Meet Crystal Bao | Illustrator & Visual Designer

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

Hi Crystal, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
During COVID, my idea of work-life balance completely flipped. At first, I was honestly thrilled—everything went online, and I finally had all the time in the world to just draw. I was more productive than ever. I’d spend the entire day making art, and it felt amazing… at least for a while.

I had gone back to China during the pandemic, but my classes were still running on UK time (I was enrolled in a UK school back then), so I had to stay up all night to attend them. It completely threw off my body clock. After a few months, I started to feel the effects—my back hurt, I was barely moving, my sleep was messed up, and I wasn’t getting any sunlight.

Slowly, I began to feel depressed. I was stuck in an unhealthy loop of overthinking, isolation, and exhaustion. As someone who’s naturally active and thrives on being out in the world, staying home all day made me feel like I was losing a part of myself.

That experience taught me one of the most important lessons I’ve ever learned: health comes first—before art, before deadlines, before anything. Now, I’m much better at separating work and life (though I still overwork a little sometimes). I make it a point to work out three times a week and go figure skating—those are my non-negotiables for staying balanced and recharged. That rough time shaped who I am today, and I don’t take wellness for granted anymore.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is bold, surreal, and emotionally charged. I’m drawn to themes like identity, psychology, and the strange spaces between reality and imagination. I like turning complex feelings into visual metaphors—so even if someone doesn’t fully “get it” right away, they feel something. That emotional reaction is what excites me most.

In 2022, I self-published my children’s book Blood Iris, which was a big turning point for me. It was a personal, symbolic project that helped me realize I could bring my ideas to life on my own terms. Since then, I’ve worked as a freelance illustrator across editorial, music, branding, and events—collaborating with clients like Live Nation and the Society of Illustrators. Every project challenges me to adapt, tell new stories, and keep growing my visual universe.

The path hasn’t always been easy. I’ve dealt with burnout, imposter syndrome, and moments of doubt—but I’ve never stopped moving forward. I learned to trust my gut, stay curious, and push through even when things feel messy. That mindset has helped me stay both grounded and ambitious.

What I want people to know is: I’m not just here to make pretty pictures. I’m building something bigger—an artistic world that’s weird, emotional, honest, and real. I believe that illustration can be both powerful and playful, and I’m excited to keep evolving and connecting through my work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend was visiting from out of town, I’d take them on a week-long adventure through some of my favorite spots in the city—places that are beautiful, weird, inspiring, and very New York.

We would begin our journey at Little Island, a serene location with stunning views and unique architecture, ideal for a stroll and invigorating air. Then we’d hit the Chelsea galleries to catch whatever’s new and strange in the contemporary art scene. Of course, a full day at The Met is a must, followed by a walk through Central Park. And if it’s winter? We’re definitely going ice skating at Bryant Park or Wollman Rink—it’s one of the most magical things to do in the city.

We’d eat everything from classic NYC steakhouses to $1 pizza and that legendary chicken and rice from a corner cart—greasy, iconic, and unbeatable after a long day out.

For shopping, we’d wander SoHo, dig through some thrift stores, and take in the glamor of Fifth Avenue, even if it’s just window shopping. I’d also take them over to Williamsburg and Bushwick, where you can find amazing murals, vintage shops, random pop-ups, and the kind of creative energy that keeps things interesting.

At night, we’d go to a jazz bar—Mezzrow or Smalls—for live music and cocktails that hit just right. And maybe take a quiet walk along the Hudson River after, just to soak it all in.

We’d ride the Roosevelt Island tram one day, because the view is beautiful and oddly peaceful. And for a nostalgic twist, we’d head to Coney Island for the amusement park, the aquarium, and just hanging out by the ocean like it’s summer—even if it’s not.

And yeah… we’d probably walk through Times Square at some point. I never plan for it, but somehow it always sneaks into the route.

Honestly, the list could go on. If my friend’s not tired yet, I’ve got plenty more places we could explore. That’s the thing about New York—there’s always something waiting around the corner.

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?
Absolutely. My biggest shoutout goes to my mom—she’s been my strongest supporter since day one. When others questioned whether art was a “real” career, she encouraged me to keep going, to keep drawing, and to believe in myself. Her love and trust gave me the foundation to pursue what I love fearlessly.

I also want to thank my friends. They inspire me, make me laugh, and remind me to enjoy life beyond the work. Their energy and support have kept me grounded through the ups and downs.

A special shoutout to my high school art teacher in the UK, Kim. During some of my most stressful and uncertain moments, she was there to guide me and lift me up. Her encouragement and belief in me, especially when I felt down, gave me strength and helped me hold onto my passion for art.

I’m also deeply grateful to the mentors I’ve met at the School of Visual Arts. Their honest feedback, guidance, and support have helped shape me into the artist I am today. They’ve taught me not just how to improve creatively, but how to grow with confidence and integrity.

And finally, to the creative communities I’ve been part of—thank you for pushing me, inspiring me, and reminding me of the power of storytelling and connection.

Website: https://crystalbao.com/

Instagram: crystalbao_art

Image Credits
Crystal Bao