My name is Lily Qian, I am an illustrator based in NYC.
I've had the pleasure of working on a variety of projects in editorial, publishing, advertising, kid-lit, surface, fashion and beauty. I'm always seeking more meaningful assignments, especially in editorial and books.
I have a passion for combining traditional analog techniques with digital. I take inspiration from experimenting, exploring accidents that occur when mixing different materials and textured backgrounds. Aside from storytelling, I love playing with abstract shapes to create a moment of surprise in my illustrations.
I'm honored to be teaching an illustration course at The Fashion Institute of Technology with the Illustration & Interactive Media Department. I was a judge for the Society of Illustrator's 63rd annual competition, and my work has been recognized in American Illustration and Society of Illustrators. I've been invited to be a guest speaker at Apple, SVA, Fashion Institute of Technology, and Alberta College of Art & Design.
Currently, I'm enjoying learning to play the piano. I live and work in Brooklyn with my lazy cat assistant, Walnut.
Here's my Interview with Girls Club Asia.
Thank you!
To stay up to date with latest work, follow @lilyqian_ on instagram
For inquiries or additional work samples, contact:
Email: lily@lily-qian.com
Secondary email: lilyqian.nyc@gmail.com
Tel: +1 718 755 7622
Photo by James Chororos
Select Clients
Editorial, Publishing, Advertising:
Apple, Audible, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, LA Times, The Nation, Teen Vogue, Refinery29, Medium, Huff Post, Millie Magazine, The Ringer, The Assembly NC, Bitch Media, Edible Manhattan, Edible Brooklyn, Small Batch Books, Baldor Foods Mag, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, We the Barbarian, M Booth, DMA United, Happy Lucky, The Bromley Group, Universal Music Group, RCA Records
Corporate:
Adidas, ATM, B&H Photo, Baccarat Hotel, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Bottega Veneta, Brand Assembly, Calvin Klein Performance, Champs, Chloé, Christian Dior Couture, Cosabella, Covergirl, Campari, David Webb, Delta, DKNY, Dream Hotel, Elizabeth Arden, Erin Fetherston, Essie (US, Germany), Equinox x Ladurée, Falconeri, Gabriella Hearst, Galeries Lafayette, Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, Intermix, Land's end, La Prairie, Lenovo, L'Oréal, Lord & Taylor, Louis Vuitton, Macy's, Manhattan Cosmetics, MaxMara, Milly, Moleskine, Mucinex, Neiman Marcus, NY&CO, Perry Ellis, Pomellato, REISS, Saks Fifth Avenue, Salvatore Ferragamo, Samsung, Sephora, Sisley Cosmetics, Six:02, Target, The Art Institute, Theory, Tiffany & Co., Others Trade for Hope, Victoria's Secret
Awards & Honors
American Illustration 41, 42
Society of Illustrators 65
Communication Arts 2023 short listed
Washington Post, Best of Illo 2022
Guest Lecturer
Apple Williamsburg NYC
SVA Illustration
Fashion Institute of Technology
Alberta College of Art & Design
The Big Draw Festival
Interviews
Girls Club Asia
Ballpit Mag
Voyage LA
Shout out LA
Canvas Rebel
Art Review City
Brand Assembly
Format
Rockaway Beverages
Sunday Morning Stories
Others Trade for Hope
Overt NYC
Intermix
Shows
Grumpy Bert's 8th Annual Red Envelope show
Year of the Rabbit
Book Announcement:
I illustrated a children's chapter book - A Cat in Central Park: Nine Lives is Just the Beginning written by Carolyn Benson.
In the 1990s a cat named Cougar is born in a stable in New York City. When he's old enough, he goes out into the world to explore and finds himself alone, encountering many dangerous experiences. He narrowly escapes more than once due to his wit, intelligence, and charm. Cougar's adventures finally lead him to understand himself and what he wants in life.
The book is available for purchase at Barnes and Noble.
All images © Lily Qian 2023