art of room99

CONTENTS PORTRAIT

07

TIGER MUSIC FESTIVAL 2011

08

ABSOLUTE VODKA

14

BROS ARTIST SERIES BOTTLE

18

TIGER TRANSLATE

20

BUSHI GAKKI

22

PIRATE

24

YEAR OF DRAGON

26

GARDENER 049

28

LORD

30

DARKSTALKER / BISHAMON

32

SODOM / STREET FIGHTER ALPHA

34

NOOKANOOKA

36

DORAEMON

38

DESIGNEROTIKA 15

39

YEAR OF HORSE 2014

40

CHINESE CHARACTER DESIGN

41

HANDS

42

ONI

43

TRH

44

SHADOW

45

GOLDSILVER

46

NEON

47

IBANEZ JEM

48

R9D9

49

JELLY

50

4TH ANNIVERSARY

51

SKATE ECK

52

MAGAZINE INTERVIEW

54

DESIGNERS WEEKEND 2012 EXHIBITION

56

STGCC

57

KLDW 2010

58

INSIGHT! 2010 EXHIBITION

59

T-SHIRT

60

INTRODUCTION

Tan Howe Qin FOUNDER OF ROOM99

Graphic designer who lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Experimenting with black, grey, white and robotic elements in artwork. www.room-99.blogspot.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Tanhoweqin-Room99 https://twitter.com/TanHoweQin howeqin@gmail.com Š All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced without written approval by room99.

COLLABORATION

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PORTRAIT

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COLLABORATION

TIGER MUSIC FESTIVAL 2011

Malaysia is a multiracial nation with three main races consisting of the Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures, I created four pieces of artworks based on this concept, as well as the concept of the Tiger; that represents the Tiger Beer as well as an animal that is a symbol of Malaysia.

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COLLABORATION

Applying this concept with my style of mixing the traditional with modern elements, I came up with the end result of four of them holding a guitar for the music festival. Let’s Rock!

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COLLABORATION

Artworks on the actual day at the Tiger Beer Asian Music Festival 2011 30.4.2011 / 2pm-12am / Mines, MIECC

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COLLABORATION

ABSOLUT HIBISKUS

A Collaboration with Absolut Vodka / 3editions for ABSOLUT HIBISKUS - the first floral flavour to join its proud family of flavours.

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hi:bis:kus To express the power of the hibiscus flower, I fused it with digital electronic robotic elements to make it even stronger. For the country to move forward, I felt that it’s imperative for the nation to be empowered with these elements. Digital robotic is the future of Malaysia.

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COLLABORATION

This piece was a little daunting for me, as I’ve never combined a flower with robotic elements. So I could say that the task itself was quite challenging.

But with some innovative thinking, I took the bull by the horns.

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In terms of colours, I used black, grey and white to present the artwork, whilst a hint of purple and yellow was used to sync with ABSOLUT HIBISKUS.

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COLLABORATION

BROS ARTIST SERIES BOTTLE

BROS artist series bottle media launching 23 Sept 2011 / Annex Central Market Invited to create artwork on bottle based on the theme water.

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COLLABORATION

TIGER TRANSLATE BALANCE

Invited by Tiger Translate to design & interpret the theme BALANCE Ancient and modern fusion, East-West are balanced.

Balance is ancient and modern fusion - East and West. Progress has seen tradition become ignored. We should utilise the wisdom of ancient civilisations though. East and West should be in balance too - they should learn from each other - so we can prosper creatively and live in peace.

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COLLABORATION

PIRATE

Pirate Brothers exhibition by Captain Butter from Taiwan. 2010/11/27 (Sat) - 2010/12/12 (Sun) @ Tom’s Diner, Taipei. Every participating artists are required to create artwork based on the theme pirate.

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COLLABORATION

BUSHI GAKKI

In 2008, the designer Jubi from Taiwan invited 29 artists from worldwide to present “BUSHI GAKKI” and “Bushido” in various ways and styles, as well as enhancing the art activities in Taiwan. After the successful exhibition in Taipei Shilin Citizen Hall, we are glad to hold the “武 BU X HI 侍 2“ exhibition in April 2009. A collaboration with Taiwan artist - Jubi. I created an artworks based on Jubi character - bushi. Mixing the samurai mask with gas mask together to create a different samurai.

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COLLABORATION

YEAR OF DRAGON

This artwork was created to celebrate the year of the dragon. May the Dragon bring health and happiness. This was featured in Advanced Creation magazine from France.

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COLLABORATION

LORD

Chinese opera has always been a very unique artform. This artwork is born from the inspiration of this unique mesmerizing art. The character created is based on a China famous historical warrior. This was featured in Kult magazine from Singapore.

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COLLABORATION

GARDENER 049

Michael Lau’s Gardener Tenth Artbook by Michael Lau, Hong Kong.

A section for art submission. Local artist / designer’s artwork are included. This character was created based on gardener 049.

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COLLABORATION

BISHAMON DARKSTALKER

Darkstalkers is Capcom’s horror-infused fighting game, filled with strange creatures and mysterious temptresses, loved by tens of thousands of fans around the world. 2009 was the 15th anniversary of the franchise and, to celebrate the property’s rich history, UDON Entertainment is producing an all-new full color art book - Darkstalkers Tribute. This is created based on a game character Bishamon in Darkstalker. The artwork was featured in Darkstalker tribute book.

COLLABORATION

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COLLABORATION

SODOM STREE FIGHTERALPHA

2008 was the 20th anniversary of the Street Fighter and to celebrate the property’s rich history UDON Entertainment is producing an all-new full color art book - Street Fighter Tribute. This is created based on a game character Sodom in Street Fighter Alpha. The artwork was featured in Street Fighter tribute book.

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COLLABORATION

NOOKANOOKA

Nookanooka artist series.

Invited to design Nooka mascot figure called Nookanooka.

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COLLABORATION

DORAEMON

I have been invited to take part in the 100 years before the birth of doraemon collaboration project. Created a Samurai Doreamon paper toy for this event

COLLABORATION

A collaboration with a local designer. He has a series tee called “Designerotika” and this artwork is the 15th art being printed on the tee.

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DESIGNEROTIKA15

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ILLUSTRATION

YEAR OF HORSE

This artwork is created to celebrate the years of the horse. May the horse bring health and prosperity. Gong xi fa cai.

ILLUSTRATION

Chinese character designs on phone casing electric / chinese / spirit / military / snake / martial / thief / war

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CHINESE CHARACTER DESIGNS

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ILLUSTRATION

DON’T VOTE/GET LOST

Inspired by the political issues happening in Malaysia.

ILLUSTRATION

This artwork was created based on a Japanese folklore character called ONI. ONI is a Japanese word which mean ghost.

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ONI

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ILLUSTRATION

TRH

This artwork is inspired by a floor plan.

It is transformed to this artwork for the sake of entertainment.

ILLUSTRATION

This character is created based on Malay folklore, Wayang Kulit

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SHADOW

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ILLUSTRATION

GOLDSILVER

Inspired by the manga Naruto. Based on the characters Gold & Silver Brothers. The layout format is based on playing card.

ILLUSTRATION

International digital arts festival, NEoN, announces the winning entries of its character design competition. The winners have been chosen from over 500 international entries.

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NEON

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ILLUSTRATION

IBANEZ JEM

Anniversary with Steve Vai. Universe 20th anniversary & JEM design contest. Participating in designing Steve Vai guitar

ILLUSTRATION

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R9D9

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ILLUSTRATION

JELLY

This idea was based on a dream.

Realizing the artwork in a short time as the image in mind is still clear.

ILLUSTRATION

Created to celebrate room99 4th anniversary

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4TH ANNIVERSARY

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ILLUSTRATION

SKATE DECK

Skate deck design is one of my favourite design elements.

The design decks below is used to participate in a design contest. They are created based on my signature concept.

ILLUSTRATION

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The design decks below are based on 3 types of Japanese folklore, which are ONI, GEISHA and SAMURAI. Unfortunately, I am not a skater.

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ILLUSTRATION

ILLUSTRATION

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MAGAZINE INTERVIEW

Graphic designer Tan Howe Qin has definitely carved a niche for himself in the local design scene. His distinctive blend of traditional and modern icons is so unique that it caught the eye of Singapore’s Tiger Beer, who collaborated with the designer for their annual Tiger Beer Asian Music Festival. JUICE caught up with the designer to find out more about his inspirations as well as his recent collaboration with the world acclaimed beer brand.

How did you get into graphic designing? Has it always been a dream of yours?

Ever since I was a kid, I used to enjoy drawing and everything related to graphics. This is why I naturally chose to study at a Graphic Design College. Yes, I can say it has always been a dream of mine.

How would you describe your style of designing?

My style involves black, gray and white colours. I like to play with electronic elements and buttons, and apply them into the objects I design.

Your designs have a very Japanese-warrior feel to them. What is it about Japan that is so inspiring to you?

I feel that Japanese Warrior art is very unique. It inspires me to mix the ancient and modern elements together and come up with something new and interesting.

What is your most essential tool?

Adobe Illustrator.

You’ve recently collaborated with Tiger Beer for this year’s Tiger Beer Asian Music Festival. How did the creative process take place?

Malaysia is a multiracial nation with three main races consisting of the Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures. I created four pieces of artworks based on this concept, as well as the concept of the Tiger which represents the brand as well as an animal that is a symbol of Malaysia. Applying this concept with my style of mixing traditional with modern elements, I came up with the end result of four of them holding a guitar for the music festival. Let’s rock!

Which graphic designer do you look up to the most?

I look up to a lot of designers as every designer has their own unique style. I find out the elements that attract and inspire me most from their work; and I learn from it.

How long do you usually spend on a graphic design piece?

I can spend from a few hours to a month, depending on the type of piece I am working on.

How can fans get a hold of your designs?

You can visit www.room-99.blogspot.com to view my designs and drop me a message, or you can email me at howeqin@gmail.com.

What’s your advice for aspiring graphic designers who wish to make an impact in the local design scene?

Find out your own unique design style and keep on working and experimenting with it. Don’t give up!

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EXHIBITION

DESIGNERS WEEKEND 2012 EXHIBITION

EXHIBITION

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SINGAPORE TOY GAME COMIC CONVENTION

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EXHIBITION

KUALA LUMPUR DESIGN WEEK 2010

EXHIBITION

The INSIGHT-group exhibition is one of the largest series of exhibitions to feature young Malaysian designers abroad and will debut in Shizuoka, Japan at the Asia Design Conference and Exhibition organized by The Center for Creative Communications from 29th Oct - 11th Dec 2010.

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INSIGHT! 2010 EXHIBITION

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T-SHIRT DESIGN

T-SHIRT

All these years, there are several t-shirt produced. It is all baed on the robotic elements. I am very thankful to all who purchased the t-shirts.

T-SHIRT

DESIGN

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