The Artist Behind the Lens
Kierstin A. hand
The Artist Behind the Lens
Born in Frederick County, Maryland, and raised in Franklin, Maine, I’ve called Downeast Maine home for nearly 25 years. My childhood was spent exploring the woods, having my nose to a book, and making art—
despite some early memory challenges that made school tough. My persistence led me to study multimedia and earn an Associate's Degree in Digital Graphic Design from EMCC.
Guided by my love for nature, art, and storytelling, I am drawn to photography for its power to capture emotion. As someone who sometimes struggles with memory, photographs become more than a record—they preserve the feelings of a moment. I may not always remember every detail, but I remember the emotion in each image. Sharing these emotional experiences with others is at the heart of my art.
I've worked as a librarian/social media specialist at Frenchman Bay Library and as a special education technician.
Fun Facts
13+
Created & Designed Post for the Frenchman Bay Library Facebook Page to Spread awareness of event, Artist of the Month & more
7 - 8 years
As of 2026 I've been photographing, Editing, and creating works of art since 2019
3.5 year
Between two library job experiences, that a total of 3.5 years, tasked with Library Services & Resources, IT support, and networking
1
showcased my work at a community/public gallery
A few more facts about me
My Favoirte type of photograph
Events & Nature
I'm obsessed with
A Good Fantasty Book
My perfect hobby
Baking Goodie
I have an associate degree in
Digital Graphic Design
Favorite Movie(s)
The Hobbit & Kiki Deliever Service
MY biggest Flaw
Big Prefectionist
Career Experiences
Special Educational Technician 2:
Librarian Assistant/Social Media Specialist:
Frenchman's Bay Library, Sullivan, August 28th, 2025 – Present
During my breaks from teaching, I work at the Frenchman's Bay Library. There, I manage the bookroom, assist at the front desk, and oversee the library's Facebook page. I also work on the newsletter layout and network for the Artist of the Month program. This experience has helped me enhance not only my library skills but also my social media and marketing skills.
Retail Sale Associate Two:
GOODWILL NORTHAN NEW ENGLAND (NNE)
November 4th, 2017 – June 4th, 2024
For 7 years, my first job was at a retail store while I was in high school and college. I was tasked with customer service and running the sales floor, including production, registers, maintenance, cleaning, and closing.
Graphic Design Summer Internship
GOODWILL NORTHAN NEW ENGLAND (NNE) August 2022 – October 2022
Updated Goodwill NNE's Round-Up logo and printable infographic for my internship. I collaborated with graphic design management, gained experience with style guides, and learned to work online due to the distance from the job site.
College Librarian Assistant
EASTERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE September 2018 – June 2019
While studying at EMCC for my Associate Degree in the Digital Graphic Design Program, I worked at the library, assisting students and teachers with scheduling study rooms and running the front desk.
Skills & Expertise
Soft Skills
- Problem-solving
- Flexible
- Creative Thinking
- Efficient Communication skills
- Long-term learning
Program Skills
- Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
- Microsoft Suite
- Google Suite
- Canva Suite
- LibraryWorld
Technical Skills
- Photography
- DSLR Camera Operation
- Lighting Design & 3-Point Lighting
- Social Media Branding
- Flyer & Poster design
- Page layout Design
Achievements & Certifications
Certificates & Qualifications
- Educational Technician II: GRADES B-12
- Educational Technician: ESEA - GRADES B-12
- Alice & PBIS Training | PDT (26 hours)
Rewards
- GoodwillNNE Employee of the Year | 2018
- 4th place Advertisement Design | Skills USA, States 2018
- 6th place Advertisement Design | Skills USA, States 2017
Educational Journey
Digital Graphic Design
Eastern Maine Community College
Associate Degree
2018-2021
Multi-Media Design Program
Hancock County Technical Center
Technical Certificate
2016-2017
High School Diploma
Ellsworth High School
Class of 2018