Chris Barela: Illustrator, Designer, Storyteller
I’m Chris Barela — an illustrator and interpretive designer with over two decades of experience bringing wild ideas to life. Through my studio, Chris Barela Design, I specialize in murals, signage, and immersive exhibits for zoos, aquariums, and natural history museums. At the heart of my work is storytelling — using art to spark imagination, engage visitors, and connect them more deeply with the natural world.
Whether it’s a life-sized Amazon river scene, an animated promo for a Halloween event, or species signage that inspires curiosity in kids, I design with both storytelling and science in mind. My background blends illustration, environmental graphics, and interpretive design — all rooted in a lifelong love of wildlife and education.
I collaborate closely with institutions of all sizes to create experiences that are bold, engaging, and easy to navigate. Every project is built to be beautiful and practical, with careful attention to detail, accessibility, and the visitor experience. From concept to final production, I deliver layered, print-ready files that fabricators can run with — and I back it all with responsive communication, solid file management, and the kind of creative problem-solving that keeps complex projects on track. Clients often tell me they return not just for the work, but for the clarity and calm I bring to every phase of a project.
