Xiao Lyu is a visual artist based in New York City.
Aiming to create diverse visual art that would resonate with audiences and evoke a sense of curiosity, he finds joy in the dynamic interplay of different artistic disciplines and works with a broad spectrum of skills encompassing illustration, graphic design, concept design, gaming art, and photography.
Xiao earned his BFA in Art and Design from the China Academy of Art and has worked for years as a graphic designer, gaming artist, photographer, and art director, and also ran his graphic studio with a partner. After graduating from the MFA program in Illustration at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, he continues to create with his visual language, primarily in digital media, while exploring traditional mediums and enjoys balancing abstract and interpretable surrealism.
Xiao earned his BFA in Art and Design from the China Academy of Art and has worked for years as a graphic designer, gaming artist, photographer, and art director, and also ran his graphic studio with a partner. After graduating from the MFA program in Illustration at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, he continues to create with his visual language, primarily in digital media, while exploring traditional mediums and enjoys balancing abstract and interpretable surrealism.
Growing up and living at the intersection of East Asian and North American cultures, he takes pride in his cultural diversity. This diversity is a defining feature of his art and fuels his passion and curiosity to engage with different and exciting visual art projects.
Select clients: P&G - Oral-B, Febreze, Alibaba, MTomorrow, Wong Lo Kat, Perfect World.
Select clients: P&G - Oral-B, Febreze, Alibaba, MTomorrow, Wong Lo Kat, Perfect World.
Activities & Awards
American Illustration 44 Chosen Winners, AiAp (2025)
Merit, ADC 104th Annual Awards - Illustration (2025)
Exhibitor, Art on Loop Brooklyn, The Holy Art Gallery (2025)
Invited Guest Speaker, Illustration Department, Pratt Institute, NYC (2025)
Selected, FIT Graduate Study Gradation Handbook showcase (2024)
Longlisted, CIB9 Illustration Biennial (2024)
Honorable Mention, 3x3 Illustration Annual (2022)
Bronze, Lin Fengmian Award, China Academy of Art (2013)
Assistant and Editor, Platinum Originality International Graphic Design Competition (2013)
Visual Designer and Exhibitor, DunPin Concept Exhibition, China Academy of Art (2012)
American Illustration 44 Chosen Winners, AiAp (2025)
Merit, ADC 104th Annual Awards - Illustration (2025)
Exhibitor, Art on Loop Brooklyn, The Holy Art Gallery (2025)
Invited Guest Speaker, Illustration Department, Pratt Institute, NYC (2025)
Selected, FIT Graduate Study Gradation Handbook showcase (2024)
Longlisted, CIB9 Illustration Biennial (2024)
Honorable Mention, 3x3 Illustration Annual (2022)
Bronze, Lin Fengmian Award, China Academy of Art (2013)
Assistant and Editor, Platinum Originality International Graphic Design Competition (2013)
Visual Designer and Exhibitor, DunPin Concept Exhibition, China Academy of Art (2012)
Contact: xiaolyuart@gmail.com
Instagram @xiaolyuxiao