Rickie Gao is a Brooklyn-based illustrator and graphic designer from Beijing, China. She graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Communications Design, Illustration and a minor in The Book. Passionate, innovative, and detail-oriented, she draws inspiration from everything around her and transforms it into impactful and charming imagery. Her work blends whimsical storytelling, surreal visuals, and thoughtful design through both traditional and digital mediums. She has experience in editorial design, creative direction, and production management as the Creative Director and Illustrator for The Prattler. Her work has also been recognized by American Illustration, Society of Illustrators, and Communication Arts.

Rickie Gao

Rickie Gao is a Brooklyn-based illustrator and graphic designer from Beijing, China. She graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Communications Design, Illustration and a minor in The Book. Passionate, innovative, and detail-oriented, she draws inspiration from everything around her and transforms it into impactful and charming imagery. Her work blends whimsical storytelling, surreal visuals, and thoughtful design through both traditional and digital mediums. She has experience in editorial design, creative direction, and production management as the Creative Director and Illustrator for The Prattler. Her work has also been recognized by American Illustration, Society of Illustrators, and Communication Arts.

Available to hire

Rickie Gao is a Brooklyn-based illustrator and graphic designer from Beijing, China. She graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Communications Design, Illustration and a minor in The Book. Passionate, innovative, and detail-oriented, she draws inspiration from everything around her and transforms it into impactful and charming imagery. Her work blends whimsical storytelling, surreal visuals, and thoughtful design through both traditional and digital mediums.

She has experience in editorial design, creative direction, and production management as the Creative Director and Illustrator for The Prattler. Her work has also been recognized by American Illustration, Society of Illustrators, and Communication Arts.

See more

Language

Chinese
Fluent
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Creative Director & Illustrator at The Prattler
December 31, 2024 - May 15, 2026
Developed theme and visual style guide. Designed the cover, table of contents, and layouts. Managed the creative production process including timelines, artist selection, and providing feedback.
Computer Lab Monitor at Pratt Institute Higgins Hall
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Monitored lab compliance, maintained printers, and provided technical assistance for student projects.
Copy Center Computer Lab Monitor at Pratt Institute Copy Center
December 31, 2023 - Present
Assist students with printing, book binding, lamination, laser cutting, and heat pressing. Operate equipment and troubleshoot technical issues.

Education

BFA in Communications Design: Illustration, The Book minor at Pratt Institute
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2026

Qualifications

Mary Buckley Endowed Scholarship Recipient
January 1, 2023 - May 26, 2026
International Scholarship Recipient
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2026
President’s List Honoree
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2026
American Illustration 44 Chosen Winner
January 1, 2025 - May 26, 2026
Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship Finalist
January 1, 2025 - May 26, 2026
Communication Arts: Illustration Shortlist
January 1, 2026 - May 26, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other, Software & Internet
    uniE621 Petals
    My senior thesis project: a visual essay about a whimsical journey of a boy and a cat. It has 9 full-spread watercolor illustrations contained in a hand bound hard cover book.
    uniE621 Petals
    My senior thesis project: a visual essay about a whimsical journey of a boy and a cat. It has 9 full-spread watercolor illustrations contained in a hand bound hard cover book. illustrator graphicdesigner designer
    uniE621 Petals
    My senior thesis project: a visual essay about a whimsical journey of a boy and a cat. It has 9 full-spread watercolor illustrations contained in a hand bound hard cover book. illustrator designer
    uniE621 Petals
    My senior thesis project: a visual essay about a whimsical journey of a boy and a cat. It has 9 full-spread watercolor illustrations contained in a hand bound hard cover book.
    uniE621 Petals
    My senior thesis project: a visual essay about a whimsical journey of a boy and a cat. It has 9 full-spread watercolor illustrations contained in a hand bound hard cover book. illustrator graphicdesigner designer