- MY STORY-
Creativity has been part of Raina Funk’s life from the very beginning. As a child, she was constantly drawing, building, experimenting, and finding ways to turn everyday materials into art. Long before formal training, she was creating mixed-media illustrations using cotton for clouds, layered textures, and handmade visual storytelling. In elementary school, she even wrote and illustrated her own short book; something she still plans on digging out of storage one day.
Her creative interests extended far beyond visual art. Raina also studied classical piano through the Royal Conservatory program, technically making it to Grade 8… although she jokes that after failing Grade 8 rather spectacularly, Grade 7 is probably the more honest answer. Still, the years of musical training helped shape her understanding of rhythm, structure, discipline, and creative expression; even if she claims she can only hit the occasional note now when nobody is listening.
What began through art naturally evolved into graphic design, branding, and visual communications. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Communications, Raina went on to work across multiple industries, including automotive, real estate, hospitality, tourism, arts, and creative development. Early in her career, she worked within a demanding, high-output creative environment that pushed speed, precision, adaptability, and strategic thinking daily. While intense, it became one of the most valuable experiences of her professional growth, giving her the structure, resilience, and edge she carries into her work today.
Outside the creative industry, Raina also developed a strong passion for bodybuilding and weight training, eventually becoming the first Overall Figure Champion in Alberta in her category. That same discipline and drive continue to influence both her personal life and professional approach; balancing creativity with consistency, structure, and long-term vision.
Today, Raina works in a hybrid creative role that blends branding, creative direction, marketing systems, design, content development, and operational strategy. Her work spans hospitality, arts, culture, tourism, and community-focused initiatives through ongoing collaborations with organizations including INNhotels, CreativeMITE, LJL Galleries, and the Rocky Mountain Art Tour. Working within a gallery environment while simultaneously managing creative and strategic projects has allowed her to wear many hats, something she genuinely thrives in.
Living just outside of Edmonton near the lake, Raina shares her life with her loyal sidekicks: Niels, Rocco, and Dee. Outside of work, she finds inspiration through nature, animals, music, training, storytelling, and the beautifully organized chaos that often fuels creative life.
With a lifelong love for branding, visual storytelling, and meaningful experiences, Raina approaches each project as more than just a visual exercise. Her work focuses on building cohesive creative ecosystems where strategy, design, emotion, and human connection all work together intentionally.
Her greatest strength lies in seeing connections others may overlook; transforming ideas, brands, and experiences into thoughtful, strategic, and visually compelling worlds.
- WHAT I DO -
