Malaysia’s vibrant art scene is witnessing a wave of emerging illustrators who are redefining creativity with their fresh perspectives and unique styles. These talented artists blend traditional techniques with contemporary influences, creating work that spans various mediums, from digital art to hand-drawn illustrations. With a growing demand for original art in advertising, design and publishing, these illustrators capture the essence of Malaysian culture while pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. In this issue, Top 10 Malaysia shares its picks for the top 10 emerging Malaysian illustrators, each gifted with the ability to merge storytelling with visual impact. These artists are helping to shape the future of the Malaysian art industry, inspiring both local communities and international audiences alike.
Li Hua Wong
Established in 2010, Lihuà stands as the distinguished atelier and artistic legacy of Li Hua Wong, an internationally acclaimed Malaysian artist. Li Hua brings to life the graceful strokes of Chinese calligraphy, blending them effortlessly with the ethereal nuances of Western watercolours. Her art captures the spirit of East meeting West, featuring distinctive female figures and faces full of charisma. It has enchanted some of the world’s foremost fashion and lifestyle brands. Through Lihuà, she has collaborated with global icons such as Faber-Castell, Chanel, Prada and Christian Louboutin, as well as prestigious jewellers like Chaumet and Bulgari and the luxurious artisans of Bentley. On the global platform, Lihuà has exhibited in esteemed galleries across Italy, Beijing and Taipei, weaving an intricate tapestry of global influences that speaks to today’s interconnected world. Her atelier and artwork have also been spotlighted in many outlets and renowned publications like PIN Prestige, Citta Bella and Elle.
Eleen Tan
Eleen Tan is an art educator and fashion illustrator whose work has been featured in Vogue and Tatler Asia. Known for her glamorous, runway-inspired creations, her fashion illustrations seamlessly blend gradient watercolour finishes with poised silhouettes, exuding femininity and elegance. Since transforming her childhood passion into a career in 2010, Eleen has collaborated with prestigious fashion brands like Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Her artistry has graced the pages of leading fashion magazines, including Marie Claire, Female and HerWorld. Beyond illustration, Eleen’s expertise extends to live drawing at exclusive events and creative collaborations with renowned designers such as Cassey Gan and Bremen Wong. As an art educator, Eleen shares industry insights with her students, supported by her MA in Visual Communication and extensive teaching experience. She also co-authored Fashion Sketching: A Complete Guidebook for Beginners. With her artistic talent and passion for education, Eleen continues to shape the future of Malaysia’s fashion illustration scene.
Shu Yee (shuuhuahua)
Shu Yee is a talented visionary artist, illustrator and graphic designer originally from Penang and now based in the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Renowned for her distinctive artistic style, she masterfully blends eccentricity and quirky elements to create captivating pieces that breathe life into her unique observations of the world. Shu Yee’s impressive roster of clients includes internationally recognised brands such as Shake Shack Malaysia, VERSE Magazine Taiwan, Process Magazine Malaysia, TIME Internet, atmos KL and NIKE Malaysia. Although she is primarily known for her digital illustrations, Shu Yee is also a passionate experimenter with charcoal drawing and Risograph printing. In addition to client projects, she explores various zine formats and structures, continually pushing the boundaries of storytelling through her experimental prints. In 2024, Shu Yee was longlisted for the prestigious World Illustration Awards in the publishing category for her self-published Risograph zine, “SUNSHOWER CITY: ONLY TOURIST”.
Aznah (Hanza Art)
Aznah (better known as Hanza Art) is a trailblazer in the Webtoon Originals scene. She has revolutionised the digital comics world with her unique storytelling and mesmerising art. A graduate of Animation & VFX from Multimedia University, Cyberjaya, Hanza Art hails from Kota Bharu, Kelantan, and has over five years of experience in the industry. Her works have not only captivated audiences across Malaysia but have been translated into multiple languages such as English, Korean, Japanese, French, German, Spanish and Indonesian, showcasing her global appeal. Hanza Art’s creativity shines through popular current projects like “My Deepest Secret”, “The Guy Upstairs”, “Falling in Love with My Ex-Fiance’s Grandfather”, and “My Boss Doesn’t Have a Face”. A two-time winner of the Fan Favorite Awards at the Ringo Awards (USA), Hanza Art’s collaborations with renowned publishers like Ana Muslim and Komik-M/PTS cement her position as a comic industry giant.
Afi Sulaiman
Afi Sulaiman is an exceptional artist and illustrator renowned for her exploration of lines, patterns, textures and vibrant colours. Her style is a playful mix of fun, quirky and naïve elements, evoking a sense of innocence and nostalgia. Deeply inspired by Malaysia’s rich food culture, Afi infuses her work with a unique blend of traditional and modern influences, effortlessly merging Eastern and Western sensibilities. She celebrates textile and patterns by experimenting collage through digitalisation of drawings and assembled wallpapers. She also enjoys adding tactile texture by painting, sewing beads, and attaching lace to her canvas prints. Afi has collaborated with both local and international brands, including SMEs, cosmetic brands, insurance companies, government institutions and home décor. Beyond her art, she enjoys working in cozy cafés, gallery hopping and expressing her style through fashion.
Michael Lim
The exceptionally talented Michael Lim is the brainchild behind Space Dawg Studio, a cutting-edge 2D animation powerhouse based in Kuala Lumpur. A self-taught animator and illustrator with a profound background in graphic design, Michael possesses an unparalleled ability to craft visually captivating and dynamic animation. His passion for traditional animation is fueled by a deep admiration for its unique qualities and the infinite creative potential it offers. Michael has an uncanny talent for building imaginative worlds that come to life through animation. Additionally, his musical expertise, developed through years of piano training, allows him to collaborate seamlessly with sound engineers, ensuring that the audio perfectly complements the visual storytelling. The result is a mesmerising, immersive experience that pushes the boundaries of what animation can achieve. With a commitment to innovation and artistry, Michael continues to redefine the future of animation.
Dania Mah (thatDania)
ThatDania or Dania Mah, is a talented Malaysian illustrator who brings the vibrant energy of festivities and meaningful mantras to life through her captivating works. Known for her bold use of colour, humor and emotional depth, her illustrations have been commissioned by prestigious brands such as Watsons, Tokio Marine Insurance, TIME Internet, APOM, Puma, YouMee Noodles, KL Hornbills and C+, among many others. Beyond her commercial work, Dania delves into personal projects that offer a playful twist on how we perceive the world, infusing humor and fresh perspectives into everyday situations. Through her illustrations, she strives to remind us to cherish the goodness in the moments we experience and to reflect on each story through a more uplifting, fulfilling lens. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Dania is a full-time freelancer, balancing both commercial and personal projects with remarkable creativity.
Lai Thing Sheng (Book of Lai)
Lai Thing Sheng (Book of Lai) is an award-winning illustrator, designer and creative entrepreneur based in Kuala Lumpur. He is the founder of Studio Behind 90, specialising in illustration and design for top brands like Netflix, KFC, Snapchat, Cadbury, Yakult, Puma and AirAsia. Lai’s ability to combine storytelling and commercial design has made him a sought-after collaborator. Recognised internationally, Lai has received awards such as the World Illustration Award (UK), Golden Pin Design Award and IDA Design Award. His work has been showcased in London, Korea, China and Singapore, highlighting his global impact. As co-founder of the Kuala Lumpur Illustration Fair, Lai fosters creative exchange across Southeast Asia and China. He also developed Tiny Moving Place, a personal IP exploring freedom, exploration and productivity. Balancing artistry and business, Lai continues to push boundaries, creating impactful work that connects industries, cultures and audiences.
Charis Loke
Charis Loke has drawn street protests, market communities, election rallies in the jungle, on a boat, by a glacier. An illustrator and comics editor based in Kuala Lumpur, she makes richly-layered maps and book covers that convey stories and cultures both real and imagined. After discovering Shaun Tan’s “The Arrival” in a school library, Charis fell in love with visual storytelling. Through teaching art and facilitating cultural heritage programmes for youth, she learned to weave place-based research and local motifs into her illustration practice. Now working across adult and young adult fiction as well as editorial non-fiction, she’s illustrated award-winning books by Fonda Lee, Hannah Whitten, Judy I. Lin, Hanna Alkaf and more. Some of her notable clients include Netflix, Orbit, Macmillan, Harper Voyager, The Broken Binding and Subterranean Press.
Soo Fang
Soo Fang is a talented Malaysian graphic designer, mural artist, illustrator and lecturer. With a passion for creativity, she specialises in poster design, illustrations, vibrant mural paintings and even graphic design that bring joy and positivity to the community. With over 13 years of experience, Soo Fang has created more than 50 stunning murals across Malaysia, each infused with unique flair and colour. Her expertise extends to food art and doodles, which she has crafted for restaurants and commercial advertisements both locally and internationally. Additionally, she has over a decade of experience as a graphic designer, collaborating with esteemed brands such as Starbucks Malaysia, Skechers Malaysia, Uniqlo Malaysia, emart24 Malaysia,Fahrenheitt 88, Samsung and Yole Frozen Yogurt, among others. Soo Fang’s work continues to inspire and uplift through its creativity and vibrant energy.
