Hello! I am a Baltimore-based illustrator, visual storyteller, and creative problem solver.

I specialize in editorial narratives, comics, and slices of life that explore current events, personal stories, sustainability, and food. I am also interested in exploring layers in identity, inspired by her multicultural upbringing in China, Belgium, and the U.S. My work is characterized by expressive lines, lush colors and textures, and an empathetic, research-based approach.

I received a BA from Brown University and an MFA in Illustration Practice from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), where I am an adjunct professor. Prior to completing my MFA, I worked as a content manager, designer, and fitness trainer in Boston and Silicon Valley. In my spare time, you might find me Olympic weightlifting, mentoring young writers, or tending to my 40+ indoor plant babies.

I am available for freelance work and would love to hear from you!

Let’s connect:

Email: yifanluoart [at] gmail [dot] com
Instagram: @yifanluoart

Exhibitions

2022 | Asia North 2022: Remembrance, Resilience, Power + Pride, Stillpointe Theatre, Baltimore, MD
2021 | Asia in Maryland 2021, Asian Arts & Culture Center, Towson, MD
2021 | Young Blood, Maryland Art Place, Baltimore, MD
2021 | ILLOEVO 2021: MICA Illustration Practice Thesis Exhibition, virtual
2019 | Image Harvest, Fox 3 Gallery, Baltimore, MD

Press

2022 | The Truth in This Art Podcast, Interview with Illustrator Yifan Luo
2022 | Shoutout LA, Meet Yifan Luo | Illustrator & Storyteller
2021 | BMore Art, Through Our Lens — The Way Forward for AAPIs in the Media
2021 | NRDC, Compost Matters — But Food Matters More
2021 | CHARM Report, Asian Artists in America: “We Need Togetherness and Community”
2021 | Arts Thread, Exhibition feature

Select Clients

The Washington Post, Eater, NRDC, Welcoming America, The Nib, The Baltimore Banner, Data Visualization Society, Olark, Baltimore Office of Sustainability, Full Bleed, Rasa, CHARM: Voices of Baltimore Youth

Awards & Honors

2022 | ICON11 MICA Young Professional Award
2022 | Lesley University, guest speaker and critic
2021 | Through Our Lens – The Way Forward for AAPIs in the Media, panelist
2021 | Creative Quarterly 64 Runner-Up
2021 | Colby College, guest speaker
2021 | MICA, guest speaker and critic
2019–2021 | Leslie King Hammond Graduate Fellow
2019–2021 | MICA Nancy Lee Rhodes Roberts Graduate Fellowship
2019–2021 | MICA Outstanding Achievement in Leadership Award, finalist