I am an illustrator and visual communicator focused on narrative-driven design and editorial illustration, creating work that blends storytelling with emotional engagement across print and digital media. My practice crosses editorial briefs, book and zine design, and exhibition projects, with experience delivering commissioned illustrations for festivals, magazines, and libraries. I recently completed a BA in Illustration at the University of Edinburgh and am pursuing an MA in Visual Communication at the Royal College of Art to deepen my explorations in graphic storytelling and multimedia experimentation.

Yutong Lu

PRO

I am an illustrator and visual communicator focused on narrative-driven design and editorial illustration, creating work that blends storytelling with emotional engagement across print and digital media. My practice crosses editorial briefs, book and zine design, and exhibition projects, with experience delivering commissioned illustrations for festivals, magazines, and libraries. I recently completed a BA in Illustration at the University of Edinburgh and am pursuing an MA in Visual Communication at the Royal College of Art to deepen my explorations in graphic storytelling and multimedia experimentation.

Available to hire

I am an illustrator and visual communicator focused on narrative-driven design and editorial illustration, creating work that blends storytelling with emotional engagement across print and digital media.

My practice crosses editorial briefs, book and zine design, and exhibition projects, with experience delivering commissioned illustrations for festivals, magazines, and libraries. I recently completed a BA in Illustration at the University of Edinburgh and am pursuing an MA in Visual Communication at the Royal College of Art to deepen my explorations in graphic storytelling and multimedia experimentation.

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Language

English
Fluent
Chinese
Fluent

Work Experience

Editorial Illustrator at Edinburgh International Book Festival Communities
January 1, 2022 - Present
Created two commissioned editorial illustrations published in festival journals and on their official website. Gained experience in working with editorial briefs, text interpretation, and meeting professional deadlines.
Poster Designer at Bookmarks: Artist & Book Zine Fair
January 1, 2022 - Present
Designed event posters using Illustrator, Procreate, and Photoshop. Delivered original layouts for promotion and gained hands-on experience in event communication and audience engagement.
Editorial Illustrator at Children in Scotland
October 1, 2023 - Present
Publication | Children in Scotland, Issue 5 — Editorial Illustration. Submitted illustration selected for publication, reaching a national readership of educators and policymakers. Demonstrated ability to create contextually relevant visuals under editorial standards.
Editorial Illustrator at Crumble Magazine
March 1, 2023 - Present
Publication | Crumble Magazine, Issue 8 — Editorial Illustration. Produced a commissioned illustration interpreting the issue’s theme, strengthening visual storytelling and editorial communication skills.
Exhibited Artist at Arts Thread: Global Creative Graduate Showcase (with Google Arts & Culture & Monaco Foundry)
January 1, 2025 - Present
Shortlisted publication project showcased in the 2025 global online exhibition celebrating outstanding creative graduates worldwide.
Exhibited Artist at Broken Silence: Women’s Voices, Autonomy, and Well-being
January 1, 2025 - Present
Presented artwork at the University of Edinburgh exploring women’s voices and autonomy. Developed skills in curating and articulating social narratives through visual media.
Exhibited Artist at RedCubed (with ActionAid) — Charity Art
January 1, 2023 - Present
Co-developed menstrual-themed artworks exhibited in a student-led show and charity sale, raising funds for ActionAid. Contributed to exhibition curation, publicity, and sales, gaining hands-on experience in project delivery and audience engagement.
Exhibited Artist at National Library of Scotland
January 1, 2021 - Present
Created a risograph comic for The Heart of Midlothian project, exhibited at the National Library of Scotland, gaining hands-on experience in visual storytelling and print production.

Education

Bachelor of Arts: Illustration - First Class Honours at The University of Edinburgh, College of Art
September 1, 2020 - July 1, 2024
Master of Arts: Visual Communication at Royal College of Arts
September 1, 2024 - September 1, 2025

Qualifications

3x3 International Illustration Awards - Honorable Mention
January 1, 2024 - December 5, 2025
3x3 International Illustration Awards - Merit Award
January 1, 2025 - December 5, 2025
Batsford Book Prize - Shortlisted
January 1, 2023 - December 5, 2025
Batsford Book Prize - Shortlisted
January 1, 2024 - December 5, 2025
Hiii Illustration Awards - Shortlisted
January 1, 2025 - December 5, 2025
Arts Thread: Global Creative Graduate Showcase - Shortlisted
January 1, 2025 - December 5, 2025
3x3 International Illustration Awards - Honorable Mention
July 1, 2025 - December 6, 2025
3x3 International Illustration Awards - Merit Award
July 1, 2025 - December 6, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization
    paper Self-Directed Children's illustration book Project (Unpublished)

    Merit prize of 3x3 Illustration Award No.22
    Shortlisted project of Batsford Prize 2024

    Link to the project: https://www.twine.net/signin
    Link to my portfolio: yutonglu.com

    A picture book reimagines Newton’s apple story to explore “gravity” through
    wonder and creativity. When an apple falls, a chef, an architect, and even a small bear
    each see it differently—discovering their own sparks of imagination. At last, Newton
    explains gravity, revealing why the apple falls back to Earth. The apple becomes a
    symbol of curiosity and new ideas. With soft red-green tones and gentle textures, this
    light-hearted story invites children to stay curious, dream boldly, and find their own
    “apple” of inspiration in everyday life.

    Software: Adobe Photoshop & InDesign
    Target Audiences: children under 10 years old
    26 Pages: 20cm x 30cm per single page
    Hard cover, 250gsm paper