The Journey of Chiara Xie (Class of 2016)
At the International School of Florence, our multicultural environment fosters creative expression, global perspectives, and lifelong curiosity. Today, we are proud to spotlight Chiara Xie (Class of 2016), whose artistic journey has taken her from our Tuscan campuses to high-profile collaborations with international publications and iconic global brands.
Building an International Academic Foundation
After graduating from ISF in 2016, Chiara pursued a dual passion for business and visual communication. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Minor in Visual Arts from Boston University, followed by a Master of Arts in Illustration at Kingston University London.
Today, Chiara is based in Montreal, Canada, working as a highly accomplished professional illustrator whose vibrant style reaches audiences across the world.
Mentorship and Memories: The ISF Experience
Reflecting on her time in Florence, Chiara highlights the profound impact of her teachers and the immersive learning environment at ISF.
“Inka Szablinski, my IB English instructor and mentor, always encouraged me to explore ideas fearlessly and trust my own voice. Ms. Russo Scherr, my art teacher, was always friendly and supportive, nurturing my creativity with kindness”.
Beyond core subjects, Chiara considers her English language fluency to be one of the most critical skills she mastered during her school years. Among her fondest memories at ISF was painting her self-portrait, an early milestone in an artistic path that would soon span multiple continents.
A Stellar Career: Illustrating for Global Giants
Since launching her creative career, Chiara’s artwork has appeared in some of the world’s most prestigious media outlets and brand campaigns. Her portfolio includes work for:
- Major International Publications: The Washington Post, The Guardian, The Los Angeles Times, National Public Radio (link here and here), BBC, The New York Times.
- Global Brands & Events: Collaborative projects with Adidas, Apple, and the MetaMoon Music Festival.
- Local Community Impact: Designing iconic local artwork, including a featured poster for Florence’s renowned Corri la Vita 2025 and 2026 charity event.
“Beyond the client list, what I’m most proud of is how my art continues to reflect the cross-cultural perspective I began developing at ISF; bringing together movement, color, and stories from the places I’ve lived, from Florence to London to Montreal.”
Explore Chiara’s Work
Chiara’s career stands as an inspiring example of how an IB education at ISF empowers students to turn personal passion into international success.
To view her full portfolio and explore her latest editorial and commercial illustration projects, visit her official website at www.chiaraxie.art.
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