Available to hire
Hi, I’m Michelle Chong Xian Mei, a multi-disciplinary illustrator and visual storyteller working across digital and traditional media, mural projects, and educational resources. I enjoy turning client briefs into engaging art and accessible learning materials, and I love collaborating across cultures to bring ideas to life with a friendly, team-focused approach.
I’m proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud, Clip Studio Paint, and Figma, with a track record of producing educational resources, public exhibits, and concept-driven artwork for diverse audiences. I value clear communication, strong typography and layout sensibilities, and delivering professional artwork for exhibitions, classrooms, and publishing projects.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Malay
Intermediate
Work Experience
Illustrator (Intern) at Cooked Illustration
June 24, 2025 - PresentDeveloping and illustrating ideas for the company and clients using Adobe Creative Cloud and Clip Studio Paint. Projects include: Bryozoan Project (Concept element images for animated assets), Endangered Animals Educational Resource (illustrations for education and career guidance resources), and Alpine Research Study (concept art for staff-based characters for a graphic novel-style career guidance resource).
Work Placement at Scholastic UK
May 9, 2025 - October 17, 2025Observed and participated in the publishing process across editorial, production, design, marketing, contracts and rights, gaining insights into the book publishing market.
AJK Pesambah Committee Team at Majlis Bersama Rakyat
December 31, 2023 - October 17, 2025Won the competition amongst Brunei students studying in the UK for the creation of an official gift for His Majesty, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. Created a digital painting presented as a gift to the Sultan at a formal ceremony; was interviewed by Radio Television Brunei about the piece.
Mural Artist at Eat the Bird, Cardiff
March 31, 2023 - October 17, 2025Proposed mural concepts based on restaurant branding and designed the final mural.
Set Designer at Jerudong International School, Brunei
August 31, 2018 - October 17, 2025Designed a custom cloud-inspired lounge sofa for the school production of 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream'.
Illustrator Intern at Cooked Illustrations, Cardiff
June 1, 2025 - PresentIllustrator intern responsibilities including visual storytelling, international client relations, independent working, and brand representation.
Work Placement at Scholastic, London
May 6, 2025 - May 9, 2025Team collaboration, creative presentation, responding to client briefs and user needs, and gained understanding of publishing processes.
Illustrator Intern at Cooked Illustration
June 1, 2025 - PresentDeveloping concept images used as illustrated and animated assets for a bryozoan study project; designed illustrations of different animal species for scientists to use as educational teaching resources for school students.
Work Placement - Illustration at Scholastic UK, London
May 6, 2025 - May 9, 2025Observing and participating in the publishing process from editorial, production, design, marketing, and contract rights; gained valuable insights into the book publishing market.
Royal Gift Design - Competition Winner at Majlis Bersama Rakya t (Meeting the Citizens) – UK
December 28, 2023 - December 28, 2023Won a national competition among 43 Brunei societies across the UK to design a royal gift for His Majesty; painted a piece presented to the Sultan of Brunei at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.
Mural Artist at Eat the Bird Mural
March 1, 2023 - March 31, 2023Created mural art for Eat the Bird restaurant project (Brunei).
Mural Artist at Restaurant Mural Project
March 1, 2023 - March 31, 2023Proposed mural concepts based on restaurant branding and designed the final mural.
Education
Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Illustration - Second Class, Division One at Cardiff Metropolitan University
September 1, 2022 - June 1, 2025A-Levels at Jerudong International School, Brunei
September 1, 2020 - June 1, 2022IGCSE at Jerudong International School, Brunei
September 1, 2018 - June 1, 2020BA (Hons) Illustration at Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff
September 1, 2022 - June 1, 2025A Levels - Fine Arts, Media Studies, Design and Technology at Jerudong International School, Brunei
September 1, 2020 - June 1, 2022BA (Hons) Illustration, 2:1 at Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK
September 1, 2022 - June 1, 2025A Levels - Fine Arts, Media Studies, Design and Technology at Jerudong International School, Brunei
September 1, 2020 - June 1, 2022Qualifications
Flute Grade 5 Certificate (MERIT)
January 11, 2030 - October 17, 2025Duke of Edinburgh Award (BRONZE)
January 11, 2030 - October 17, 2025Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award
January 11, 2030 - December 12, 2025Tutong Children's Ward Mural Commission
August 1, 2020 - August 31, 2020La Vida Mural Painting Commission
August 1, 2020 - August 31, 2020La Vida Volunteer
August 1, 2018 - November 30, 2018Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
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