Yi Du Zhao
Toronto, Canada
yiduzhao@live.com | www.yiduzhao.com | @yidu_zhao
Yi Du Zhao is a designer, illustrator, and visual storyteller based in Toronto with experience in publishing, editorial illustration, and narrative-driven design.
Education
Royal College of Art, London, UK
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) with a focus in Communication — 2024–2025
Parsons School of Design, The New School, New York, NY
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Illustration (with Honours), Minor in Creative Writing — 2017–2022
- Dean’s List
- Published work: Eleven and a Half Journal, Issue 10 (2022)
- 2nd Place, Parsons Sketchbook Competition (2019)
- Exhibiting artist, Parsons Illustration Senior Showcase (2023)
Professional Experience
Junior Designer, Astra House Publishing — New York, NY (2022–2024)
- Designed and illustrated for the Hippo Park children’s book division, contributing to character design, layout, and story pacing.
- Collaborated with editorial, publicity, and marketing teams to produce publication-ready artwork and promotional visual assets.
- Supported editorial processes, including manuscript assessment, story refinement, and visual development.
- Worked within professional publishing workflows, production schedules, and print/digital specifications.
Freelance Illustrator & Designer – Present
- Produced over 50 commissions, including murals, editorial illustrations, and album covers.
- Created visual materials for Tao Group Hospitality and independent musicians (The 3rd Street Band).
- Currently selling prints and original works at Waste London, Tokio7, and Vintage Reserve.
Exhibitions & Projects
“Familiar and Strange, Beautiful and Grotesque”, Royal College of Art Graduate Exhibition — London, 2025
Parsons Illustration Senior Showcase Exhibition — New York, 2023
Twist Gallery, Group Exhibition — Toronto, 2019
Artsin Square, Endless Dreams — Cover & Featured Artist, 2023
Technical & Creative Skills
Drawing & Painting: Oil, acrylic, watercolour, graphite
Digital Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro, Procreate
Other: Stop motion, sewing, sculpture, character design, visual storytelling
Teaching & Mentorship Experience
Art Instructor, Canada Creative Education Center — Toronto, ON (Aug 2019 – May 2023)
- Mentored and instructed students (middle to high school) in portfolio development.
- Designed personalized tutoring plans and collaborative project ideas.
- Guided students in conceptual thinking, composition, and material exploration.
Peer Mentor & Workshop Leader, Royal College of Art — London, UK (2024–2025)
- Led peer-led crit sessions and workshops exploring hybrid drawing and narrative processes.
- Supported postgraduate students in developing self-directed research-based projects.
Staff Member, Art Gallery of Ontario — Toronto, ON (Jun 2017 – Jul 2019)
- Assisted in developing and delivering educational programs for school groups.