Running since 2003 ChinaJoy is designed to be another top event in global game industry. Everyone knows how big China market is (about a half of WoW players are from China), so such events attracting many companies from Europe, North America, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The goals of the event are similar to others – promoting new products and services, attract public attention etc.

To get some attention you need magnets. Besides all these geeky electronics the best magnet is always been girls. And if you turn these girls into elfs or other fantasy beauties, man, you’ll got all the attention you want. I know it may sounds cheesy but I’ve been painting females for videogames for years and I don’t recall clients saying well, we’re tired of these ladies, let’s put some boyz or monsters on that poster. There are examples of bad design or bad layout however (I remember doing elf mistress for russian mag cover and it was a disaster!) but if done right it’s very rewarding.

Well enough talk, hyperjump to China Joy 2009 Showgirl & Cosplay compilation created by  mmosite guys or, if you’re serious, visit the official conference website.

There are lots and lots of artists in Asia and what sparks my attention in Lei Sheng’s works are stories (or if you’re familiar with spiritual techniques, it’s vibrations) he put into his works as well as vivid and bright vision. I really like that kind of stuff. It makes you feel good and energize you.

Besides the fairy tales there are some great characters illustrations with oriental design elements and some are depicted in a classic Chinese style.

While browsing blog pages (just click the numbers at the bottom of the page) you can also find some work in progress steps, photos and all that stuff.

http://blog.sina.com.cn/lei_sheng