XPPen Partners with The Rookie Awards 2025 to Help Emerging Creators Unlock Their Full Creative Potential

XPPen, the leading digital art innovation brand, is proud to announce its partnership with the 15th Annual Rookie Awards, a global competition celebrating emerging talent in animation, film, games, visual effects, immersive media, and more.

Running from April 7 to June 20, 2025, this year’s Rookie Awards received 6,581 entries from 104 countries, offering a vivid snapshot of the next wave of creative energy from around the world. The final results were officially announced on August 27, shining a spotlight on young creators who are boldly shaping the future of digital content with fresh perspectives, experimental techniques, and personal storytelling.

“Supporting young creators at the very beginning of their artistic journey is not only essential — it’s inspiring,” said Amy Yuan, Brand Director at XPPen. “When emerging talents are given a stage to express themselves, they bring bold ideas and diverse voices that can reshape the creative industries. We're honored to stand behind initiatives like the Rookie Awards, and proud to witness the global energy and passion reflected in this year’s entries.”

Celebrating Excellence at the Rookie Awards 2025

XPPen was proud to support several key award categories in this year’s Rookie Awards, which continue to be a launching pad for rising talent in the creative industries. The Rookie of the Year winners stood out for their exceptional storytelling, innovation, and technical execution:

●  Rookie of the Year - Product Design: Agent Dunstone
●  Rookie of the Year - 3D Animation: Ngan Hoang
●  Rookie of the Year - 3D Motion Graphics: Virak Path
●  Rookie of the Year - 2D Animation: Shelley Wang
●  Rookie of the Year - Digital Fashion: Abiiabbbi
●  Rookie of the Year - Game Development: Jolyn Hu
●  Rookie of the Year - Concept Art: Samuel Navarro
●  Rookie of the Year - Visual Effects: Axel Revidon

Collage of award-winning works, arranged in the order of the listed authors

Each of these artists brought a distinct vision to life — whether through emotional storytelling, experimental visual language, or cultural nuance — reflecting the limitless potential of digital art in shaping tomorrow’s creative landscape.

One of the standout pieces this year was “Black Ice” by Shelley Wang, winner of Rookie of the Year – 2D Animation. Inspired by her own childhood memories of ice skating and the feeling of freedom in motion, Shelley blended nostalgia and artistry into a deeply personal narrative. The piece is a tribute to the joy we often leave behind as we grow up, reminding us — in her words — to “find inspiration from unlikely sources.” Her creative journey perfectly embodies the spirit of XPPen: empowering artists to rediscover their voice and transform everyday emotions into timeless art.

Rookie of the Year - 2D Animation: Shelley Wang

Another remarkable winner, Axel Revidon, took home the Rookie of the Year – Visual Effects award for his compelling character-driven 3D work. Having spent years refining his skills in organic asset creation, Axel's portfolio reflected not just technical excellence, but a dedication to breathing life into digital creatures and environments. As he put it, “These projects are the result of my passion for 3D” — a passion that mirrors the creative drive XPPen strives to support.

Rookie of the Year - Visual Effects: Axel Revidon

Also among this year’s winners was Samuel Navarro, who received Rookie of the Year – Concept Art for his visually captivating world-building project, ENTREPOT. Set in a futuristic, plant-centric society restructured in response to ecological collapse, Samuel’s work impressed with its imaginative scope and detailed visual storytelling. As a final-year concept art student from New3dge in Paris, his vision reflects not only artistic maturity but also a strong narrative sensibility — the kind of forward-thinking creativity that XPPen is proud to support and celebrate.

Rookie of the Year - Concept Art: Samuel Navarro

As part of its contribution, XPPen equipped select winners with the Deco Pro XLW (Gen 2) — a professional pen tablet built for intuitive, high-performance digital workflows. Featuring 16K pressure levels powered by the X3 Pro smart chip and a sleek One Paper design, the device offers artists a natural, button-free drawing experience that captures the fluidity and precision essential for advanced creative expression.

From concept to execution, these award-winning projects reflect the diversity, imagination, and technical talent that define the future of digital creation — a future XPPen is proud to invest in.

Empowering Creative Dreams, Shaping an Unlimited Future

In today’s creative world, access to intuitive, professional-grade digital tools can play a vital role in how young artists develop their skills and express their ideas. That’s why XPPen is committed to making high-quality creative technology more accessible and inclusive — helping emerging artists explore their potential with confidence. The shared vision between The Rookie Awards and XPPen — to empower digital creators — lies at the heart of this partnership. By supporting platforms that elevate new voices, XPPen continues to champion creativity, diversity, and opportunity across the global art community.

Looking ahead, XPPen will continue investing in tools, programs, and creative communities that inspire imagination and help bring artistic visions to life — no matter where they begin.

For more information on XPPen’s innovations, initiatives, and product offerings, visit:
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