The recent pandemic has truly tested the creative industry’s limit, bringing a need for brands and companies to alter their behaviours and strategies to meet their audiences’ demands. However, this pair of creative talents prove that there has been no better time for creativity to flourish than right now. Fayanne D. S. and Lim Su Jing are graduates of The One Academy’s School of Illustration. But that’s not all they have in common. Both of them are currently rocking the local creative scene with their innovative designs, fresh ideas and zest for success!

The duo recently paid a visit to their alma mater where they held a sharing session speaking on their journey thus far, experiences, past projects and even imparted advice to the future generation of illustrators! Upon graduating in 2018, Fayanne landed a job as a Concept Artist at Appxplore, a mobile game development studio that has published a number of titles to public and critical acclaim. Some of titles developed by the studio is Hellopet House, Masketeers, Void Troopers, Alien Path and many more.

Su Jing kicked off her career pathway as a Junior Storyboard Artist at Animasia Studio following with a stint as Visualizer in Naga DDB. Today she is a Senior Illustrator at Big 3 Media, a one-stop creative media agency, video production house and content development company based in Singapore. Both these artists are shining exemplars of creative success!

Sharing on their experiences from college right up until working life, they had the audience’s attention captured from the get go with their energetic attitudes and exceptional insight. A large portion of the event was spent on giving the attendees valuable advice about landing a job in the illustration industry, and excelling in it.

Su Jing’s top advice to the students was always be open to possibilities and keep learning, no matter where they may go. “Ask questions in the workplace. Do not be timid, ask your colleagues and seniors questions on things you do not know. They will be very happy to help you”, she said. Besides that, she also highlighted the importance of challenging one’s self, especially when the going gets tough. She stated that “new things might be hard, but that does not mean you can’t do it. Always do the best you can, regardless of your skill level”.

Fayanne on the other hand stressed the importance of ideation. “Ideation is key. The interviewers would like to see your ideas, not only your skills”, she said. Although a portfolio is of utmost importance for an illustration graduate, a personal sketchbook is equally significant. “If you do not already have a sketchbook, please get one. Make it a habit to draw, write or sketch anything on it when the idea strikes. Bring this along to interviews as it could make a world of difference”, she said.

It is great to see that amidst trying times, these talented individuals are making the most of their creativity and talent as well as inspiring many more to follow in their footsteps! The One Academy is truly proud of their endeavours and wish them all the best for their future undertakings.

[The One Academy of Communication Design was established in 1991 with the aim of promoting the region as the world’s center of creative reference. Strategically located in the thriving creative hub of Bandar Sunway, Selangor, with a branch in Georgetown, Penang, The One Academy is today a top notch leading international institute in art, design and creative multimedia, renowned with graduates who steer successful careers in creative capitals worldwide. The courses offered are Digital Media Design, Digital Animation with Game Development, Film Visual Effects, Illustration, Movie & Game Art, Advertising & Graphic Design, Interior Design, Paris Fashion Design & Pattern Making and Fine Arts.]