Jingwen (Pino) Cao is a Toronto based artist focusing on children’s book illustration and picture books.
Jingwen (Pino) Cao is a Toronto based artist focusing on children’s book illustration and picture books. For as long as she can remember, Pino has had a fascination with art and design. Having grown up in an engineering family, she followed her family path and became an engineer after her graduation from University of Waterloo. However, her passion for arts never fade away. In 2020 Fall, Pino re-start her journey at Sheridan College - Animation program.
When did you start illustrating?
I’ve always been drawing since I have memory. I start to take commissions since 2016 and start to focus on children’s book illustration since 2020.
Who has been the most supportive in your illustration career, perhaps your teacher, family, friends?
There are lots of people support me along the way, but I have to say special thanks to my husband. He always encourages me and give me enough room and freedom for creation as well as honest critiques and advice.
Did you always think art was something that was going to be a major part of your life?
There’s no doubt of that. If there’s one thing that I will keep doing for a lifelong time, that is arts.
What is your favourite subject matter to illustrate?
Children, animals and the nature environments. I love to illustrate their interactions and emotional connections with each other. -
How would you describe your style?
Storytelling, humour, cartoonish and emotional. I also love to create hand-drawing textures to my illustrations.
What is your favourite collaboration to date?
The collaboration with Save Dog Cat, a Toronto based animal charity organisation, to raise fund for helping street dogs and cats
What interested you about being represented by Illo Agency?
I love the diversity of style that artist have in Illo. Having a chat with my agent, Amy, I’m impressed by the passion and their marketing strategies. They do spend times on understand the artist and their needs and goal.
Do you have a favourite author, film director, or designer?
My favourite film director is Hayao Miyazaki and my favourite illustrator is Minalima
Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?
Yes, I’m working on a picture book cooperate with my friend right now. Hopefully we can share that with you soon.
If you have any questions or a specific project in mind, please do get in touch: [email protected]
At illo agency, we pride ourselves in representing a collation of global illustrators, distinctly diverse in creativity and uniquely celebrated by like-minded clients across a range of commercial markets.