Today we’d like to introduce you to Flora Bai.
Hi Flora, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a passionate illustrator and designer with a love for patterns, nature, architecture, and fashion. It feels like my art journey was probably predestined even before I was born. With both my parents being creatives, I was immersed in the world of art from a very young age. I’ve always admired artists and aspired to become one.
In 2019, I was accepted into SVA’s Illustration as Visual Essay program. From that point on, I officially began my career as a professional illustrator. In 2020, I landed my first commission with Penguin Random House. Subsequently, my work was exhibited at the Rockefeller Center’s Flag Project alongside KAWS, Jeff Koons, and Marina Abramović. This marked the first public exhibition in NYC post-pandemic. I’ve also collaborated with renowned names like Marvis, Dr. Martens, Tencent, and more.
This year, amidst commercial and editorial projects, I’m focusing on personalized pet illustrations. From dogs and cats to bunnies, birds, and reptiles, I’m excited to capture precious memories and create unique pet drawings. Pets possess a magical power to heal us. To me, being an artist means preserving these exceptional moments using my artistic language.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I feel like the biggest struggle always comes from within myself. I tend to overly fixate on results and success. On days without commissions or work, self-doubt creeps in – am I not doing enough? Not achieving? These moments cloud my self-worth and lead to lows. An acknowledgment of my efforts from someone else is a lifeline to me. There are moments when I need more introspective time too. Fortunately, most of the time when I’m feeling down, watching a beautiful sunrise/sunset revitalizes my energy and passion for creating. If I could lessen the rollercoaster of emotional highs and lows, maybe I could produce more work. Then again, these emotional fluctuations might be my inspiration – all those intricate, complex feelings that enrich my creations.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My creative process involves using lines to capture intricate details, which I then digitally fill with flat colors. I draw inspiration from traditional Chinese landscape drawings and artists from the École de Paris period. To my surprise and delight, my illustrations have received recognition from 3×3 Magazine, World Illustration Award (AOI), American Illustration (AI-AP), Communication Arts, Creative Quarterly, Society of Illustrators, and more. Some of my drawings have even found their way into notable publications like Print Magazine, Creative Boom, Gestalten, Daily News, People’s Daily, and Artron. My genuine hope is that my artwork can carry hidden stories and remain captivating over time. I really enjoy weaving in those small narratives. I hope my illustrations can resonate with readers – to be engaging, enjoyable, and full of fun.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
1. As creators, not plagiarizing others’ work is our bottom line. I understand this should be common sense, but this summer, I discovered that an entire illustration series of mine was copied by a student and presented as her own in her thesis show. This really made me feel sad. So, I hope all those who are just starting to create while learning from the techniques of artists they like can also help respect and protect the originality of illustrations and designs.
2. When sending promo emails to art directors, it’s a good idea to categorize them by series or projects. This way, the color palettes and styles of the works are relatively consistent, making it easier for them to understand and envision how your work can be commissioned. They are all very nice people and often provide you with valuable feedback.
3. Always love yourself and love your art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://florabaiart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/florabai.jpg/
