ABOUT ME
Karen Yan is a Fashion and Costume Illustrator/ Concept Artist, Key Costumer, and mom to an aspiring young Concept Artist.
Raised and educated in Hong Kong and Massachusetts, Karen began her fashion design journey at Parsons School of Design, Paris (Foundation and Womenswear design 1993- 1995) and graduated at Central St. Martins College of Art and Design in London (BA Hons Menswear design 1995- 1998). In 1998 she moved to New York to work for Daryl K and TSE New York as assistant designer/ technical designer. In Summer 2002, she left the fashion industry to pursue a career in costume design, illustrations, and storyboard.
Karen’s first break in the film industry was an internship- turned- Storyboard Artist and Costume Designer positions for Jennifer Elster’s indie feature “Particles of Truth” in New York. She has since designed Deborah Kampmeier’s feature “Virgin”, costume designed and storyboarded Seth Grossman’s feature “The Elephant King”, and various short films, commercials, and music videos before moving to Los Angeles.
Since joining Costume Designers Guild in 2008 as Costume Illustrator, Karen has illustrated for numerous projects including Disney's High School Musical 3 and Netflix's GLOW.
Karen is based in Los Angeles, California.
Costume Illustrator/ Concept Artist CDG IATSE 892
Key Costumer MPC IASTSE 705