Nan Cao is an author and illustrator based between Beijing and New York City. Working in watercolor, gouache, digital collage, and mixed media, she creates rich, textured worlds shaped by narrative and curiosity. Nan is the author and illustrator of When We Were Snails (Crown Books / Penguin Random House), and the illustrator of the picture books Sour Cherries and The Carpet. She is an alumna of the School of Visual Arts (MFA) and MICA (BFA).

Nan’s work explores the intersection of global cultures, blending her inspiration from everyday life in the big city with childhood memories of wandering through nature and picking mushrooms with her family. Her work has been awarded by the Society of Illustrators (Gold Medal), Communication Arts, Association of Illustrators, American Illustration, and the South Asia Book Award. Her clients include Penguin Random House, Abrams Books, Mudpuppy, Johns Hopkins Magazine, Quanta magazine, and Stanford University.

When not in her studio, Nan can be found reading from her favorite book collection, daydreaming, swimming, or taking walks with her family in the park. She enjoys exploring local markets for unique collectibles and keeping her studio organized, small joys that help her maintain the sense of wonder she brings to every page.