
Kristina Micotti’s Snakes Are Cool!
The award-winning illustrator greets the Lunar New Year with a playful story about these misunderstood creatures.
Kristina Micotti
Jan 29, 2025
“I love the Lunar New Year,” says San Francisco–based illustrator Kristina Micotti. “Celebrating it always reminds me of my grandma, who made sure we followed traditions, like wearing polka dots (a Filipino custom for good fortune) and dressing in red. To this day, I continue these traditions every Lunar New Year and have passed them on to my daughter.”
Considered one of the most important holidays in China, Lunar New Year is also widely celebrated in several other Asian countries, including Singapore, Vietnam, Korea, and Malaysia. It celebrates the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. This year, January 29 marks the beginning of the new lunar year, which is represented by the snake, an animal that, despite often being feared and misunderstood, possesses many admirable qualities.
To celebrate the Year of the Snake, MoMA commissioned Micotti to create a custom illustration inspired by the holiday (it appears on the right). Micotti’s illustration, which will be visible across New York City over the coming weeks, “was inspired by the spirit of renewal and optimism that comes with the Lunar New Year, with the bold red snake symbolizing strength and transformation. The hidden snake among the playful black-and-white polka dots reflects the excitement of uncovering new possibilities in the Year of the Snake.”

Inspired by the snake’s many charms, Micotti also created an illustrated story, which we present below. “Snakes have always been one of my favorite things to draw. I’ve been sketching them for as long as I can remember,” she recalls. “I love exploring their fluid shapes and patterns, with endless possibilities to play with. This project deepened my appreciation for snakes, allowing me to showcase them in a positive light—one they truly deserve.”
We encourage you to reflect on your own relationship to this creature and wish you wisdom and creativity in the Year of the Snake!








Kristina Micotti is an illustrator and designer from the San Francisco Bay Area. Her illustrations are playful, bold, and simple. She likes to create anything that makes her laugh.