KOTA BHARU, June 20 (Bernama) -- Once underestimated for pursuing a degree in fine arts, Mohd Azizi Husein, 47, has proven that an arts qualification is not a barrier to success—in fact, it opens the door to various professional career opportunities, especially in today’s digital era.
The Wakaf Bharu, Tumpat native, known as GG, currently serves as a graphic designer at the Malaysian Information Department (JaPen) Headquarters and has been active as a part-time digital caricaturist since 2010.
“I used to be mocked, with people saying I’d end up sketching by the roadside. But the truth is, arts graduates can serve in government sectors such as hospitals, courts, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), public universities, and now even in tech and artificial intelligence (AI),” he told Bernama at the Kembara RIUH Pesta Itu-Ini programme at Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium here today.
A graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 2000, Mohd Azizi said he shifted from manual to digital drawing in 2018 following JaPen’s ‘JaPen Kini Digital’ initiative, which included the use of QR codes in official publications.
He said digital caricatures were gaining popularity due to their simplicity, efficiency, minimal equipment requirements, and the ease with which mistakes could be corrected—while also offering unique commercial value.
To attract the public, JaPen offers complimentary caricature drawings during its outreach programmes.
“Black-and-white sketches usually take about 10 to 15 minutes to complete, while coloured versions can take up to two hours,” he said.
During a recent event in Lumut, Perak, he managed to complete 170 caricatures over three days. On average, he is able to draw more than 50 faces a day, depending on crowd response.
Commercially, digital caricature prices start from as low as RM10 for black-and-white versions and RM30 for coloured versions per face.
Online clients receive digital copies and can also opt for physical prints in formats such as glossy, matte, or canvas.
“My artwork has been presented as exclusive gifts to dignitaries, including the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, ministers, celebrities, and social media influencers,” he added.
He also receives frequent orders for wedding gifts, retirement souvenirs, and family keepsakes. In addition to caricatures, he produces comics, digital portraits, editorial illustrations, digital printing, and also participates in mural projects for public buildings and hotels.
As an active digital artist, he shares his work on social media platforms including TikTok (@MohdAGG), Facebook (Mohd Aggx - Ageng), and Instagram (@agegxx).
The Kembara RIUH Pesta Itu-Ini programme, organised by the Communications Ministry, is being held from June 19-21, from 10 am to 11 pm daily and features a variety of exciting activities.
-- BERNAMA
