Hi, I’m Windy Zhu, an illustrator and designer from China, currently based in Cambridge. With a background in interior design, I have worked across art exhibitions, book design, and children’s art education projects. These experiences have shaped my understanding of design as a visual language within picture books and visual storytelling. To me, a picture book is not only a sequence of images, but a space to be designed, experienced, and inhabited.

Drawing on traditional culture, I also explore how traditional aesthetics meet contemporary design in picture books. I’m drawn to light, playful narratives with quiet emotional depth. Alongside my creative practice, I continue to engage in design and art education, particularly through projects with children.

I look forward to connecting and collaborating with people from diverse cultural backgrounds on meaningful and joyful projects.

Awards

2025

Little None — 2026 Finalist Illustrators, The Bologna Children’s Book Fair

The Colorless Fish — Best Work, China Illustration Annual

Little Monk — Outstanding Work, China Illustration Annual

Little Monk — Gold Award, “Huaxia Award” Cultural and Art Design Competition (Autumn)

Little Yaksha — Shortlist, 5th Bronze Sunflower Picture Book Award

Little Yaksha — Shortlist, 1st Chen Bochui New Children’s Literature Award, Picture Book & Illustration Competition

Childhood Tofu Stand — Shortlist, 5th BIBF International Illustration Competition (Editorial Illustration)

I Am Little Dragon King — Shortlist, 4th Red Cape Original Picture Book Competition

2024

British Council GREAT Scholarships

2023

Little Monk — Top 100 Finalist, 9th Golden Pinwheel International Young Illustrator Competition

Jiangnan Solar Terms / Book Design — Excellence Award, 10th National Book Design Art Exhibition

2020

Little Yaksha — American Brightness Award for Children’s Picture Books

Tianqiao Chronicles — Shortlist, 8th Hiii Illustration International Competition (Non-Commissioned Work)

City Eccentrics — Shortlist, 8th Hiii Illustration International Competition (Commercial Work)