Qiyuan Wen (ao)
Qiyuan Wen (ao) is a Baltimore-based illustrator and visual storyteller, currently completing her MFA in Illustration Practice at the Maryland Institute College of Art.
Her illustrations have been recognized by Communication Arts, American Illustration, and the World Illustration Awards. Working primarily with vector-based drawing in Adobe Illustrator, her style features precise linework, flat vivid colors, and rich textures—often evoking a nostalgic, emotionally warm tone.
Ao’s work explores intimate yet universal emotions, often drawn from love, memory, and relationships. She uses metaphor, rhythm, and surreal imagery to transform personal experiences into shared visual narratives.
Her portfolio moves between two complementary worlds: editorial and conceptual work with a reflective, adult-oriented tone, and playful, childlike projects such as picture books, pop-ups, and comics. No matter the audience, each project is guided by a concept-first approach and an intuitive sense of structure and emotional clarity.
Contact📮wenqiyuan886@gmail.com
Instagram @iamqiyuan
EDUCATION
Maryland Institute College of Art,
Illustration Practice,
August 2024 - May 2026
AWARDS
PRESS
Communication Art