Meet Crystal Bao

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Crystal Bao a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Crystal, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

I’ve always believed that confidence is a work in progress, much like art itself—it’s not about perfection, but persistence. My journey started when I was just a kid with a pen in hand and big dreams. My mom, Cecilia, was my biggest fan, constantly encouraging me to draw, create, and share. She had this incredible way of saying, “Do what you love, and confidence will follow.” It wasn’t just advice; it was a challenge—and I took it to heart.

Fast forward to today, and that little kid with the pen made it to the School of Visual Arts in New York. Stepping into a world buzzing with creativity was both exhilarating and intimidating. But here’s the thing: I thrive on connection and collaboration. Sharing my ideas with peers, mentors, and professionals gave me the confidence to believe in my voice as an artist—and, let’s be honest, made me realize I had a lot more to say than I thought!

My work has led to some amazing opportunities, like collaborating with clients such as Live Nation, seeing my art published in Visual Opinion Magazine, and interning at the legendary Society of Illustrators. Each experience was a reminder that my art doesn’t just sit on a page—it can connect with people, evoke emotions, and tell stories that resonate.

And then there’s the cherry on top: being recognized as the 2024 Winner of the Professional Illustration Category in Creative Quarterly 77 and being included in the Creative Quarterly Annual 2024. Was I excited? Absolutely. But more than anything, it validated all those late nights, wild ideas, and moments of self-doubt.

At the end of the day, my confidence comes from two things: my passion for storytelling and the belief that every piece I create is another step forward. Confidence, for me, is about showing up, learning, and being unapologetically curious.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Crystal Bao, an award-winning NYC illustrator who’s lived in London and Shanghai. My work is vibrant, colorful, and unapologetically bold—a mix of psychedelic energy, self-identity, and human emotion. I love taking everyday moments and flipping them into imaginative, story-rich visuals that feel both relatable and out of this world.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with clients like Live Nation, the Society of Illustrators, Visual Opinion, and Pineapple NewYork. But one of my most meaningful roles has been cofounding and leading the School of Visual Arts’ “Women Supporting Women Club” as its current President. I’m all about making the community more supportive and helping fellow artists build the kind of creative network that doesn’t just survive—but thrives.

Right now, I’m diving into a mural project with The Throop School-X121 in the Bronx, which has been an amazing chance to bring my art into a communal space. There’s something magical about seeing how stories come alive on a big scale and how they can connect with so many people at once.

Looking ahead, I’m all about shaking things up and trying new creative opportunities. Editorial illustration? Advertising? Children’s books? I’m ready to dive in and collaborate with brands, writers, and anyone who’s excited about telling great stories through art.

If you want to follow my journey or see what’s coming next, you can find me on Instagram (@crystalbao_art) or my website (crystalbao.com). And when I’m not creating, you’ll probably find me playing piano, practicing karate, or gliding across an ice rink—because balance is everything, right?

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three qualities that have shaped my journey the most are confidence, connecting with others, and my refusal to ever give up. Confidence, for me, boils down to one thing: believing in yourself—even when you have no clue how things will turn out. It’s not about always being fearless (because let’s face it, nobody is), but about trusting that you’ll figure it out as you go. One of my favorite things to do is just put myself out there. Like the time I reached out to an artist I admired with zero expectations—and they responded with encouragement and advice that totally shifted my mindset. Those little leaps of faith? That’s what builds confidence. The more you back yourself, the more others will too.

Connecting with others is where the real action is. For me, it’s like collecting puzzle pieces—you never know how someone you meet might fit into your journey later. Some of my favorite projects and collaborations started with something as simple as saying, “Hey, I love what you’re doing—let’s chat!” Whether it’s bouncing ideas around, getting inspired by someone’s perspective, or just geeking out over shared passions, every interaction has the potential to spark something big. Plus, let’s be real: life’s more fun when you’re surrounded by interesting people with wild ideas.

And then there’s perseverance—that stubborn refusal to quit, even when the odds feel stacked against you. I’ve had my share of “What am I even doing?” moments, but honestly, I’ve learned to roll with them. When something doesn’t work out, I don’t take it personally. Instead, I think, “Okay, what’s next?” Every rejection, every mistake, every weird detour is just another step in the adventure. And honestly, the chaos? That’s part of the fun.

If you’re starting out, here’s my advice: believe in yourself—seriously, even if you feel like you’re winging it. Just start creating. Don’t overthink, don’t wait for the perfect moment, and don’t worry about whether it’s “good enough.” Every sketch, every experiment, every bold move builds your skills and confidence. Also, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there—talk to people, share your work, and take risks. Even a random conversation can open doors you didn’t know existed. And most importantly, don’t give up. The best stories come from the messy, unpredictable middle of the process. Keep going, keep exploring, and trust that you’re building something amazing, one step at a time.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely! Collaboration is one of the most exciting parts of being an artist, and I’m always looking to partner with people who share a passion for storytelling, creativity, and innovation. Whether you’re a brand seeking to craft striking visuals, a writer aiming to bring a children’s book idea to life, or a clothing brand eager to incorporate artistic flair into your designs, I’m eager to collaborate! I’m also fascinated by toy design and would love to team up with anyone bringing imaginative concepts to life.

I’m especially drawn to projects that spark creativity and push boundaries. Fiction and sci-fi scenes are some of my favorites to explore—I love diving into otherworldly narratives and bringing futuristic or fantastical ideas to life. That said, I’m always up for a challenge, even if it’s something I’ve never done before. Tackling unfamiliar territory is one of the most exciting parts of my process. If you’ve got a bold, out-of-the-box idea, let’s explore it together!

Supporting women and amplifying their voices is also something I’m deeply passionate about. As the co-founder and president of the Women Supporting Women Club at SVA, I’m committed to creating spaces that empower and uplift women through creativity. Collaborating on projects that align with these values is incredibly meaningful to me, and I’m always eager to contribute to work that has a positive impact.

While I’m particularly excited about editorial illustration, advertising, and narrative-driven art, I’m always open to unconventional and unexpected ideas. Got a unique, innovative project that needs a creative touch? Let’s make it happen—I’m all about embracing new opportunities and seeing where they lead.

You can connect with me through my Instagram (@crystalbao_art) or my website (crystalbao.com). Let’s collaborate to create something bold and inspiring together!

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