Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Bao
Hi Crystal, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey as an illustrator has been anything but linear—it’s been fueled by curiosity, experimentation, and a deep love for storytelling. Ever since I could hold a pen, I’ve been drawing non-stop, using art as a way to process my emotions and make sense of the world around me. My mother was my biggest supporter, always encouraging me to pursue my passion despite outside skepticism. That support gave me the confidence to push forward, take risks, and fully embrace being an artist.
Growing up, I had the unique experience of living in Shanghai, Shenzhen, London, and New York, which exposed me to vastly different art scenes, cultural aesthetics, and ways of thinking. This constant shift in environment shaped my visual language—each place added a new layer to my artistic perspective, allowing me to develop a style that fuses global influences with my own personal storytelling.
Currently, I’m studying at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York, where I continue refining my craft, experimenting with different mediums, and pushing the boundaries of my work. I thrive on bold colors, surreal compositions, psychedelic imagery, and emotionally charged narratives, often exploring themes of self-identity, human emotion, and the dreamlike nature of reality. Whether I’m working on editorial illustration, advertising, or personal projects, I aim to create immersive visuals that transport viewers into worlds that feel both familiar and surreal.
I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with brands like Live Nation, Society of Illustrators, Visual Opinion Magazine, and Pineapple NewYork, all of which have helped me sharpen my storytelling and adapt my artistic voice to different industries. Beyond commercial work, my personal project “Elysium” is something I’m deeply passionate about—it’s a series that explores utopia, escapism, and the emotional layers of self-discovery. It’s where I allow my imagination to run wild, creating rich, layered narratives that feel like stepping into a surreal dreamscape.
Recognition has also been a part of my journey, and I’m grateful for the moments where my work has been acknowledged. I was a Winner of the Creative Quarterly 77 Professional Illustration Category and received both the Editorial Merit Award and the New Talent Award in the iJungle Illustration Awards 2024. But beyond the accolades, what truly drives me is the excitement of creating, the connections I make through my work, and the endless possibilities that illustration offers.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Honestly, the road hasn’t been smooth, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. Challenges keep things interesting and push me to level up. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was learning to fully trust my creative instincts. Like a lot of artists, I used to overthink and compare myself to others, but I realized that was a waste of energy. Instead of second-guessing, I started focusing on what makes my work unique and leaning into my own voice. That shift in mindset changed everything.
Another challenge was figuring out how to navigate the industry beyond just making good art. No one teaches you how to handle clients, negotiate, or put yourself out there. I had to learn by doing—through internships, networking, and just saying “yes” to opportunities even when I wasn’t 100% sure I was ready. Working at the Society of Illustrators and collaborating with brands like Live Nation taught me a lot about professionalism, communication, and the business side of illustration.
On a personal level, I grew up in a pretty protective environment, so I didn’t get much exposure to the rougher, more competitive side of things. That used to make me feel like I was missing a certain edge, but instead of avoiding it, I threw myself into high-pressure environments to learn. I took on fast-paced projects, worked in different roles, and challenged myself to be more adaptable. Now, I feel like I can handle anything that comes my way.
At the end of the day, challenges aren’t roadblocks—they’re just part of the game. I’ve learned that if you keep moving forward, stay curious, and put in the work, you’ll always find a way to make things happen.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’d say my work is a mix of bold colors, surreal storytelling, and a bit of humor and emotion thrown in. I love creating illustrations that feel immersive—something that pulls people in, makes them feel something, or maybe even sparks a different way of looking at things. My style tends to blend fantasy and reality, taking everyday moments and twisting them into something a little more unexpected.
I specialize in editorial illustration, advertising, branding, and visual storytelling in general, but I don’t like being tied down to just one thing. I enjoy experimenting—whether it’s book illustration, product design, or something totally out of left field. If it’s a cool idea, I’m all in.
What makes my work different? I think a lot of it comes from my background. I’ve lived in Shanghai, Shenzhen, London, and New York, and being immersed in different cultures and art scenes has definitely shaped how I approach storytelling. My illustrations often pull from that—mixing different influences, aesthetics, and ways of thinking into something visually dynamic and a little unconventional.
One of the projects I’m most excited about is “Elysium”, a personal series that explores utopia, escapism, and the dreamlike nature of self-discovery. It’s my way of creating a world where imagination runs wild, and I get to play with big ideas while pushing my artistic limits.
I’ve had the opportunity to work with brands like Live Nation, Society of Illustrators, Visual Opinion Magazine, and Pineapple NewYork, which has been amazing in terms of gaining experience and learning how illustration fits into different industries. And along the way, I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition like the Creative Quarterly 77 Professional Illustration Category Winner and the Editorial Merit Award and New Talent Award in the iJungle Illustration Awards 2024.
But at the end of the day, what I’m most proud of is just continuing to grow and stay excited about what I do. I love the process—experimenting, figuring things out, and seeing where ideas take me. Whether it’s a client project or something personal, my goal is always to create work that feels alive, engaging, and true to my voice.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about New York is its chaos—the movement, the unpredictability, the energy that never slows down. Every time I go out, I see something new, whether it’s art, culture, or just the way people express themselves. The city is full of ambition and opportunity—you can do whatever you want, and no one will judge you because everyone is busy chasing their own thing. That freedom is something I really appreciate.
I’ve also met incredible people here—mentors, creatives, and thinkers who have completely changed my perspective on life. New York is a place where you realize there’s no single way to live, and I love that. You can always find your people here—whatever you’re into, there’s a community for it.
What I like least? People come and go so quickly. The city moves fast, and so do the people in it. You meet amazing individuals, but then life takes them somewhere else. It used to feel unsettling, but now I’ve come to understand it—it’s just part of how things work here. At the end of the day, everyone has their own path to follow.
And of course, the price. New York is absurdly expensive. Rent, food, just existing here—it all adds up. But somehow, even with the high cost, people still choose to stay because the energy, the opportunities, and the sheer amount of inspiration make it worth it. It’s not an easy city to live in, but for me, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crystalbao.com/
- Instagram: @crystalbao_art
Image Credits
Credits to Personal Photo: Chloe Bao ( My sister)
