Meet Jiaqi Zhou | Illustrator & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jiaqi Zhou and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jiaqi, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Growing up as an only child in Shanghai, China, my childhood was often quiet, filled with moments of solitude that sparked an insatiable curiosity within me. From a young age, with endless time to myself, I found pure joy in creating—whether it was sketching beloved characters from the novels I read, weaving precious memories into funny comics, or sculpting whimsical paper mache figures. The process of creation became a means of expression, an escape that transformed the repetitive ordinary into something magical.

Meanwhile, my hometown Shanghai, a vibrant metropolis known for its inclusivity and cultural richness. Surrounded by the city’s dynamic fusion of traditions and global influences, my curiosity about different cultures flourished. This deep-seated desire to explore and embrace new perspectives eventually led me to travel and, ultimately, move to the United States to pursue an education in art—an adventure that continues to shape my creative journey now.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work is deeply influenced by my love of cinema—rich, vibrant color palettes, cinematic lighting, and subtle yet powerful emotions define my illustrations. To me, a successful piece is one that strikes the perfect balance between visual storytelling and personal artistic expression. I thrive on the challenge of translating complex ideas into compelling visuals, especially when faced with briefs filled with intricate concepts and intimidating terminology. Finding a unique perspective to communicate a message in a clever, emotionally resonant way is what excites me the most.

After earning my BFA in Communication Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University, I spent six years as a freelance illustrator, collaborating with a diverse range of clients, from independent publishers to global brands like *The Washington Post*. This experience allowed me to refine my artistic voice, sharpen my problem-solving skills, and gain valuable insights into working across different industries.

While freelancing gave me immense creative freedom, I found myself increasingly drawn to the collaborative nature of team environments and the exciting possibilities that emerge when different creative disciplines intersect. This curiosity led me to transition into the tech industry, where I’ve spent the past two years working with companies like 1Password and Google. Here, I apply my artistic skills to craft visually engaging, user-friendly designs that merge storytelling with functionality. Moving from independent work to a collaborative team setting has been a transformative experience, pushing my creative boundaries and broadening my perspective on how design shapes user experiences on a global scale. Wanting to expand my creative toolkit even further, I taught myself graphic design and motion design in my spare time, allowing me to explore new dimensions of visual communication.

Of course, this journey hasn’t always been smooth—self-doubt was a constant companion for many years. But through it all, I’ve been fortunate enough to have a supportive community that has encouraged me to keep going and stay true to my vision. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that creativity flourishes when we take care of ourselves and those around us. When that balance is nurtured, inspiration will always find its way back.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I currently live in New York City, a place that feels like a boundless rabbit hole of inspiration and endless discoveries. The city’s dynamic energy, world-class museums, renowned art galleries, and unique local restaurants and bars make every day an adventure—you can never truly run out of things to explore.

To immerse yourself in a day of art, I’d recommend beginning at the Whitney Museum, nestled in the Meatpacking District and West Village. It has an magnificent collection of 20th- and 21st-century American art and is an absolute must-visit for Edward Hopper enthusiasts, as it houses the largest repository of his work and archival materials. From there, take a scenic walk along the High Line, an elevated linear park built on a historic New York City railroad, where art, nature, and urban architecture intertwine. A short detour will bring you to Little Island at Pier 55, a one-of-a-kind floating public park on the Hudson River. This architectural marvel not only offers breathtaking panoramic views but also features interactive art installations that make the experience even more inviting.

And if you’re still hungry for more, the Chelsea District awaits with its countless prominent contemporary art galleries—a true paradise for art lovers and creatives alike. And to end the day on a perfect note, savor a glass of Tempranillo paired with delicious tapas at Little Spin where great wine and great conversations flow effortlessly.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I want to thank my parents, whose kindness and generosity have been the foundation of my creative pursuit. They have always supported my decisions wholeheartedly, even when my path was unconventional. Their belief in me has given me the courage to chase my dreams without hesitation.

I would like to express my deep gratitude to the female pioneers in the illustration industry, such as Yuko Shimizu, Victo Ngai, Lisk Feng, among many others. Their remarkable work, resilient work ethos and presence in the field inspired me to believe that a creative career was attainable for an Asian immigrant woman. During my early years, when I faced confusion and self-doubt, they acted as lighthouses, guiding me forward and showing me that success in this industry was within reach.

I could not have come this far without my amazing illustrator and designer friends, who have been my strong support system. Their encouragement, shared struggles, and unwavering belief in me have helped me navigate the highs and lows of this journey. Having a community that understands the challenges of this path has been invaluable, and I am incredibly grateful for every conversation, collaboration, and moment of reassurance we’ve shared.

Success is never a solo journey, and I’m beyond grateful for the people who have helped shape mine!

Website: https://www.jiaqizhou.com/

Instagram: @jiaqiiizhou

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jiaqi-zhou-652b09114/

Image Credits
KyFi Studio