From Google to Instagram and Amnesty International, Subin Yang’s BFA’13 vivid illustrations have been the visual voice for some of the world’s most influential organizations. The Pacific Northwest College of Art graduate, who now calls Brooklyn home, credits her time at the Portland art and design school for giving her the foundation of her flourishing career. “PNCA laid the groundwork for me,” said Yang.
Yang arrived at PNCA by way of Seoul, South Korea. Her experiences at the school proved transformative, particularly through the mentorship of faculty who demonstrated the viability of maintaining both teaching and freelance careers. “I realized that all of my teachers were both instructors and freelance artists able to juggle multiple jobs, proving that you don’t have to let go of your studio practice as a professional,” she said.
“Seeing how they did it in real-time and watching them share tips from their current projects in the classroom was helpful. I could always ask for advice on gigs because they were in the market as freelancers too,” Yang shared. “It was encouraging to see professors who were also successful professional artists.”
This mentorship proved especially useful for Yang post-graduation. As an international student facing strict employment deadlines that required her to work within three months of graduation to remain in the U.S., Yang found support from her PNCA network. With their guidance, she obtained a business license in Portland and began building an impressive portfolio of clients.
Years later, Yang maintains strong connections with her former professors, including Kristen Rogers Brown, Meg Hunt, Rilla Alexander, Martin French, and all of the faculty in the Illustration Department who serve as her mentors. “They are always around whenever I have a question about a job, and when there isn’t a clear-cut answer,” she said.
At PNCA, Yang discovered her distinctive artistic voice. Her senior thesis, focusing on the Portland Farmers Market, became a comprehensive branding project encompassing art for a book, blankets and tote bags. This work established a theme that would define her style: using food as a graphic medium to explore cultural narratives and historical connections.
Today, Yang’s portfolio reflects her commitment to social impact. Her collaboration with the Malala Fund’s Assembly Magazine stands out as a particular highlight. “As an artist, some of my favorite work aligns politically with my values and what I hope my art can do for society,” she shared.
“As an artist who draws a lot of bright and uplifting things, sometimes I question if my work is too positive in light of the tragedies happening around the world,” she reflects. “But when I am working on projects like Chobani’s collaboration with Edesia [a nonprofit dedicated to stopping world hunger], I'm reminded that my work can be used to promote positive change.”
See more of Subin Yang's incredible illustrations on her website.
