Crystal Bao is an award winning NYC illustrator who’s lived in London and Shanghai. Her vibrant, colorful and psychedelic style explores themes of self-identity and human emotions. Crystal’s work combines bold colors, ceremonial energy, and humor to transform everyday moments into imaginative, story-rich visuals. She has collaborated with clients such as Live Nation, Society of Illustrators, Visual Opinion, and Pineapple NewYork. As President of School of Visual Arts’ “Women Supporting Women Club,” she has empowered fellow artists to build creative communities through their artwork. When Crystal isn’t drawing, she enjoys playing the piano, karate, and ice skating.

Say hello: crystalbaoart@gmail.com

2025             Gilbert Stone Scholarship, Winner            
2025             World Illustration Awards, Longlist - Advertising New Talent Category
2025              iJUNGLE 2024 Illustration Awards, New Talent Merit Award
2024             Creative Quarterly 77, Winner of Professional Illustration Category
2022             Independent School Association Awards, Silver Award for Fine Arts

Awards & Recognition

2025             iJungle Illustration Awards Annual 2024                                                                          
2025             Creative Quarterly Annual 2024
2024             Visual Opinion, Volume 30, Issue 3
2023             Visual Opinion, Volume 30, Issue 1

Publications

Exhibitions

2024             Make Way, SVA Library West, New York
2022             Monster Elysium, Guildhouse, London

Press