Lin Tao (1930) is from Tianjin. A self-taught artist, he joined the People's Liberation Army in 1946. From 1947-1949, he worked in various culture and art groups before becoming a designer with the Hebei Xinhua Shudian. He worked as an art editor with the Hebei People's Publishing House from 1950-1970, when he moved to the Art Editorial Office of the Hebei Provincial Publishing Authority. In 1981, he transferred to the Hebei Fine Arts Publishing House.

Lin is specialized in New Year prints and serial cartoons.