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What Counts as a Successful Career for Illustration Artists?

If working on projects like Call of Duty, Destiny2, SMITE and Cartoon Network sounds like a dream job, then meet concept artist Benjamine Low, an Illustration graduate from The One Academy and storyboard artist Edward Gan. Low currently works at Bear Down studios, a Malaysian game production studio home to international clients like Play Station, Activision, Bandai Namco, Ubisoft and many more. Gan however, is a freelance storyboard artist known for his work on animated series for major TV networks.

Sharing their experiences as renowned artists to illustration students, both speakers highlighted the different perspectives of working in a studio and as a freelancer in the creative industry. It showed students the diverse successful pathways to explore based on their preferred working styles.

“We work on 3D texturing, environment, character, props and weapon designing,” said Benjamine Low as he shared the main roles illustration artists play in game production studios.

He went on to explain the importance of understanding clients. Some are very particular about art styles and expect extensive research behind every sketch. In contrast, clients like Bungie, the makers of Destiny2 are known for embracing creative freedom. They welcomed new ideas, designs, and experimental concepts. According to him, they were always open to what the artists brought to the table, making them some of the most enjoyable and creatively fulfilling clients to work with.

Throughout the sharing he showed students all the impressive works from Bear Down studios and the team. After that, he explained the industry requirements for fresh graduates and ways to impress their future employer.

“When applying for jobs, make sure your portfolio highlights the projects that play to your strengths, avoid overwhelming employers with too much information,” he advised. Low encouraged students to showcase their niche and the work that best reflects their specific skill set. Whether it's concept art, environment design, or another area of focus, the key is to present work that aligns with their personal interests and expertise.

Apart from the industry, Edward Gan shared a fascinating career pathway which young artists today love exploring, working remotely. Enjoying the perks of a work-from-home lifestyle while contributing to cartoon series, Gan walked the audience through his daily routine, which includes client briefings, meetings, storyboarding, and even squeezing in a few video game sessions in between.

“It’s all about managing your time. Making sure you get your work done on time and meeting deadlines gives clients confidence in you,” he shared.

As a 2D Animator, Gan also showcased some of his animated series work and encouraged students who dream of starting their own studios to watch a wide variety of animated shows and avoid sticking to just one drawing style. He emphasized the importance of constant observation and sketching, explaining that these habits are mandatory for visual storytelling.

He concluded the entire session with a valuable advice to the audience, “If you want to be an independent artist, don’t jump straight into it. Work at a studio first. Learn everything you can, from start to finish. It’s the best way to understand the full production flow before creating your own journey.”

The One Academy is committed to providing the best art education programmes and continues to nurture its students passionately through its “Masters Train Masters” coaching philosophy, which has been practised for over 35 years, by providing diploma and degree courses in Visual Communication Design, Digital Animation (specialisation in Animation, Modelling or VFX), Digital Media Design, Interior Architecture and Design, Illustration, Fine Arts, and Paris Fashion Design & Pattern Making. For more information, visit or call 03-7875 5510 or e-mail your enquiries to [email protected].