Xiaoyin Yan is an illustrator and visual artist based in New York. Through illustration, she explores storytelling that connects with everyday life, creating work that is both imaginative and approachable. She believes art is most meaningful when it becomes part of people's daily experiences—not only in galleries, but also through books, packaging, stationery, and other objects people can hold and use. Her practice focuses on picture books, book covers, and packaging design, where narrative and illustration come together to create memorable visual experiences. Inspired by food culture, nostalgia, and cross-cultural experiences, she creates playful, story-driven work that celebrates quiet moments and the beauty of ordinary life.

XIAOYIN YAN

Xiaoyin Yan is an illustrator and visual artist based in New York. Through illustration, she explores storytelling that connects with everyday life, creating work that is both imaginative and approachable. She believes art is most meaningful when it becomes part of people's daily experiences—not only in galleries, but also through books, packaging, stationery, and other objects people can hold and use. Her practice focuses on picture books, book covers, and packaging design, where narrative and illustration come together to create memorable visual experiences. Inspired by food culture, nostalgia, and cross-cultural experiences, she creates playful, story-driven work that celebrates quiet moments and the beauty of ordinary life.

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Xiaoyin Yan is an illustrator and visual artist based in New York. Through illustration, she explores storytelling that connects with everyday life, creating work that is both imaginative and approachable. She believes art is most meaningful when it becomes part of people’s daily experiences—not only in galleries, but also through books, packaging, stationery, and other objects people can hold and use.
Her practice focuses on picture books, book covers, and packaging design, where narrative and illustration come together to create memorable visual experiences. Inspired by food culture, nostalgia, and cross-cultural experiences, she creates playful, story-driven work that celebrates quiet moments and the beauty of ordinary life.

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Language

English
Fluent
Chinese
Fluent

Work Experience

Studio Assistant at Art Studio
July 1, 2025 - September 1, 2025
Assisted with graphic recording during client meetings by creating visual summaries of discussions. Brainstormed and developed product concepts based on existing IP designs.
Lab Monitor at PrintFX, Fashion Institute of Technology
January 1, 2025 - May 1, 2026
Managed print production and coordinated print orders for students and faculty. Assisted with laser cutting, 3D printing, and other digital fabrication processes. Communicated professionally with students and faculty in person and via email, and maintained lab equipment, materials, and workspaces to support daily operations.
Volunteer Content Artist at Nonprofit Art Organization
January 1, 2023 - April 1, 2023
Produced editorial illustrations for articles published by a nonprofit arts organization. Created visual content to communicate editorial topics in an engaging and accessible format.
Content Artist (Volunteer) at Nonprofit art organization
January 1, 2023 - April 30, 2023
Produced editorial illustrations for articles published by a nonprofit art organization.
Freelance Illustrator/Designer at Self-employed
April 30, 2022 - July 31, 2023
Created character designs, editorial illustrations, graphic and banner designs for YouTubers. Developed packaging and surface design projects for sports and graphic novel clients.

Education

Master in Fine Arts in Illustration at Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2026
Bachelor in Fine Arts in Illustration at Maryland Institute College of Art
August 24, 2018 - May 24, 2022

Qualifications

Creative Vision Award
January 11, 2030 - February 11, 2026
MICA Recognition Award
January 11, 2030 - February 11, 2026
Starr Foundation Scholarship
January 11, 2030 - February 11, 2026
MICA Achievement Award
January 11, 2030 - February 11, 2026
C.V. Starr Scholarship
January 11, 2030 - February 11, 2026
Winifred M. Gordon ‘28 International Programs Awards
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2022
iJUNGLE Merit Award
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019
Dots x Circles Illustration Awards
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Sanya Tropical City International Art Competition
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
AIAP American Illustration AI45 Chosen winner
April 21, 2026 - July 21, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Other, Non-Profit Organization