Meet Mingyi Gan | Illustrator & Graphic Designer

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

Hi Mingyi, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m originally from Wuhan, China, a place known for its hot-tempered yet candid people and vibrant, no-nonsense spirit. Growing up there had a huge impact on me. Wuhan has always felt free in a way that’s hard to explain—a place where the bluntness of life often means there’s no time for pretense. It’s a city where things are always happening, but it’s not the fast-paced rush that defines it; it’s more the unspoken honesty and the sharp contrasts between old and new, tradition and progress. That blend of raw energy and unfiltered truth shaped how I approach both life and my work.

Living in a city that is unapologetically itself taught me the value of being direct and true to my vision. It’s probably why I can’t stand small talk—I’m all for real conversations, ones that explore the messy, uncomfortable truths. Whether it’s art or just navigating life, I’ve learned that if you want something real, you have to strip away the fluff and go straight for what matters. And that’s what I bring to my art.

It’s also why I value the freedom that New York City offers—it’s where I can continue to be myself and find the same kind of raw energy I grew up with, but with the added benefit of being surrounded by so many different cultures and perspectives. My background keeps me grounded, but it also pushes me to constantly explore and evolve, which is why I’m where I am today—pushing boundaries, whether it’s with my illustrations or just navigating this weird, unpredictable world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a reflection of the world I navigate daily—chaotic, layered, and full of contradictions. I’m driven by surrealism, but with a distinctly modern, fashionable edge. There’s a rhythm to my work, something that feels almost cinematic, like I’m capturing a moment, frozen in time, but one that’s still breathing. I blend vibrant color palettes, meticulous attention to anatomy, and dynamic compositions to create a visual narrative that feels both strange and familiar.

I think what sets me apart is the intersection of influences I draw from—music, fashion, architecture, and graphic design. I’m creating something that feels true to my own perspective. It’s a fusion of worlds, one where I can experiment with form and color and still communicate something deeply personal. I’m excited about the direction I’m heading in right now—I’ve worked on projects like album covers, movie/documentary posters, and book designs.

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?
Besides being an illustrator, I’m also a food review influencer who explores New York City’s food scene. I love walking around the city—with all kinds of cultures and inspirations, come together. Living in the East Village, I adore everything between 14th Street and St. Mark’s Place. The Lower East Side is also a favorite, and going further down, there’s Little Italy and Chinatown, both with rich cultural significance. There’s my favorite bakery, Bread Story, right next to where I live. I even learned every French pronunciation of bakery there. On 13th Street, there’s Veniero’s Pasticceria & Caffe, where I’ve tasted everything on their menu. Honestly, I’ve pinned thousands of makers and places on my Google map in New York City, so it would take days to sum it all up. But what I love most are the places where I can really feel the culture.

My two favorite neighborhoods are East Village and Williamsburg. Each has its own vibe but both are full of life and culture. East Village is where I feel the true pulse of New York—quirky shops, amazing food, and a blend of the old and new. Williamsburg, on the other hand, has that industrial charm mixed with an artsy, modern edge. When I venture out to places like Greenpoint, Jackson Heights, or Sunnyside, I usually go to spots where I can easily afford a good meal. Not every food adventure has to be expensive, and I’ve found some great hidden gems in these areas—places that offer delicious, authentic food without breaking the bank.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few people who stand out, though I wouldn’t call them mentors in the traditional sense. My professors at the School of Visual Arts—Tomer Hanuka and Josh Cochran—didn’t teach me technique. I never expected them to. What they did provide was a space for me to ask tough questions. And to their credit, they didn’t flinch at answering them. They didn’t sugarcoat things or offer easy solutions, but they helped me navigate the anxiety that comes with entering this industry. They didn’t promise a warm embrace, but they didn’t shut me out either—if you’re willing to push hard enough.

Then there are the friends who I can have those long, meaningful conversations with—real artists who understand. I hate small talk and fake conversations. I’m not interested in that surface-level industry chatter. I only want to talk about the things I’m really thinking, the truths that can be uncomfortable and unpolished. It’s those deep, unfiltered exchanges that challenge me, make me reconsider everything.

Website: https://www.mingyigan.com

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