Felicia Chiao

Meet Felicia Chiao, an industrial designer and illustrator based in San Francisco, originally from Houston, Texas. By day, she's immersed in the world of food design, but her true passion lies in creating imaginative illustrations inspired by her everyday life.

Felicia's art, primarily brought to life with Copic markers and gel-ink pens on brown paper, invites you into whimsical and surreal narratives. Her work often features a relatable human protagonist alongside enigmatic black spirit-figures, evoking the spirit of Hayao Miyazaki's creations. While her scenes exude whimsy, they also touch upon deeper emotions, reflecting feelings of loneliness, foreboding, and confinement.

Her artistic journey began as a beloved hobby, but it's now a thriving part of her life. Felicia is known for filling sketchbooks with her unique illustrations, showcasing her unwavering dedication and love for the craft. Her art has gained recognition through platforms like Instagram and Tumblr, leading to exciting collaborations with renowned names like Dirtybird Records and Denik.

Embracing both her industrial design career and artistic pursuits, Felicia's story reminds us of the power of pursuing one's passions, even while navigating a city of contrasts like San Francisco. With a commitment to practice and self-improvement, she offers valuable advice to aspiring artists, encouraging them to embrace their creative journeys.