Gina McKinna

Freelance Sr Graphic Designer & Brand Consultant @ Self Employed

Carlsbad Los Angeles (UTC-7) 20 yrs in design

About

I've been a graphic designer for 20 years, helping companies with brand identity, package design, tradeshow art, and everything in between. I started as an in-house designer, working for large companies like Petco and Jack in the Box. 12 years ago I made the leap to freelance, and have never looked back! When I'm not designing, I enjoy mentoring other designers who are curious about freelancing, need guidance in the design workplace, have technical questions with Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop, or would benefit from portfolio reviews. I also teach Intro to Package Design online seasonally.

How I can help

I help beginner and mid-level designers navigate common career challenges, like how to break into freelance, pros and cons of freelance, dealing with tricky client situations, and how to level up their portfolios.

Ask me about

Imposter syndrome

Full-time to freelance; portfolios; difficult cl

Not the right mentor for: Portfolio reviews, dealing with difficult clients/bosses, freelancing, passion project assignments for real-world experience.

Expertise

Freelancing

Graphic Design

Visual/Brand

package design

What mentees say

Self, checked by the Hop team. See it on Self ↗

Quotes from other platforms are shown as given and aren't part of this mentor's Hop record.

Gina offers clear, constructive feedback that has helped me push my work further, and she’s taken the time to really understand my interests and goals. She’s encouraged me to explore the kinds of projects that genuinely excite me and has even created prompts and practice challenges tailored to those areas. That experience has helped me build a portfolio that feels more intentional.
A mentee on Self · verified Sep 2026
Gina does not gatekeep design ideas or tips, and she gives constructive feedback in a way that's very honest yet gentle and uplifting.
A mentee on Self · verified Sep 2026
I could not recommend Gina as a mentor more, and I know a big part of my business' success will be because of her nurturing guidance. I have full confidence that anyone else she takes on as a mentee will be equally blessed.
A mentee on Self · verified Sep 2026