ancient world adventures

illustrations commissioned for a self-published middle grade book that contained six short stories set in different time periods

inherent vice

created in response to my experience taking a textiles conservation course.


The Tiger and the Mouse

an 8 page adaptation of the Aesop fable the Lion and the Mouse

how to make instant noodles

the college student special

Rachel Zhu

The Little Prince

a 24 page adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Expuréy's novel


Sabine and Rhiannon

3 page excerpt for a coming of age story between two friends

Gearshift Fellowship

Rachel Zhu

2024Freelance visual development and 2D artist for Gearshift Fellowship.
Designed 2D assets and UI for a car chase video game that doubles as a psychology study. The game is not only designed to study behavior in players, but also focuses on recognizing and training mindfulness and resilience, especially for those with ADHD, depression, etc.
assets made in adobe photoshop, ui designed in figma


in game screenshots

Sundial

2024A visual development project inspired by the myths of Chang'e and Hou Yi and the
ten suns, set in sci-fi timeline that combines the modern and the traditional.

The Haunts

2023Members of rookie band "The Haunts" are unaware that their manager is possessed by a dead rockstar.
Ghostly encounters make their road to fame a paranormal one!
(Animated Series Concept: co-designed by Taylor Burgess + Rachel Zhu)

Study Buddies

2023project made for internship with Fablevision Studiosmade with unity
assets made in adobe photoshop, adobe animate, adobe after effects


early sketches


In-game screenshots

planner

2023, printed with letterpress and risograph, spiralboundflexible planner that includes pages for month, week, to-do list, and groceries/chores list.

music collection for the guqin

Volume 3: Hand Forms2022, ink and risographillustrated translation of excerpts from a compilation of texts on the guqin dating back to the Song dynasty.

Rachel Zhu

Rachel Zhu is an illustrator and visual development artist currently based in Los Angeles. They grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, and graduated with a BFA in Illustration at Rhode Island School of Design. Rachel has always loved children’s media and their passion for it drives their career as an illustrator. Some of their favourite pieces that really inspire their work both artistically and thematically include Ghibli movies Whisper of the Heart and Princess Mononoke, Cartoon Network shows such as Steven Universe and Adventure Time, and other great shows such as The Owl House and Bluey.Rachel strives to include the same level of attention and whimsy in their own work, and they hope that their artwork can inspire joy and appreciation for the every day and ordinary. Most of their work is illustrated digitally, though they also love to play with watercolors and oil paints. Rachel is currently a member of both The Society Of Children’s Book Writers And Illustrators and Asians In Animation. When they’re not drawing, you can find them crocheting, fighting for their cat’s attention, or fishing in various video games.Feel free to contact at [email protected]!