I am an illustrator from Shanghai, China, currently based in the United States, pursuing my BFA in Illustration at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA).Working with both digital and analog, I explore image-making through rich color palettes, relaxed, fine linework and gentle textures. My work focuses on combining observational sensitivity with conceptual and imaginative storytelling to balance clarity, rhythm, and whimsy. Illustrated in genres including editorial, lifestyle, book and commercial illustration, I am interested in visual problem solving from both conceptual/informational and narrative/emotional approaches. Outside of illustration, I enjoy traveling and watching various media.

Emily Cheng

I am an illustrator from Shanghai, China, currently based in the United States, pursuing my BFA in Illustration at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA).Working with both digital and analog, I explore image-making through rich color palettes, relaxed, fine linework and gentle textures. My work focuses on combining observational sensitivity with conceptual and imaginative storytelling to balance clarity, rhythm, and whimsy. Illustrated in genres including editorial, lifestyle, book and commercial illustration, I am interested in visual problem solving from both conceptual/informational and narrative/emotional approaches. Outside of illustration, I enjoy traveling and watching various media.

Available to hire

I am an illustrator from Shanghai, China, currently based in the United States, pursuing my BFA in Illustration at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA).Working with both digital and analog, I explore image-making through rich color palettes, relaxed, fine linework and gentle textures.
My work focuses on combining observational sensitivity with conceptual and imaginative storytelling to balance clarity, rhythm, and whimsy. Illustrated in genres including editorial, lifestyle, book and commercial illustration, I am interested in visual problem solving from both conceptual/informational and narrative/emotional approaches. Outside of illustration, I enjoy traveling and watching various media.

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Language

English
Fluent
Chinese
Fluent

Work Experience

Lead Designer, Cover Artist & Writer at 40-Page Magazine – Break the Ice
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Supervised magazine layout, illustrated cover art, designed advertisements and visuals; conducted editorial writing, photography sourcing, and multiple rounds of layout revisions; managed production timeline to deliver print-ready files on schedule.

Education

BFA in Illustration at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2027
Early College Program at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
January 1, 2022 - June 19, 2026

Qualifications

Merit Scholarship (MICA)
January 1, 2023 - June 19, 2026
Dean's List (MICA)
January 1, 2023 - June 19, 2026
Presidential & Returning Student Scholarship (MICA)
August 1, 2024 - September 1, 2024
Creative Vision Award (MICA Grant)
August 1, 2024 - September 1, 2024

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services