Shiyao Yin is an illustrator and designer with an MFA in Illustration from Savannah College of Art and Design. Her work explores the intersection of ornamentation and narrative, with a focus on book covers, children’s publishing, and fantasy-inspired visual storytelling
Rooted in decorative storytelling, her practice draws inspiration from fairy tales, botanical forms, and symbolic imagery. Through layered compositions and an intricate visual language, she explores how illustration can extend a narrative beyond the written text.
For nearly three years, she has collaborated with editors at China Welfare Institute Publishing House, creating covers and interior illustrations for children’s magazines, including Haha Pictorial, as well as illustrations for children’s books. Her publishing experience includes producing a year-long series of children’s magazine covers and illustrating Fengxue Yan in its entirety, from the cover and chapter illustrations to spot artwork.
Alongside illustration, she is highly proficient in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. She is able to independently develop complete book projects across interior layout, illustration, typography, and custom lettering, bringing visual consistency to every stage of a publication.
Her work has been recognized by the 3×3 International Illustration Show, the Dots & Circles Red Circle Award, and Creative Quarterly. She continues to develop projects across book illustration, editorial design, and textile-based practices, with an ongoing interest in decoration as a narrative device.
Every project deserves visuals that do more than illustrate — they should tell the story on their own. I bring a designer's eye for composition and a storyteller's instinct for character to every cover, page, and character I create, so your work looks as good as it reads. Let's build something visually unforgettable together.
sheayin24@gmail.com
@sheayin
