Xin Ma is a Chinese illustrator and architectural designer based in New York City. Her journey into illustration began in Yunnan, where she grew up in a family and region steeped in art. Her uncle, an oil painter, was her first mentor; his studio, filled with still life and sketches, left her astonished by how paint and pencil could transform a sheet of paper into something beautiful. That moment sparked a lifelong devotion to drawing.

As a child, she was deeply influenced by Japanese manga, classic European picture books, and Chinese animation. These early influences shaped her sense of storytelling, humor, and visual rhythm.

She works across both traditional and digital media, drawn to expressive linework, texture, and atmospheric color. Her work is inspired by memory, folklore, and quiet observation, often blending Eastern and Western visual traditions. She sees drawing as a language that can transcend cultural and personal boundaries — different paths toward the same mountain.

Living in New York while remaining deeply connected to her Chinese roots, Xin continues to explore how images can speak across languages and cultures.

If you’re interested in working with Xin, please get in touch via email, and we’ll connect you with the relevant agent.