About Rioka 𓂃✍︎

I specialize in creating conceptual illustrations, using my background in medical illustration to illuminate complex topics in science, technology, and health with a unique touch. I adore the process of researching novel scientific findings and transforming them into conceptual artwork which informs, educates, and advocates.

Please reach out for editorial, publishing, animation, or branding inquiries! Hopping between NYC, Montréal, Nice, and Tokyo. When I’m not creating art, find me tending to my pothos and eating an ungodly amount of St-Viateur bagels.

東京生まれ、現在はニューヨークシティを拠点に活動しています。ロチェスター工科大学で医学イラストレーションを学んでいます。医学と生物学の知識を組み合わせて、複雑なテーマをわかりやすく表現しています。インスピレーションは、エルンスト・ヘッケルです。2023年には、ワールド・イラストレーション・アワードのロングリストに選ばれました。

Née à Tokyo, je suis actuellement basée à New York City. J’étudie l’illustration médicale à l’Université de Technologie de Rochester. En combinant mes connaissances en médecine et en biologie, je cherche à exprimer des thèmes complexes de manière claire. Je puise notamment mon inspiration dans le travail d'Ernst Haeckel. En 2023, j’ai été sélectionnée pour la longue liste des World Illustration Awards.

Clients

The Washington Post / Science AAAS / Nature / Stanford Medicine Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection / CORE Internal Medicine / International Union for the Conservation of Nature / Daily Californian / University of California San Francisco / Utsuwa

Selected Exhibitions

The Andy Warhol Museum, Bevier Gallery, Shanice Kiel Gallery, Scholastic National Exhibition

Awards

World Illustration Awards, Longlisted in Science and Technology Category 2022 & 2023

GAI Policy

No generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is used in the creation of my illustrations. I expressly prohibit any entity from using my publications for purposes of training AI technologies to generate visuals, including technologies that are capable of generating works in the same style or genre as the publications.

I enjoy the human imperfections which arise from hand drawing. My work draws from my multicultural life experiences growing up in an urban plant shop, hikes through the pacific northwest, and finding wonder at the California Academy of Sciences. I find joy in the ideation, labor, and problem-solving aspects of the creative process.