Available to hire
Hi, I am Chichi Zhao, an illustrator and designer blending art with storytelling. I create in-game illustrations and character designs for visual novels and publish fan-made works on platforms like itch.io and Bilibili. I have built a freelance career since 2021, taking on art commissions via Rednote and collaborating on Otome Legend.\n\nBased in the UK, I combined formal study in Illustration (BA and Master’s) at Leeds Arts University with hands-on experience in retail and hospitality, developing strong people skills and a flair for crafts like sewing, cosplay, and jewellery making. I am eager to bring creative, detail-oriented design to new projects and teams.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Japanese
Advanced
Chinese
Fluent
Work Experience
Freelance Illustrator at Self-Employed
October 1, 2025 - October 21, 2025Created in-game illustrations and character designs for visual novels on platforms such as itch.io and Steam. Contributed to the visual novel Otome Legend. Accepted art commissions through Rednote (Chinese social platform). Produced and published fan-made visual novel games on Bilibili, itch.io, and Rednote.
Online Seller at Self-Employed
August 1, 2025 - October 21, 2025Opened an online shop selling original T-shirt designs. Set up everything including contacting manufacturers, managing orders, and providing customer service. Achieved a sold-out stock within one month and grew a following of 640.
Team Member at Greggs
June 30, 2025 - October 21, 2025Provided excellent customer service and handled cash transactions. Opened and closed the shop independently. Baked and packaged food items while maintaining hygiene standards. Cleaned and organized the workplace to ensure a welcoming environment. Worked as part of a team and solved problems efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Barista at Tsujiri UK
December 1, 2023 - October 21, 2025Worked independently and with co-workers to ensure smooth daily operations. Key holder responsible for opening and closing the store. Maintained a clean and organized work environment. Prepared food, made ice cream and drinks, and operated latte steamers. Provided customer service in both English and Chinese for a diverse customer base.
Freelance Illustrator at Self Employed
October 1, 2025 - October 21, 2025Created in-game illustrations and character designs for visual novels on platforms such as itch.io and Steam. Contributed to the visual novel Otome Legend. Accepted art commissions through Rednote. Produced and published fan-made visual novel games on Bilibili, itch.io, and Rednote.
Online Seller at Self Employed - Jiangsu
August 1, 2025 - October 21, 2025Opened an online shop selling original T-shirt designs. Set up all operations including contacting manufacturers, managing orders, and providing customer service. Sold out all stock within one month and gained 640 followers.
Team Member at Greggs
June 1, 2025 - October 21, 2025Provided excellent customer service and handled cash transactions. Opened and closed the shop independently. Baked and packaged food items while maintaining hygiene standards. Cleaned and organized the workplace to ensure a welcoming environment. Worked as part of a team and solved problems efficiently. Adapted to a fast-paced environment during weekend and 10-hour shifts.
Barista at Tsujiri UK
December 1, 2023 - October 21, 2025Worked independently and with co-workers to ensure smooth daily operations. Key holder responsible for opening and closing the store. Maintained a clean and organized work environment. Prepared food, made ice cream and drinks, and operated latte steamers. Provided customer service in both English and Chinese for a diverse customer base.
Freelance Illustrator at Self Employed
October 1, 2025 - October 21, 2025Created in-game illustrations and character designs for visual novels on platforms such as itch.io and Steam; contributed to the visual novel Otome Legend; accepted art commissions through Rednote; produced and published fan-made visual novel games on Bilibili, itch.io, and Rednote.
Online Seller at Self Employed
August 31, 2025 - October 21, 2025Opened an online shop selling original T-shirt designs; managed manufacturers, orders, and customer service; achieved stock sell-out within one month and grew followers to 640.
Team Member at Greggs
June 30, 2025 - October 21, 2025Provided excellent customer service, handled cash transactions, opened and closed the shop, baked and packaged food items, maintained hygiene standards, and worked as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
Barista at Tsujiri UK
December 31, 2023 - October 21, 2025Worked independently and with colleagues to ensure smooth daily operations; key holder responsible for opening and closing the store; prepared food, made ice cream and drinks, and provided customer service in English and Chinese.
Education
Master's degree in Illustration with Graphic Novel at Leeds Arts University
September 1, 2023 - August 1, 2024Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Illustration at Leeds Arts University
September 1, 2019 - July 1, 2023Art Foundation (Diploma of Higher Education) at Leeds Arts University
September 1, 2019 - June 1, 2020A-Levels (Design & Technology, Textiles, Chinese, Fine Arts) at Repton School
September 1, 2017 - June 1, 2019Master's degree in Education illustration with graphic novel at Leeds Arts University
September 1, 2023 - August 1, 2024BA (Hons) Illustration at Leeds Arts University
September 1, 2019 - July 1, 2023Art Foundation (Diploma of Higher Education) at Leeds Arts University
September 1, 2019 - June 1, 2020Design and Technology (A-Level or equivalent) at Repton School
September 1, 2017 - June 1, 2019Textiles (A-Level or equivalent) at Repton School
September 1, 2017 - June 1, 2019Chinese (A-Level or equivalent) at Repton School
September 1, 2017 - June 1, 2019Master's degree in Illustration with Graphic Novel at Leeds Arts University
September 1, 2023 - August 31, 2024BA (Hons) Illustration at Leeds Arts University
September 1, 2019 - July 31, 2023Art Foundation (Diploma of Higher Education) at Leeds Arts University
September 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020Fine Arts (A-Level or equivalent) at Repton School
September 1, 2017 - June 30, 2019Design and Technology (A-Level or equivalent) at Repton School
September 1, 2017 - June 30, 2019Textiles (A-Level or equivalent) at Repton School
September 1, 2017 - June 30, 2019Chinese (A-Level or equivalent) at Repton School
September 1, 2017 - June 30, 2019Qualifications
GESE Grade 5 (CEFR Level B1.1)
June 1, 2022 - October 21, 2025AA in GESE Grade 5 (CEFR Level B1.1)
June 1, 2022 - October 21, 2025GESE Grade 5 (CEFR Level B1.1)
June 1, 2022 - October 21, 2025Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Retail, Education, Professional Services
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