At just 20 years old, Tan Jiun Qi is a force to be reckoned with. A recent graduate of The One Academy with a major in Illustration, he has already added significant notches to his belt. During his studies, his exceptional work set him apart as a top performer, earning him recognition for his dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in his craft.

He made Malaysia proud when he was crowned the winner of ‘Rookie of the Year – Concept Art’ in the Rookie Awards 2024 – the world’s leading competition for aspiring creatives to showcase their best skills and abilities. His submission went against contenders from America, France, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Singapore to emerge triumphant.

In The One Academy’s ‘Hall of Fame’ – an annual academic awards ceremony recognising top performers in each programme major – Jiun Qi emerged as the standout winner, sweeping five awards: the highly coveted ‘Best of the Best Craft’ and four accolades in the Top of Illustration category for Character Design, Digital Painting, Environment Design, and Matte Painting. A testament to his talent, his masterpieces have also been featured in the No.1 art magazine for digital artists, ImagineFX magazine, in their October 2024 issue.

Tan Jiun Qi majored in Illustration at The One Academy.

“It still feels unreal to me, as being a participant in the Rookie Awards has always been one of my academic goals. Winning this award is a huge pat on the back and means a lot to me as I begin my career as an artist,” said Jiun Qi.

As a culmination of his three years of study, Jiun Qi has now published his first ever art book, “A Reflection of Trust”, which explores his journey toward discovering his true potential as an artist. Spanning 112 pages, the book delves into his thoughts and the various stages of his learning, featuring carefully curated traditional and digital art pieces, along with some of his most cherished works.

During the pre-order period, it received an overwhelming response from the public, including many of his dedicated followers on Instagram (@jiunqi). The book will soon be available for purchase in major bookstores.

"This book offers a glimpse into my mind, and through it, I hope readers will experience the thrill of creation and connect with the philosophical ideas of world-building, just as I did while crafting these pieces,” he shared.

He was around three years old when he first picked up the pencil. Growing up with exposure to diverse cultural settings deepened his appreciation for various art styles, sparking his passion for concept art and illustration. He was certain that this was the path he wanted to pursue. He enrolled at The One Academy, immersing himself in days filled with doing what he loves most, alongside peers who share his enthusiasm for art.

Some of the artworks featured in Tan Jiun Qi’s first art book, “A Reflection of Trust

"I hope my readers find inspiration in my art and are encouraged to explore different aspects of life and concept art within the industry," he added.

He dreams of joining the entertainment art industry in the near future, working alongside talented teams to construct wondrous worlds that captivate and inspire audiences. Having recently completed his diploma studies, he has been accepted to pursue a Master of Arts in Feature Film Development at Birmingham City University, United Kingdom. Through his journey and artwork, he hopes to inspire young artists to follow their passions and chase their dreams 

“I believe I still have a long way to go to become a professional in this field,” he said humbly. “I’d like to thank my family for their unwavering support and love for my work. I'm also grateful to my lecturers for their guidance, their passion for teaching art inspires and fuels my drive to create good art too."

Jiun Qi is undoubtedly a rising talent in the industry and a name to watch. He holds himself to the highest standards and constantly measures his progress against the person he was yesterday. His tireless dedication, unwavering work ethic, and commitment to excellence are truly admirable.