Emily Jo Lui (pronounced loo-ee) is a children’s book illustrator and author living in Seattle, WA. Using gouache, pencils and digital finesse, she creates stories full of mischief and whimsy. Folk tales are her passion, believing they can simplify life into playful dissonance. She aligns her values with Mac Barnett’s “Picture Book Proclamation”, hoping her work can continue to redefine what a picture book looks and feels like.

Emily is currently looking for agency representation


contact: emilyjolui@gmail.com
social: emily_jo_lui_illustration

SELECT CLIENTS

  • Harper Collins

  • The Friend Magazine

  • American University Magazine

Recognization includes: Adobe Design Achievement award shortlist, and being an ICON 10 gallery participant. Graduated with a BFA in Illustration, awarded Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship.

Something I’m really passionate about….

Folktales.

Folktales aren’t bound by formulas or rigid structure; instead, they embrace randomness and surprise. They don’t promise an easy world, a safe world, or a fair one — and yet there is usually just enough magic, miracles and humor for you to still enjoy what might otherwise be a macabre ride.

In such a paradoxical world—I feel passionately that we need more stories that are as ominous and silly as the fae, or as fickle as a water sprite. We need stories where the main character may not succeed, but they had a wonderful time along the way and will try again tomorrow.

In my art, I aim to recreate the feeling (if not the source material) of folktales, through a sense of creepy foreboding mixed with innocent magic. And unlike those stories of old, I will always sneak in an extra helping of hope to my work— because we need it more than ever right now!