Curious, collaborative, and always drawing connections.

I'm Ahmed Asi, an illustrator of Pakistani origin living and working in New York City.

My illustrations are shaped by curiosity: about people, stories, and the connections between diverse forms of expression and lived experience. I draw inspiration from the books I’m reading (from literary fiction to sci-fi, gothic romance to academic theory), the performances I love (from ballet to blockbusters), and my own experiences as a person of color between cultures.

I aim to create work that invites pause—images that linger in the mind and engender thought.

Prior to focusing on illustration, I earned a PhD in Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies from UC Santa Barbara. I also hold a diploma in classical acting from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA), and a BA in Theater and Dance from Colby College. I’ve taught acting in Pakistan and the U.S., collaborated on modern dance exhibits, presented academic work on videogames, and helped develop new plays and socially-engaged theater. These experiences inform the way I approach visual storytelling: with nuance; empathy; and an understanding of collaboration, whether with individuals, institutions, or teams.

I'm especially drawn to projects in publishing, collaborations with cultural institutions, and brand storytelling that call for thoughtful, emotionally resonant visuals.

If you'd like to connect, please reach out directly at ahmedasi@gmail.com.