Kristen Palana

My goal is to empower ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

I'm an American/Portuguese multidisciplinary artist based in Malawi. After decades as a digital artist, I've reconnected with my fine art roots. My animated films have screened in over 75 international film festivals earning numerous “Best Animated Short Film” awards.

As an educator, I've taught at universities on four continents, including at The American University of Rome, where I co-founded the Film and Digital Media Program. I've worked as a designer and educator for organizations such as the WHO, UNICEF, and WFP and created multimedia programs for students from all walks of life. Since 2014, I've taught thousands of students online in 185 countries, and from 2016–2019, taught for universities and NGOs in Myanmar. I'm currently a Digital Media and Animation Specialist for UNFPA Malawi.

What can I help you with today?

As an award-winning interdisciplinary artist, I have a thriving art practice, exhibit my work internationally, and create digital content for UN organizations in the areas of graphic design, illustration, web & app design, animation, social media management, and video/film.

I’ve created digital media programs and courses for secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate students on four continents. I am a dedicated mentor, career advisor, curriculum builder, and interdisciplinary collaborator known for promoting civic engagement and fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment.

My students have gone on to become confident professionals employed in creative fields, have started their own businesses, and/or have been accepted to graduate school to continue their studies.

I’ve also taught thousands of online students from 183 countries through Silicon Valley online learning platforms and the UN-mandated UPEACE Centre For Executive Education since 2014 as part of my research into the online creative economy. Other areas I’ve come to specialize in since 2015 are contemporary art business and marketing practices, entrepreneurship for creatives, location-independent and remote work opportunities for expats, communication practices within UN organizations in the deep field (against the backdrop of civil unrest, lack of electricity or resources, etc.), and social media content and online presence for individuals and organizations.