
Best of Design finalist (2023)

Malofiej International Awards
Gold medal, innovative format (2020)

New York Times Bestseller
Graphic books and manga (2019)

The Indie Bestseller List
Paperback nonfiction (2019)

Scripps Howard Awards
Finalist, innovation (2020)