Hi! This is Thea!
I’m a picturebook maker as well as an illustrator. Having grown up in a small city by the sea, much of my childhood was spent playing on the beach and in the salty waters. When stepping into the drawing world, I naturally bring along this playful spirit, fueled by a passion for exploring new possibilities. I constantly remind myself to avoid falling into repetitive patterns and becoming confined by a so-called style.
If I must summarize, I’d describe my work as poetic, metaphorical, subtly humorous, and brimming with rich details and textures. Concept books, non-fiction books, and novelty books are my favorite genres.
Out of the realm of illustration, I am also an experience designer with a particular interest in projects for children. My design background empowers me to craft engaging content while prioritizing a holistic user experience, rather than solely focusing on visual assets.
I graduated with an MA in Design Strategy from Tsinghua University, China, in 2015. Following several years of experience as a design strategist, I pursued further studies and completed my MA in Children’s Book Illustration from the Cambridge School of Art, UK, in 2021.
I reside in Shanghai, China, and Augsburg, Germany. But thanks to the magic of the internet, you can always reach me no matter how far apart we are.
I’m a picturebook maker as well as an illustrator. Having grown up in a small city by the sea, much of my childhood was spent playing on the beach and in the salty waters. When stepping into the drawing world, I naturally bring along this playful spirit, fueled by a passion for exploring new possibilities. I constantly remind myself to avoid falling into repetitive patterns and becoming confined by a so-called style.
If I must summarize, I’d describe my work as poetic, metaphorical, subtly humorous, and brimming with rich details and textures. Concept books, non-fiction books, and novelty books are my favorite genres.
Out of the realm of illustration, I am also an experience designer with a particular interest in projects for children. My design background empowers me to craft engaging content while prioritizing a holistic user experience, rather than solely focusing on visual assets.
I graduated with an MA in Design Strategy from Tsinghua University, China, in 2015. Following several years of experience as a design strategist, I pursued further studies and completed my MA in Children’s Book Illustration from the Cambridge School of Art, UK, in 2021.
I reside in Shanghai, China, and Augsburg, Germany. But thanks to the magic of the internet, you can always reach me no matter how far apart we are.
︎ Contact
I’m open to children’s book inquiries, editorial illustrations, and kids design projects.
Represented by Verok Agency.
︎ thealu8lxy@gmail.com
︎ @ lu_thea
︎ little red book: 心远Thea
︎ newsletter: https://titantable.substack.com/
︎Awards and Experiences
Little Beasts Dwell in the Sounds / the illustrations
Nami Concours, Purple Island Award, 2025
Dive, Dive into the Night sea / the illustrations
The Carnegie Medal for Illustration, Long list, 2025
Here & There / the book
New York Times / New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award, 2024
Here & There / the illustrations
Bologna Illustrators Exhibition Winners, 2024.
Golden Pinwheel Illustration Young Illustrator Competition 50 Finalists, 2023.
Dangerous Summer Holiday,
Silver Medal, iJungle illustration award, editorial illustration section, 2023.
Behind the Stage,
Selected for the Bologna Book Fair “The Children-Spectator” Exhibition, 2022.
Winner of the 10th Sebastian Walker Award, 2021.
Here & There / the picturebook,
selected for dPICTUS unpublished picturebook showcase, jury’s
favorites, 17 publishers’ votes, 2021.
The Spring Stageshow,
Selected for the Bologna Book Fair “The Children-Spectator” Exhibition, 2021.
My Family’s Hair / the picturebook,
Honorable mention prize, Poland Clairvoyants Illustrated Book Competition, 2021.
selected for dPICTUS unpublished picturebook showcase, jury’s
favorites, 16 publishers’ votes, 2020.
My Family’s Hair / the illustrations,
Selected for Golden Pinwheel Illustration Young Illustrator Competition 50 Finalists, 2020.
Daydream Chorus,
Selected for Hiii illustration International Competition, Finalists, 2019.
