Alumni Success Story: Keiji Tan - From Veterinary Science to Concept Art

Keiji Tan is now working as a successful Event Manager and Prop Artist at Movie Mania.

His journey from veterinary science to becoming an industry-ready creator showcases the power of skill, passion, and the right mentorship.

1. Meet Keiji Tan

• Current Role: Event Manager, Prop Artist, and Logistics Coordinator at Movie Mania
• Specialisation: Concept Art
• Graduation Year: 2025
• Portfolio Link: https://www.artstation.com/keijikunst

2. Before Joining the Institute

• What they were doing before: Keiji studied veterinary science and interned as an Aquaculture Research Assistant
• What made them change career: He realised he wasnt reaching his full potential working in the science field, and art was his main passion
• What made them choose MAGES institute: He was recommended by an FZD alumnus to learn under Kingston, and went for an open house. He was very impressed with MAGES compared to other schools, since he was able to speak directly to lecturers and see demos and examples of their impressive work. He appreciated the attention to detail and level of finishing that the lecturer and student works showcased.

3. Experience at Our Institute

• Courses they enrolled in: Concept Art Course
• Tools & software learned: Photoshop, ZBrush, Blender

Example:
“During the Concept Art Program, Keiji learned industry-standard tools like Photoshop and ZBrush under professional mentors with AAA experience.”

4. Final Projects

Project Title 1: Sengoku Pac-Man

Overview:
Describe the concept and objective of the final project.

This IP is a dark fantasy reimagining of Pac-Man, set in the war-torn Sengoku era.

The hero, a samurai who resides in a castle, becomes the host to a hungry yokai that brings balance to the warring states by slashing and eating enemies.

He must carve his way through ghostly factions, loosely inspired by the classic retro game, gaining unique weapons with each boss slain.

Project Title 2: Yokai Invasion

Overview:
Describe the concept and objective of the final project.

This project envisions an alternate Singapore during World War II, where ghosts have invaded and soldiers harness supernatural beings in an attempt to rewrite history.

Drawing inspiration from Southeast Asian and East Asian folklore, it reimagines the past through a haunting, horror-inspired lens.

5. Career After Graduation

First Job:

Event Manager, Prop Artist, and Logistics Coordinator at Movie Mania, 2025

Career Highlights:

• Contributed to marketing Predator Badlands and Alien Romulus
• Helps with red carpet events at MBS
• Manages operations and logistics of events
• He has a hybrid role of being a graphics designer, painter, makeup artist, prop maker and costumed actor

6. Alumni Interview – Quick Q&A

Q1. What inspired you to join this course?
A: “The amount we do in one term is probably equivalent to a whole year in another school.

As someone who’s strapped for time, I really wanted to got through the motions of the course and make sure I wasn’t wasting my time.

Even if it was tough, I have no regrets. In fact, I would do the course again – it really was that fun!”

Q2. How has this program helped with your current job?
A: “Concept art is useful because it helps me clearly show my ideas to clients, especially for things like halloween horror house designs.

When the events team or staff pitch the concept, the visuals make it easier for everyone to understand. So it helps to explain art to non-art people, in a way.”

Q3. What advice do you have for future students?
A: “Concept art is very technical. Even if you have the passion, you also need to put in the man-hours to practice and create a good portfolio.”

7. Tools & Skills Gained

• Software: ZBrush, Blender, Photoshop
• Technical Skills: Drawing, Mastering Fundamentals, Mindmapping, Thumbnailing, 3D Blocking, Sculpting, Modeling, Rendering
• Soft Skills: Collaboration, communication, creativity, time management

8. Testimonial from Keiji

“You’re not just paying for a school – you’re paying for experience, connections and an industry-ready portfolio. It’s like an all-in-one perfect package.”

9. Connect With Keiji

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keiji-tan-59030a200/?originalSubdomain=sg

• ArtStation: https://www.artstation.com/keijikunst

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