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Dongyan Xu

Represented by

Magnet Reps
Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA
United States

illustration of To promote his upcoming tour, Taiwanese American comedian and writer, Sheng Wang, commissioned this illustration for a gig poster. A big fan of plant life, he asked for a surreal scene exuding a fun joyful vibe, with plants and flowers as much of the focus as him. Dongyan's peaceful yet vibrant scene is a jungle of highly-detailed abundant plant-life with an offbeat twist.

AWARDS: American Illustration 45
Communication Arts 2026
Society of Illustrators 68
illustration of In dramatic black and white, this illustration for The Econoimist traces the Kuroshio current's crucial role as a powerful source of physical connection in East Asia. The waves carry various historic and modern vessels, voyagers, marine life, and- as we can see in the foreground — the debris that has become the hallmark of modern society's relationship with nature.

AWARD: American Illustration 45
illustration of For ‘The Home You Own’ section of the Washington Post, about spiders and how to fill your garden with them.
illustration of For a New York Times ‘New World’ column about Trump and censorship under Xi, who silenced speech little by little, then all at once.
illustration of Gold Medal - SOCIETY of ILLUSTRATORS of LOS ANGELES 63 AWARD WINNER

SOCIETY of ILLUSTRATORS 67 AWARD WINNER

For an article written by Tom Scocca,
illustration of Cartoon, Conceptual, Digital, Editorial, Political, Portrait, Youth
illustration of For a New York Times ‘New World’ column about a phrase popping up in China in conversations and online, “Beauty of the boom years.” The phrase represents a collective longing for an era seen as “brimming with optimism, confidence and a sense of personal agency’” in contrast with the economic and societal challenges China faces today.
illustration of An article about how unauthorized immigrants help finance the social security system, for The New York Times.
illustration of For the Washington Post
illustration of SOCIETY of ILLUSTRATORS of LOS ANGELES 63 AWARD WINNER

Killing of Japanese Boy Leaves Chinese Asking: Is This My Country? 

The New York Times
illustration of For The New York Times
illustration of Cartoon, Conceptual, Digital, Graphic, Whimsical, Humor, Editorial, People, Food/Beverage
illustration of Cartoon, Conceptual, Digital, Whimsical, Editorial, Health, Science, Technology, Youth
illustration of for The New York Times
illustration of For a New York Times ‘New World’ column about American envy of Chinese technological prowess.
illustration of Cartoon, Design, Whimsical, Humor, Action, Animals, Children's Books, Holidays
illustration of Silver Medal - SOCIETY of ILLUSTRATORS of LOS ANGELES 63 AWARD WINNER

Foodies dumpster diving, tumbling from a giant 'magic carpet' chocolate bar shaped like the city of Portland. They struggle with raccoons, pigeons, squirrels, mice and a fox, to find discarded chocolate bars in the parking lot dumpster of Theo's Chocolate Factory, the famous Pacific Northwest chocolate company. 

The soft color palette of chocolate browns and warm tones keep the frenzied image from getting out of control.
illustration of For The New York Times
illustration of Saying
illustration of Global warming raises ocean temperatures, resulting in diminishing cod populations, In turn, this affects polar bears who are at the top of the Arctic food chain.
___________________________________________________________________________________________ Awards: Communication Arts Illustration Awards 2024 shortlist & Creative Quarterly 73 - 2023
___________________________________________________________________________________________ extinction, climate change, tsunami, popsicle
illustration of Don't Say 'Elite' — Corporate Firms New Pitch Is Meritocracy

The New York Times
illustration of A still life reveals a group of tiny people happily enjoying a peaceful time surrounded by animals, food and flowers, yet there are snakes lurking under the sweet smelling fruits.
___________________________________________________________________________________________ Award: Society of Illustrators 66 - 2023
___________________________________________________________________________________________ grapefruit, lemon, citrus, horned melon, botanical, miniature
illustration of Inspired by a cautionary Hans Christian Andersen fairytale about a girl go to hell for stepping on a large bread loaf to avoid soiling her shoes in a muddy marsh.
___________________________________________________________________________________________ Awards: American Illustration 43 & Communication Arts Illustration Awards - 2024 shortlist
___________________________________________________________________________________________ toad, frog, story, mistake, dramatic
illustration of Inspired by Mitski’s “Class of 2013,” a song about a sad and tired new grad asking her mother if she can be allowed a little more time to chase her dream before compromising to reality as a grown-up.
___________________________________________________________________________________________ aging, maturing, fear, teenager, desperation, parent, childhood, adulthood
illustration of Award: American Illustration 42
illustration of Who is protecting whom, tiger or maiden?
___________________________________________________________________________________________ guardian, magical, gown, giant tiger, princess
illustration of Digital, Texture, Editorial, Health, People
illustration of Inspired by historical designs of the Major Arcana card “The Fool.” The illustration explores how dangerous ideations seem beautiful and alluring to someone who is depressed, while real help from people who love them is often painful but necessary.

Award: Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles 2023

Profile

The work of Beijing-based illustrator Dongyan Xu communicates an aura of sensitivity and acceptance within its textured linework and vibrant yet sophisticated use of color. Inspired by the polarity of life, from the positivity of children's picture books to art's ability to release difficult emotions, Dongyan's favorite subjects are mental wellness, individual emotions, and relationships between people and animals.

Style/Techniques

Black & White, Cartoon, Conceptual, Design, Digital, Figurative, Graphic, Line with Color, Pen & Ink, Stylized, Texture, Pattern, Whimsical

Subject/Specialties

Humor, Action, Animals, Botanical, Celebrities, Children, Children's Books, Comic Book, Corporate, Editorial, Education, Family, Food, Health, Holidays, Nature, People, Political, Portrait, Posters, Science, Technology, Transportation, Travel, Wildlife, Food/Beverage, Lifestyle, Youth, Environmental, Financial, Urban