Hi, I’m Evie Yuqing Zhu. I’m a Bologna-based illustrator and designer who loves bringing stories to life through books, murals, and playful visuals. I’ve earned a PhD in Design Culture from the University of Bologna and an MA in Illustration from Maryland Institute College of Art, and I enjoy collaborating with writers, educators, and communities to make art that people can touch and feel. My practice spans freelance illustration, mural art, and research, with experiences across China, the U.S., and Italy. I’m passionate about storytelling, sustainable materials, and inclusive creativity, and I enjoy mentoring students and running creative workshops.

Evie Yuqing Zhu

Hi, I’m Evie Yuqing Zhu. I’m a Bologna-based illustrator and designer who loves bringing stories to life through books, murals, and playful visuals. I’ve earned a PhD in Design Culture from the University of Bologna and an MA in Illustration from Maryland Institute College of Art, and I enjoy collaborating with writers, educators, and communities to make art that people can touch and feel. My practice spans freelance illustration, mural art, and research, with experiences across China, the U.S., and Italy. I’m passionate about storytelling, sustainable materials, and inclusive creativity, and I enjoy mentoring students and running creative workshops.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Evie Yuqing Zhu. I’m a Bologna-based illustrator and designer who loves bringing stories to life through books, murals, and playful visuals. I’ve earned a PhD in Design Culture from the University of Bologna and an MA in Illustration from Maryland Institute College of Art, and I enjoy collaborating with writers, educators, and communities to make art that people can touch and feel.
My practice spans freelance illustration, mural art, and research, with experiences across China, the U.S., and Italy. I’m passionate about storytelling, sustainable materials, and inclusive creativity, and I enjoy mentoring students and running creative workshops.

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Language

English
Advanced
Italian
Beginner

Work Experience

Freelance Illustrator at Self-employed / Freelance
May 31, 2020 - May 31, 2020
Book covers and interior art for clients, including Quill Books at HarperCollins.
Graphic Designer and Assistant Landscape Designer at Aoya Landscape Design Company
September 1, 2017 - November 6, 2025
Facilitated five landscape projects including children’s parks, playgrounds and educational garden designs; contributed to space planning and visual signage systems.
Graphic Designer and Assistant Landscape Designer at Aoya Landscape Design Company
June 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024
Involved in Bologna, Nanjing and Baltimore locations; worked on landscape design projects and visual signage.

Education

PhD in Design Culture at University of Bologna
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
M.A. in Illustration at Maryland Institute College of Art
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
B.A. in Art and Design at Jiangnan University
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
Exchange Program in Art & Design at Asian University Exchange Program
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025

Qualifications

Hiii Illustration Awards - Finalist
January 1, 2024 - November 6, 2025
Communication Arts Illustration Competition - Shortlisted
January 1, 2024 - November 6, 2025
iJungle Illustration Awards - Gold Medal
January 1, 2023 - November 6, 2025
World Illustration Awards - Longlisted (Association of Illustrators)
January 1, 2023 - November 6, 2025
Communication Arts Illustration Competition - Shortlisted
January 1, 2022 - November 6, 2025
World Illustration Award - Longlisted (Association of Illustrators)
January 1, 2021 - November 6, 2025
Communication Arts Illustration Competition - Shortlisted
January 1, 2021 - November 6, 2025
3x3 Annual No.18 Illustration Award - Honorable Mention
January 1, 2021 - November 6, 2025
World Illustration Award - Shortlisted (Association of Illustrators)
January 1, 2020 - November 6, 2025
3x3 Annual No.17 Illustration Award - Honorable Mention
January 1, 2020 - November 6, 2025
Global Panda Illustration Competition - Excellent Award
January 1, 2020 - November 6, 2025
The 2nd Prize for the 25th Shanghai Excellent Kindergarten Books
January 1, 2015 - November 6, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Other