Sirius Zhao is a visual development artist and illustrator based in California, with a strong background in publishing, storytelling, and design. A recent graduate from ArtCenter College of Design, Sirius has contributed to projects sponsored by companies like Royal Caribbean and Cedars-Sinai, gaining valuable experience in collaborative, industry-facing environments. Her work ranges from picture books and concept art to graphic design and educational illustration. She’s especially passionate about visual storytelling that blends emotion, structure, and whimsy, and her approach is often informed by a deep love of nature and cultural diversity. With experience working across multiple departments, including museum exhibitions and banknote design, Sirius thrives in fast-paced, cross-functional teams, and brings a thoughtful, organized mindset to every project.

Sirius Zhao

Sirius Zhao is a visual development artist and illustrator based in California, with a strong background in publishing, storytelling, and design. A recent graduate from ArtCenter College of Design, Sirius has contributed to projects sponsored by companies like Royal Caribbean and Cedars-Sinai, gaining valuable experience in collaborative, industry-facing environments. Her work ranges from picture books and concept art to graphic design and educational illustration. She’s especially passionate about visual storytelling that blends emotion, structure, and whimsy, and her approach is often informed by a deep love of nature and cultural diversity. With experience working across multiple departments, including museum exhibitions and banknote design, Sirius thrives in fast-paced, cross-functional teams, and brings a thoughtful, organized mindset to every project.

Available to hire

Sirius Zhao is a visual development artist and illustrator based in California, with a strong background in publishing, storytelling, and design. A recent graduate from ArtCenter College of Design, Sirius has contributed to projects sponsored by companies like Royal Caribbean and Cedars-Sinai, gaining valuable experience in collaborative, industry-facing environments.

Her work ranges from picture books and concept art to graphic design and educational illustration. She’s especially passionate about visual storytelling that blends emotion, structure, and whimsy, and her approach is often informed by a deep love of nature and cultural diversity.

With experience working across multiple departments, including museum exhibitions and banknote design, Sirius thrives in fast-paced, cross-functional teams, and brings a thoughtful, organized mindset to every project.

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Language

English
Fluent
Chinese
Fluent

Work Experience

Specimen Banknote Designer at Koenig & Bauer Sponsored Project
August 31, 2023 - July 12, 2025
Created a specimen banknote design for the EQUINOX'24 event hosted by Koenig & Bauer, a global leader in banknote printing technology. The design, titled "Diverse World", was selected and purchased for its innovation and execution. Focused on secure layout, color strategy, and precise visual composition that aligns with real-world production standards. Collaborated with faculty advisors and external partners to meet technical and conceptual benchmarks.
Design Intern at Chengdu Museum
April 30, 2023 - July 12, 2025
Contributed to exhibit design for the Chinese Characters: Origins and Development exhibition. Supported spatial planning, typographic layout, and educational storytelling for general audiences.
Teaching Assistant (Multiple Courses) at ArtCenter College of Design
December 31, 2024 - July 12, 2025
Provided instructional support across five courses: Digital Design 1, Concept Art 1, Background Painting, Dynamic Sketching, and Design 1. Helped students strengthen skills in Adobe Creative Suite, sketching, composition, lighting, and storytelling. Guided project development, answered technical questions, and assisted with grading and critiques.
Specimen Banknote Designer at Koenig & Bauer Sponsored Project
August 31, 2023 - July 12, 2025
Created a specimen banknote design for the EQUINOX’24 event hosted by Koenig & Bauer, a global leader in banknote printing technology. The design, titled “Diverse World”, was selected and purchased by Koenig & Bauer for its innovation and execution. Focused on secure layout, color strategy, and precise visual composition that aligns with real-world production standards in currency design. Collaborated with faculty advisors and external partners to meet technical and conceptual benchmarks.
Design Intern at Chengdu Museum
April 30, 2023 - July 12, 2025
Contributed to exhibit design for the Chinese Characters: Origins and Development exhibition. Supported spatial planning, typographic layout, and educational storytelling for general audiences.
Teaching Assistant (Multiple Courses) at ArtCenter College of Design
December 31, 2024 - July 12, 2025
Provided instructional support across five courses: Digital Design 1, Concept Art 1, Background Painting, Dynamic Sketching, and Design 1. Helped students strengthen skills in Adobe Creative Suite, sketching, composition, lighting, and storytelling. Guided project development, answered technical questions, and assisted with grading and critiques.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts at ArtCenter College of Design
January 1, 2021 - April 30, 2025
Bachelor of Fine Arts at ArtCenter College of Design
January 1, 2021 - April 30, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Professional Services
    paper Kaia and the Tide

    https://www.twine.net/signin

    Kaia and the Tide follows a young marine biology student, Kaia, who arrives in a traditional fishing village to promote ocean conservation. Believing she knows what’s best, she attempts to change local practices through her own methods, but her efforts are met with resistance and misunderstanding. After a pivotal turning point, Kaia begins to realize that true conservation doesn’t come from confrontation, but from empathy, respect, and collaboration. The story explores her journey from pride to humility, from isolation to connection, and reflects on how harmony between people and nature is built through listening and shared purpose.