Karla Herrera

Art has always been a passion of mine. However, it was not until I entered college that I decided to pursue it as a career. Originally from the Bay Area, I moved to Southern California to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from California State University, Fullerton.

My areas of expertise include digital illustration and digital painting. I graduated from CSUF in the summer of 2023, and since then I have been working as a digital and studio art teacher at the Orange County Children's Therapeutic Art Center, also known as OCCTAC. This nonprofit organization serves the neurodiverse community in Santa Ana by offering nonmedical therapeutic art classes.

At OCCTAC, I work with a wide range of students, from children as young as six years old to young adults and college students. In addition, OCCTAC collaborates with the Santa Ana Unified School District to provide free art instruction through its Elementary and Intermediate Engage 360 program. Through this partnership, I have taught at several local schools, including Jackson, Carver, and Harvey Elementary Schools.

Outside of my teaching position, I also have experience as a professional face painter. I currently work with Amazing Face Painting OC, where I provide face painting services for community events, private parties, and special occasions.