About

Bio

I create illustrations that appeal to the young at heart with a special focus on images that have characters, story and a developed world. 

I received my bachelor’s degree in studio arts from Wesleyan University and a master’s in journalism from Columbia University. Picture books became a special interest of mine because they combine my backgrounds in art and writing and because they influenced me greatly as a kid. I know how special a great story can be to a child. 

I’ve taken additional courses in illustrating for picture books at the School of Visual Arts in New York and online at Make Art That Sells with Lilla Rogers and Zoë Tucker. 

Additionally I’ve worked for ten years as a web designer for authors and am experienced in collaborating on creative projects with a deadline, working within project parameters and timely and clear communication with multiple stakeholders. To reach out about projects, email me at jlai@jlai.co. Stay updated on my activities by following me at Instagram, where I post pictures of my sketchbooks, works-in-progress, and my two kitty cats.

Clients

The Crafty Ant
Happy Dogs NYC