My name is Lily Qian, I am an illustrator, designer and educator 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 editorials 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 Department. I was a judge for the Society of Illustrator's 63rd annual competition, and my work has been recognized in American Illustration. I've been invited to be a guest speaker at Apple, 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 latest Interview with Girls Club Asia & Ballpit Mag.
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/Work:
Editorial, Publishing, Advertising:
Apple
Audible
The Wall Street Journal
The Washington Post
LA Times
The Nation
Teen Vogue
Refinery29
Medium
Millie Magazine
The Ringer
The Assembly NC
Bitch Media
Edible Manhattan
Edible Brooklyn
Small Batch Books
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
We the Barbarian
M Booth
DMA United
Happy Lucky
The Bromley Group
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
L'Oréal
Lord & Taylor
Louis Vuitton
Macy's
Manhattan Cosmetics
MaxMara
Milly
Moleskine
Mucinex
Mountain (MNTN)
Neiman Marcus
NY&CO
Perry Ellis
Pomellato
RCA records
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
Education:
FIT - Illustration MFA '25
SVA - Children's book writing & illustration
VCU Arts - Design BFA
Award:
American Illustration 41
Guest Speaker:
Apple Williamsburg
The Big Draw Festival
Fashion Institute of Technology
Alberta College of Design
Interviews & Studio visits:
Girls Club Asia
Ballpit Mag
Art Review City
Sunday Morning Stories
CINEBURST x LilyQian Studio interview
Others Trade for Hope
INCFile - Inspiration founders series
Creatr.me - My life illustrated - Web seminar
Drawing stories - Interview by Lara Gato
Other features:
Cup of Jo - styling tutorial
Cup of Jo x Nordstrom - Fall Trends
Taste the Style - Boss Babe
Six:02 / Footlocker - Featured Artist
Manhattan Cosmetics
Brand Assembly - TheAssemblist.com
Overt NYC - Follow The Girl - Day 1
Overt NYC - Follow The Girl - Day 2
Overt NYC - Follow The Girl - Day 3
Overt NYC - Follow The Girl - Day 4
Overt NYC - Follow The Girl - Day 5
Connect Editorial - The Art of Connection
Ansel and Opie - Featured Artist
Cestlulu - Qian's Complete Set
HUF Magazine - Featured Artist
Commercial Video Collaborations:
Mucinex Sickwear Capsule Collection
Essie Gel Couture
PANTONE® PLUS SERIES EXTENDED GAMUT Coated Guide
NYFW - The Art Institute
Justin Timberlake - Not a bad thing
Others Trade for Hope x Lily Qian
Info: Artisan scarves collection
Shop: artisan collection
Others Trade for Hope partners with over 700 producers in Bangladesh - men and women who show resilience and skill to provide for themselves and their families.
Each scarf includes elements of hand-loom, hand-embroidery and/or hand-painting to create a unique fashion accessory that comes with a story of transformation. Every Others artisan is paid a fair wage for their work. This means that food is on the table, children are in school and people are able to plan for their future. This scarf & accessories collection will engage around 200 artisans in meaningful, dignified work.
Mentorship:
I am excited to share that I am a Margot Mentor! @margotcommunity is an inclusive online network helping women and gender-marginalized individuals find mentors in all industries and leadership levels, provide virtual 1:1 time with them, and normalize women being compensated for their knowledge.
In addition to advocating for women being paid, Margot provides a Give Back Program; which provides free mentorship to girls and women in communities with socio economic barriers.
All images © Lily Qian 2022