Meet Ho Jun Sheng: The 22‑Year‑Old Ninja Artist of NTU
Picture a fresh‑man from NTU’s School of Biological Sciences who’s also moonlighting as a doodling superstar. That’s Ho Jun Sheng—
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Third‑year student (so he’s almost finished that biology degree).
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Creator of Mito, the chunky pea‑shaped mascot wearing a Panama hat.
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Mito’s stickers have been downloaded over 43,000 times on Telegram.
Why the Classroom Loves Mito
Jun Sheng says his classmates are the secret sauce behind Mito’s success.
“They’re my biggest fans, literally sending the stickers to friends and pumping them into school Telegram groups,” he explains. “Every time I feel stuck, I willingly drag them into my inbox for honest feedback.”
For him, balancing biology lectures and sketching is a tightrope walk, but he adds with a grin:
“It’s tough, but I love it so it never feels like a grind.”
Auntie Anne’s & the Singapore Canvas Tote Tale
In September, Jun Sheng turned his talent toward branding. He teamed up with Auntie Anne’s to craft a canvas tote bag celebrating the bakery’s 25th anniversary in Singapore.
The design? Think cartoon “finger‑typical” donuts, twisties, and a splash of the city’s iconic landmarks, all frolicking with a wink of patriotic flair.
It was a month‑long adventure:
- Multiple drafts
- Lots of back‑and‑forth discussions
- Fine‑tuning to make sure the final strip was just right
Result? Jun Sheng was delighted that the tote bag played a hit. It’s a testament to staying true to his style while sticking to the brief.
Insights from a Singaporean Illustrator
When we asked Jun Sheng about his experience as an illustrator in Singapore, he dropped a few nuggets:
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Collaboration often feels like a creative version of a cooking pot—different ingredients, one flavour on target.
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Working with brands gives you a chance to stretch skills beyond your usual circles.
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Every new piece is both a challenge and a joy; the simple trick is staying genuine.
Mito’s Backstory (And the Myths)
People keep asking him about the “pea” in Mito’s name. He laughs it off: “Mito isn’t actually a pea—yes, I know, classically it looks like one!”
He’s all about the vibes: a quirky mascot that packs giggles and a small, clever story behind every doodle.
So if you see a Panama‑hat‑wearing champ on your screen, remember it’s not a pea—it’s Mito from the brain of a devoted student‑artist who’s also keeping his bite of science alive.
How did you come up with the design for Auntie Anne’s 25th Anniversary canvas tote bag?
Celebrating Auntie Anne’s 25th Anniversary in Singapore
From Brainstorming to Big Bang
We started out with a pile of ideas and a dash of enthusiasm, and after a few spirited chats with Auntie Anne’s team, we nailed a design that truly rocks. The aim? To splash the brand’s bright, lively soul onto every canvas while giving a big shout‑out to the 25‑year milestone, a celebration that’s special just for Singapore. Auntie Anne’s is all about spreading smiles—and we wanted our artwork to spread them too.
Let the Pretzel Party Begin!
Picture this: Auntie Anne’s most-loved treats—think the classic pretzel, chocolate almond bites, cheese dog, and refreshing lemonade—pulled out of the kitchen and turned into lively, cartoon stars. Each character is mid‑jive, dancing across the page, a playful nod to the indulgence that keeps folks coming back for more.
Why the Comic Twist?
- Instant Joy: Cute cartoons instantly bring out a grin—fast and friendly.
- Brand Identity: The playful vibe mirrors Auntie Anne’s optimistic spirit.
- Storytelling: Every spin tells a snack story, sparking conversation.
Singapore’s Skyline in the Spotlight
To give the anniversary that Singapore‑only flair, we sprinkled the artwork with a dazzling cityscape. Iconic spots— Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, the bustling Clarke Quay—frame the scene, turning a simple illustration into a tribute to the island’s sunshine and charm.
The Final Piece
When this piece pops up, whether on a billboard, a social media banner, or a t‑shirt, we’re sure it’ll tickle everyone’s funny bone, remind them of their favorite snack, and remember Auntie Anne’s 25‑year legacy right here in Singapore. Cheers to many more years of smiles—and that extra bite of pretzel!
What kind of challenges did you face throughout this process?
Turning Art Into Attention
Finding the spotlight for every detail
One of the toughest puzzles was figuring out how to make every little element pop—without making the whole piece feel like a chaotic fireworks display. The trick? Keeping it sleek and tidy.
Black, white, and full‑blown color
The challenge tightened because the design had to look smashing in monochrome and in all its color glory. I experimented with the thickness of every brush stroke, giving the front‑row characters a fat, eye‑catching edge. Even in grayscale, those faces still stole the show.
Seeing it come alive
There’s nothing more rewarding than watching the finished pieces hit the shelves and pop up on a screen. The real joy? Seeing people stop, stare, and leave comments that say, “Wow, just wow.” It’s a heart‑warming reminder that art can spark conversation.
Your Mito stickers have been downloaded more than 43,000 times! How did you come up with the character of Mito?
From Boredom to TikTok Fame: Mito’s Unlikely Journey
Picture this: I was fresh out of junior college, feeling a tad restless, and I decided to let a doodle run wild. That doodle would later become Mito; a quirky alien blob that somehow ended up crashing onto the bustling streets of Singapore.
First‑Time Strokes
- Initial sketch: pale green, limbs a blur of long, wavy lines.
- Shared as a handful of Telegram sticker packs with my closest friends.
- There was no plan, no storyline—just a random idea that sprouted from boredom.
Finding a Backstory
What begins as a lazy doodle can evolve into an entire universe. I started weaving a backstory for Mito, and each twist dweeted another. It wasn’t long before the little green blob became an intergalactic explorer, documenting its chaotic adventures on Instagram. The posts? Pretty much a comic strip that instantly hooked a quick‑scroll crowd.
The Unexpected Surge
Little did I know those humble Telegram stickers would become the next big thing: people were downloading them like bread crumbs. My artwork got a boost, and Mito’s fanbase grew—word of mouth, cheeky memes, and the magic of a character that could’t resist smartphone screens.
Stickers, Animations, and the Future
- Artistic style: a gradual refinement that kept Mito fresh.
- Redesigns: I’ve donned the character a few new skins—think bigger smile, brighter hue, and a few cheeky tweaks.
- Animation: Made lively stickers to bring Mito’s goofy gestures to life.
- Physical goodies: Print‑outs on paper or vinyl, guns ready for the weekend market.
- What’s next? Stay tuned, because Mito’s journey is only beginning.
From a boredom‑spark to a beloved icon, Mito proves that sometimes, the smallest spark can ignite a whole constellation of stories.
What inspired you to become an artist? Can you remember the first thing you ever drew?
From Dad’s Comic Books to My Own Pen
A Childhood of Sketching
When I was a kid, my dad would pop onto the kitchen table and turn my random ideas into comic strips. We even tackled a Journey to the West spoof—songs & shenanigans, all in doodles. He still hides that little book somewhere in the attic, but the tape‑hearted memories are priceless.
The “Dad” Factor
Dad’s passion didn’t stop with home‑made comics. In his younger days he tried his hand at magazine illustrations, poking around a few local publishing houses. You could almost hear his creative spark lighting up whenever someone asked him to sketch a cover or cartoon.
My First Sketchy Adventures
- School Magazine Covers – I borrowed a few pencils and accidentally created a masterpiece that the whole class applauded.
- Banners for Local Events – Bright colours, bold slogans, and some accidental “artistic creases” that turned into a school‑wide trend.
- Mito: My Unofficial Sidekick – A steady, semi‑regular drawing routine that made me feel like a comic‑book hero in my own right.
Sticky notebooks and coffee‑spilled coffee mugs became the backdrop of my own little creative universe. The sense of humor grew, the emotions were real, and most importantly, I learned that art is as much about fun as it is about skill.
What’s next for you and what’s your dream project to work on?
Welcome to Mito’s Journey
Hey there, fellow art‑hunters! I’ve just finished a handful of projects that blend a little bit of drawing, animation, and gaming. Grab your coffee and read on—I promise it’s as fun as a cartoon apeshit.
1⃣ The Mito Merchandise Mission
My goal? Launch a long‑term online shop for all things Mito. The past releases were tiny, almost “throw‑away” sets—think of them as “blink‑and‑you‑miss‑it” collectibles. Now I want a place where fans can snag official gear whenever they’re feeling nostalgic or rebellious.
What will you find?
- Limited edition prints of Mito in heroic poses.
- Custom stickers that double as mood‑boosting Valentine’s gifts.
- Early‑bird merch! Get in quick!
2⃣ After Effects – My Lockdown Side Quest
During the government‑ordered “circuit breaker” quarantine, I dove head‑first into After Effects. Turns out animating isn’t just a dad joke—it’s a thrilling jam‑session of moving pixels. The result? A collection of Telegram stickers that are so playful, they make you look at your phone with a grin.
Why it’s exciting
- I discovered that animation can be as fun as a buffet of puns.
- I’ve got the skills now to mix traditional drawings with crisp 2D motion.
- These stickers are ready for the bustling Telegram crowd. Let me help them cheer up!
3⃣ Short Animation: “Mito’s Space Blunder”
Picture this: Mito, the little goof, waltzes through a glittering starry void only to end up crashing onto our oh‑so‑familiar Earth. It’s a short film that feels like watching a cosmic trainwreck through a toy version of a space ship. It’s on the finishing line, and I can’t wait to show you how goofy and heartfelt it turns out to be.
4⃣ Game Dev: “Fishing for the Fish God”
Alongside a buddy who moonlights as a game‑developer, I’m shaping a mobile game where you’re a fish‑hunting apprentice in a tiny town. The twist? Folks are fishing to satisfy a colossal fish deity who’s a bit dramatic about being appeased. The cute side‑by‑side showdown between the player and the big fish gives us a chance to explore local themes—food, scenery, and hyper‑local culture.
5⃣ Dream Projects – Keeping the Canvas Open
Right now I don’t have a single “Mona Lisa‑style” big‑project in mind, but I absolutely want to collaborate with other local artists. I enjoy drawing local icons, foods, and places in a way that feels almost hypnotic—just like the mesmerizing art from Singapore’s National Day event. One day, I hope to join a big‑sun‑up project where my voice literally merges with everyone else’s.
6⃣ Wrap‑Up & Thank‑You
If you’re interested in the short film, the stickers, or the game, stay tuned. Check out my Instagram for sneak peeks (yes, the link is a visual treat). I’m all about keeping the creative flame burning while sharing my art with people who appreciate a good laugh and a heartfelt story.
— C. J. — Actually, I call myself “Mito‑Mike” when I’m at a coffee shop.
Original article on Wonderwall.sg
