Imagination knows no bounds in illustrating. Illustrators are the storytellers who wield pencils, tablets and brushes to bring life to ideas, characters and worlds that leap off the page.
It’s a craft where each stroke holds the power to spark wonder, evoke emotion and convey elaborate narratives without uttering a single word.
Being an illustrator today means balancing the beauty of traditional artistry with the opportunities of digital innovation – a unique blend of vision and versatility.
As illustrators shape worlds for everything from children’s books and advertising to animation and graphic novels, they transform abstract ideas into visual realities that resonate with audiences of all ages.
In this dynamic landscape, where creativity meets precision, illustrators are not only artists but also communicators, translating thoughts and emotions into the universal language of imagery.
In Brunei’s growing creative scene, illustrators like Md Norhadi bin Ibrahim – better known by his pen name, Hadi Mages – are making a mark with their art.
The Bulletin met this illustrator while exploring the booths at the ongoing Brunei Book Festival 2024, at the Indoor Stadium. Part character designer, part concept artist, Hadi has embraced a path that transforms stories into vivid visual experiences.
Currently freelancing, his journey began serendipitously during his Master’s degree studies, when he spotted a local ad for a children’s storybook workshop.
Dr Ampton, who led the workshop, would soon become a significant figure in Md Hadi’s career.
“That’s where it all began,” he recalled. “I approached him, and soon after, I was illustrating his children’s books.”
Hadi’s initial role as a children’s book illustrator soon expanded to cover varied genres such as horror, resulting in a portfolio as diverse as his experiences.
He’s worked on over 10 types of stories and even illustrated posters for local filmmaker Abdul Zainidi, further proof to his flexibility to experiment with new styles.
“I’m still learning and drawing a lot of styles to match different stories,” he explained, adding that he enjoys the creative challenges each genre brings.
ILLUSTRATING A STORY IS AN ART OF PATIENCE AND IMAGINATION
Before starting on any project, Md Hadi reads through the story, allowing the narrative to spark visual ideas. “Then I’ll sketch, send it to the author, and adjust based on their feedback,” he said.
While each project takes one to two months to complete, Hadi is focused on delivering his best work with ample time for collaboration.
Recently, he illustrated four new children’s books and another four for horror stories. The difference between the two is stark: “Children’s books are colourful and cute,” he said, “whereas horror needs a more mature, scarier look with serious undertones.”
Hadi’s journey as an illustrator has been guided by both a lifelong love of drawing and his academic background. From the ‘O’ Levels to a Bachelor’s degree in Art at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), and later a Master’s degree focusing on Brunei’s comic industry, Md Hadi has explored art from every angle. His experiences have pushed him to be adaptable, as each new genre and project presents fresh challenges.
“Illustrating has broadened my ability to work remotely,” he said. “It’s helped me adapt my style, especially when collaborating with authors from different backgrounds.”
His talent has caught the attention of clients beyond Brunei as well; one recent commission from the United Kingdom, though “a hidden project” he can’t yet reveal, illustrates how Brunei-based artists are reaching a global audience.
To emerging artists, Md Hadi offers simple advice: “Whenever there’s an art workshop or comic event, go. Take your portfolio, because you never know which authors are looking for illustrators.”
For him, the key is to keep creating, always updating portfolios and social media with new works to build a body of art.
Md Hadi’s work speaks not only to his skill but to the importance of supporting local creators. He emphasises the need to champion Bruneian books and art: “Support all books, especially those made locally.”
His journey highlights how, with a keen eye and dedication, illustration can bring stories to life and elevate local voices on an international stage. – Izah Azahari
