ABOUT

Cancan Jin was born and grew up in a riverside city in the middle of China, where she spent most of her time doodling, people-watching, and making up stories about clouds.

You see, the thing about her is that she takes all the weird and interesting things she notices in people, gives them to animals, and turns them into stories. It can be a little annoying sometimes, so be careful when you talk to her, unless you’re fine with ending up as a main character in a picture book.

She studied graphic design in college and somehow found herself on the other side of the earth, completing her MFA in Illustration at Syracuse University in 2025. She also has long-time experience working with a children’s magazine in China, where she created stories and illustrations for young readers. Her stories are filled with humor and unexpected twists, lively characters, and the kind of conflicts that make you laugh and sigh at the same time. Yet behind the playfulness, there’s always a gentle, poetic side—moments of quiet reflection and themes that touch on real life.

When she’s not at her GIANT desk drawing, she’s probably daydreaming somewhere in New York City, or walking with her chihuahua, Benji (who truly believes he’s a tiny cow).

Cancan is now looking for opportunities to bring her stories and laughter to more children, and to let her characters become their companions, just like the ones that once kept her company.

AWARDS

• 3×3 Illustration Annual No.22 — Merit Award, unpubished Picture Book (2025)
• 3×3 Illustration Annual No.20 — Merit Award, Student Picture Book (2023)
• iJungle New Talent Awards — Merit Award (2023)

CONTACT

cancanjin121@gmail.com