Meet Baihaqi Ismail, better known online as Bai, a full-time graphic designer AND freelance illustrator who has collaborated with brands like High Cultured, and was named a rising creative in the Top 10 Asia Young Talent Awards! How does he manages to do so much while carving out his distinct creative identity and path?In this episode, he shares:☑️ How he manages his hectic schedule and responsibilities☑️ The role community plays in his career☑️ His big ambitions for the future---⏲️ Timestamps00:00 Pre-Trailer00:16 Intro & Opening02:05 Balancing Passions and Responsibilities 3:02 Where Bai Finds Inspiration3:58 Crafting His Distinct Art Style4:55 What "Berangan is the New Superpower" Really Means5:29 Feedback from Juniors5:52 Compromising between Personal Identity and Corporate Expectations6:50 How does he find work from high profile brands?7:16 The Role of Mentorship and Community7:54 Navigating the Creative Industry8:32 Dealing with Burnout9:04 Managing Financial Stability9:41 His Advice for Artists Trying to Make a Name for Themselves11:23 What is Bai's Most Remarkable Project?11:54 Hopes for the Future12:47 What would he have done differently?13:12 Quick Sketch14:16 Outro

----

◽️ Follow STIVE ◽️

IG: https://www.instagram.com/stive.asia.official/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/StiveAsiaOfficial

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1MHTvSU

◽️ Follow Bai◽️

IG - https://www.instagram.com/baihaqismail

◽️ Follow Founder of Stive Asia - Jeff Fan ◽️

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jeff.beinspired/

TikTok : / jfan.25

Stive Asia Official Site - www.stive.asia

Meet Nelson Lip, an illustrator from Tawau, Sabah, whose soft and magical artworks have brought life to everything from children's storybooks to awareness campaigns by renowned organizations like UNICEF Malaysia, World Vision Malaysia, Doctors Without Borders, and even the Harvard School of Public Health! Listen in as he shares his journey, the highs and lows of it, and the meaning he wants to impart with his work.In this episode, he shares:☑️ How he started on his path and current trajectory☑️ What challenges and trials he's faced along the way☑️ The messages he wants to impart in his personal and professional work----⏲️ Timestamps00:00 Pre-Trailer00:20 Intro1:56 Nelson's Introduction to Illustration3:13 His First Big Opportunity3:43 Formal Education vs Self-taught4:43 How has he gotten the chance to work with big organizations5:30 Nelson's First Remarkable Piece, and his Current Favourite6:56 Advice for Aspiring Artists8:30 Perspective on Overused Visual Elements in Malaysian Art10:41 On Nelson's Storybooks13:45 About Other Projects14:33 Finding a Work-Life Balance15:19 Good vs Excellent Creators16:08 Who is his idol?17:22 Upcoming projects18:02 What would he change?19:45 Outro---◽️ Follow STIVE ◽️IG: https://www.instagram.com/stive.asia.official FB: https://www.facebook.com/stiveasiaofficial Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1MHTvSU◽️ Follow Nelson◽️ IG - https://www.instagram.com/nelsonlip/◽️ Follow Founder of Stive Asia - Jeff Fan ◽️ IG: https://www.instagram.com/jeff.beinspired TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jfan.25 Stive Asia Official Site - www.stive.asia

Meet Ernest Ng, the Malaysian comics artist behind "Bro, Don't Like That La, Bro" comics. With a quirky and witty flair that has captured the attention of thousands of readers across the country, how has Ernest managed to keep himself going and grown his brand over the years?

In this episode, he shares:

✔️ The origins of "Bro, Don't Like That La, Bro"

✔️ How consistency has helped him build his career

✔️ How he deals with hate and negativity

--

⏱️Timestamps

0:00 Pre Trailer & Opening

1:04 Intro

02:09 What inspired that first comic, and how has it grown?

02:50 The Thing He Did Right

03:26 Observation into Inspiration

04:03 The Transition from Blogs to Publishing

04:52 What's his most successful series?

05:44 How to grow a following as an online creator

06:47 What works to grow online

07:34 How does Ernest decide what to put in his comics?

08:12 Can elements be overdone? How does he feel about that mentality?

09:18 As Malaysians, what other inspirations does he suggest artists draw on?

09:52 Staying relevant in the digital content scape

10:30 Managing burnout

11:23 The GenAI Question

12:33 Dealing with Haters

13:47 Opportunities he wishes to explore

16:48 Ernest's Inspirations

◽️ Follow STIVE ◽️

IG: https://www.instagram.com/stive.asia.official

FB: https://www.facebook.com/stiveasiaofficial

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1MHTvSU

◽️ Follow Ernest Ng ◽️

IG - https://www.instagram.com/ernestngbro

◽️ Follow Bro, Don't Like That La, Bro ◽️

IG - https://www.instagram.com/dontlikethatbro/

◽️ Follow Founder of Stive Asia - Jeff Fan ◽️

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jeff.beinspired

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jfan.25

Stive Asia Official Site - www.stive.asia

Meet Hwi, a Malaysian fashion illustrator who has made her mark painting for high-end brands like Hermes, Dior, and Kate Spade, as well as having the privilege of attending Milan Fashion Week! Listen as she details her journey from an insurance advisor to full-time illustrator, as well as the challenges she's faced along the (run)way 💅In this episode, she shares:✔️ How she grew her platform to where she is now✔️ How she took the plunge to do art full-time✔️ Her philosophy on creating art--⏱️Timestamps0:00 Pre Trailer & Opening1:04 Intro2:03 How did she become a fashion illustrator?4:00 Fears for the Future and Making the Switch4:44 Plans for Pursuing Other Creative Paths6:16 Challenges Along the Way7:39 The Marvelous Ms. Mimi9:07 Making a Mark, Mixing Mediums, and Macarons10:11 Attending Milan Fashion Week10:52 Hwi's Drawing Process11:58 On AI and Genuine Expression13:03 How does she get inspired?13:58 Dealing with Creative Block15:39 What motivates her to continue on her path?16:35 Vision for the Road Ahead16:51 Advice for Aspiring Illustrators17:30 Message to her Former Self19:13 Outro---◽️ Follow STIVE ◽️IG: https://www.instagram.com/stive.asia.official FB: https://www.facebook.com/stiveasiaofficial Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1MHTvSU◽️ Follow Hwi◽️ IG - https://www.instagram.com/hwi_illustTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hwiillust◽️ Follow Founder of Stive Asia - Jeff Fan ◽️ IG: https://www.instagram.com/jeff.beinspired TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jfan.25 Stive Asia Official Site - www.stive.asia

Meet DerpyKaichu, a Malaysian illustrator who works full-time as a general physician! She's grown a committed following sharing her charming original characters, relatable comics... and of course, her cats. She shares her insights into balancing her work and art, working the convention scene, and what drives her to create!

In this episode, she shares:

✔️ How her hectic work influences the tone of her art

✔️ Her experience reconnecting with art and the local convention scene

✔️ Her plans for expanding on her work and her original characters

--

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 Teaser

0:55 Intro

2:03 How did she start drawing?

3:39 Balancing humour and vulnerability

4:19 Finding Inspiration

5:32 What was her mindset when she first started posting on Instagram?

7:07 Three things she did right

8:42 Dealing with pressure and art block9:25 Full-time or No?9:40 On Making Merch

11:22 DerpyKaichu's Creative Process

11:56 On Generative AI and the Artistic Process

13:12 Plans for the Future14:05 Tips on Making Original Characters

14:58 Balancing Passion and Money

16:00 Projects for the Future16:31 Advice for Aspiring Artists

19:06 Outro

--

◽️ Follow STIVE

◽️IG: https://www.instagram.com/stive.asia.official/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/StiveAsiaOfficial

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreatorCEOs

◽️ Follow DerpyKaichu◽️

IG - https://www.instagram.com/derpykaichu/

◽️ Follow Founder of Stive Asia - Jeff Fan

◽️ IG: https://www.instagram.com/jeff.beinspired/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jfan.25

Stive Asia Official Site - www.stive.asia

Meet Yattlukis! She’s a Malaysian illustrator and visual storyteller known for her dreamy pastel palette, heartfelt Raya illustrations and culturally rich storytelling.

What started as sharing artwork online during the MCO slowly grew into a distinctive brand loved for its softness, warmth and emotional connection.Yatt opens up about imposter syndrome, staying consistent as an artist and why human art still matters in the age of AI. She also shares how she balances commercial collaborations with cultural authenticity and how her signature style helped her land major brand projects including Secret Recipe.

In this episode, she shares:

✔️ What AI can help with and what it can never replace

✔️ How culture, memory and storytelling make art

✔️ How she balances art, motherhood and creative burnout

—

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:26 Intro00:26 The Artist Who Made Raya Packets Feel Like Collectibles01:47 How MCO Unexpectedly Gave Birth to Yad Lukis02:13 The Story Behind Her Dreamy Pastel Art Style02:24 Culture or Commerce?03:14 The Career-Changing Project That Put Her on the Map06:21 Why Cultural Details Matter in Every Illustration06:58 The Mindset Shift 07:45 What She Does When Burnout Hits Hard08:43 Her Honest Thoughts on AI09:06 Being a Public Creative Without Losing Yourself09:42 Real Advice for Artists Who Want Clients11:29 Pricing, Growth & The Dangerous Side 13:22 What AI Can’t Copy 14:41 Ending

◽️ Follow STIVE ◽️

IG: https://www.instagram.com/stive.asia.official/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/StiveAsiaOfficial

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1MHTvSU

◽️ Follow Yattlukis ◽️ IG : https://www.instagram.com/yattlukis/

Website : Yattlukis Website

◽️ Follow Founder of Stive Asia - Jeff Fan ◽️ IG: https://www.instagram.com/jeff.beinspired/

TikTok : / jfan.25 Stive Asia Official Site - www.stive.asia

Meet Jian Goh, also known as Akiraceo, the Malaysian comic artist behind the lovable characters Miao, Wafu and Pafu!

What started as a simple university blog eventually grew into a comic universe that has lasted over 18 years, expanding into books, merchandise, exhibitions and brand collaborations.

JianGoh shares how an unplanned idea turned into a lifelong creative journey and why real life experiences are still the biggest inspiration behind his stories.

In this episode, he opens about:

✔️ Why artists should not fear AI but learn to use it

✔️ The challenges of balancing a job and creative passion

✔️ Why creators should focus on enjoying the process

—

⏱️ Timestamps:

0:28 Intro

1:12 The spark behind Miao, Wafu and Pafu

2:46 Character inspiration from real-life hamsters

3:24 The journey to comic creation

4:52 Insights into the comic inventory

5:24 Keeping creativity fresh over the years

7:36 Posting content online: pressure and frequency

7:52 Overcoming burnout and creative blocks

8:37 Balancing comics with a job

8:58 Adapting to the rise of short-form videos

9:53 Concerns about AI in art creation

11:47 How merchandise came to be

13:03 Future vision for Miao, Wafu and Pafu

13:44 Advice for aspiring comic artists

16:15 Outro

Sometimes the most meaningful creations begin without a plan, just the courage to start.

◽️ Follow STIVE ◽️

IG:  https://www.instagram.com/stive.asia.official/  

FB:   https://www.facebook.com/StiveAsiaOfficial

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1MHTvSU

◽️ Follow JianGoh◽️ 

IG - https://www.instagram.com/akiraceo/  &  https://www.instagram.com/miaowafupafu/

Merch:@Akiraceo

◽️ Follow Founder of Stive Asia - Jeff Fan ◽️ 

IG:  https://www.instagram.com/jeff.beinspired/

TikTok :   / jfan.25 Stive Asia Official Site - www.stive.asia

Meet Shirley Momoko, a talented illustrator and the founder of @s.perience. Known for her high-end collaborations with luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and Bvlgari, Shirley shares her journey of turning art into a thriving business while staying true to her creative voice.

In this episode, Shirley opens up about:

✔️ Attracting international luxury brands

✔️ Navigating the "employee vs entrepreneur" mindset

✔️ Handling client feedback and pricing strategies

✔️ Her mindset during tough times

⏱️ Timestamps:

0:32 Intro

1:31 Choosing the full-time creative path

2:14 Lessons learned in building a creative space

3:11 The inspiration behind @s.perience

4:21 Working with Mercedes-Benz, Samsung, and Bvlgari

5:26 How to attract big brands to your work

6:42 Personal artwork vs. Commercial collaborations

7:33 Managing impatient clients in a fast-paced world

8:32 Evolving with Instagram as a Creator CEO

9:42 Pricing strategies for artists

10:31 Most touching feedback from workshop participants

11:32 Upcoming projects and personal dreams

13:14 Employee vs. Entrepreneur: The biggest differences

16:12 The quote that keeps her moving through tough times

17:25 Outro

◽️ Follow STIVE ◽️

IG: https://www.instagram.com/stive.asia.official/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/StiveAsiaOfficial

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1MHTvSU

◽️ Follow Shirley Momoko ◽️

IG - https://www.instagram.com/shirleymomoko/

S.perience - https://www.instagram.com/s.perience/

◽️ Follow Founder of Stive Asia - Jeff Fan ◽️

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jeff.beinspired/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jfan.25

Stive Asia Official Site - www.stive.asia

Meet Yong Lin, a Malaysian multidisciplinary artist that combines multiple art mediums into one beautiful masterpiece. Best known for incorporating Malaysian wonders into his art, he shares his story and insights in this episode. 

In this episode, Yong Lin opens up about:

 ✔️ How he funded his passion 

 ✔️ The danger of underestimating market changes

 ✔️ Balancing fun and work 

—

⏱️ Timestamps: 

0:32 Intro

1:24 How the photography journey began

2:26 Competition strategies 

5:11 How artistic vision transforms into real art

6:39 Most meaningful art he’s made

7:25 Challenges working with big clients

11:15 How his friend affected his journey

16:10 Thoughts on AI in the art industry

20:02 Exploring new artistic directions 

20:42 Other revenue opportunities? 

22:18 Advice for the new generation of artists

23:43 A story behind his works

24:40 Ending

◽️ Follow STIVE ◽️

IG:  https://www.instagram.com/stive.asia.official/  

FB:   https://www.facebook.com/StiveAsiaOfficial

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1MHTvSU

◽️ Follow Yong Lin◽️ 

IG - https://www.instagram.com/yongl95/

◽️ Follow Founder of Stive Asia - Jeff Fan ◽️ 

IG:  https://www.instagram.com/jeff.beinspired/

TikTok :   / jfan.25 

Stive Asia Official Site - www.stive.asia

Meet Masato Kenya, a Malaysian independent animator, comic creator and the mind behind a wildly relatable red-haired character that lives somewhere between lively and iconic. Known for his deliberate humour, He creates short animations and comics that feel like scrolling through an unfiltered group chat funny & painfully familiar.

In this episode, Masato Kenya opens up about: ✔️ Why humour is the hardest thing to create ✔️ The danger of double-meaning jokes ✔️ Art block & burnout

A candid conversation about creativity, weirdness and why sometimes the funniest comics almost never get posted!

—

⏱️ Timestamps: 

0:22 Intro

1:32 The story behind the name

2:36 How the art journey began

3:34 Launching the first character, what changed?

4:15 Where story ideas come from

10:15 Managing multiple roles

11:00 Why create the Art Circle?

11:55 Vision behind Art Circle

14:04 Balancing community & personal IP

14:36 Handling creative blocks

16:26 What’s next for the IP character

17:32 Why merchandise matters

18:31 What’s next?

19:00 Ending

◽️ Follow STIVE ◽️

IG:  https://www.instagram.com/stive.asia.official/  

FB:   https://www.facebook.com/StiveAsiaOfficial

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1MHTvSU

◽️ Follow Masato Kenya◽️ 

IG - https://www.instagram.com/masatokenya/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@masatokenya1034

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/masatokenya/

◽️ Follow Founder of Stive Asia - Jeff Fan ◽️ 

IG:  https://www.instagram.com/jeff.beinspired/

TikTok :   / jfan.25 Stive Asia Official Site - www.stive.asia