When Jean Lynn picks up a brush or her iPad pencil, she’s not just making art — she’s weaving together fragments of feelings, culture, nature, and her own quiet reflections. As the creative behind The Hidden Rainbow, Jean brings to life pieces that feel earthy yet vibrant, familiar yet deeply personal.
Jean with one of her canvas painting | Photo by Jean
From Classroom Corners to a Life in Art
Jean has always been an art person. From decorating classrooms in primary school to college art projects, she’s carried her love for drawing and crafting through every stage of life.
“Since young, I’ve loved to draw and craft; I was in charge of anything art and decoration-related from primary school until college. That’s when I realised I want to do art for a living.”
Kintry’s truck design | Photo by Jean
Today, she works independently under her own creative name, building a body of work inspired by animals, nature, batik, recycled materials, and anything that quietly sparks her mind.
A Style Rooted in Melancholy and Colour
Ask Jean about her artistic style, and she’ll describe it as “distinctive, earthy yet colourful.” There’s a softness and honesty in her pieces that hint at her introspective side.
“Personally, I think I’m a melancholy kind of person; I like to express myself with my drawing without exactly expressing how I feel.”
Handpainting of a Kadazan boy holding a traditional Sompoton or Sumpotan. | Photo by Jean
Her works often carry subtle nods to Malaysian elements — batik patterns, cultural motifs, and natural textures that feel familiar yet fresh.
Painting What’s Lingering
For Jean, each piece starts with whatever is lingering in her mind — a feeling, a quote, a line from a song, or even a random object. She sketches rough ideas, experiments with different poses or compositions, then digs deeper into research if her subject touches on cultural details.
Jean’s illustration was featured on Ajinomoto’s totebag ‘Seni Dalam Rasa’ | Photo by Jean
Most of her commercial work is digital — painted on her iPad or in Photoshop for easy reproduction. But when it comes to personal projects, she still loves the feeling of brush on canvas or wood.
“There’s something special when you can feel the paint, brush, and the surface of the painting.”
The Little Things that Make Her Art Hers
People often tell Jean that her art looks like her — an observation that she wears like a quiet badge of honour.
“I was told my drawing looks like me, haha — so I think that sets me apart.”
Illustrated for Hari Gawai and Keamatan | Photo by Jean
It’s this honest connection — between artist and viewer — that she cherishes most. When someone tells her they see themselves in her work, or that it gave them the nudge to chase their own passion, she knows she’s doing something right.
Rooted in Local Beauty
Malaysia’s local textures and cultural richness often find their way into Jean’s art. She loves using batik motifs, weaving them into her pieces as a way to celebrate local craft and heritage.
Illustration titled Glow | Photo by Jean
“Most of my artworks are inspired by my surroundings — things I know… Batik! Sometimes I like to draw different cultures too; every culture has its beauty to appreciate.”
Challenges, Support, and Slow Growth
Like many artists, Jean admits that her biggest challenges lie within: self-critique, self-doubt, and discipline. She’s learning to “surrender” and let her art flow without getting stuck in her own head — a process made easier by family and friends who keep her grounded.
Dreaming Forward
Jean hopes her art continues to evolve, becoming a bridge between her personal reflections and the wider world. Her next dream? A proper art studio outside her house — and more chances to showcase her work internationally.
Portrait commission | photo by Jean
“Maybe find a good middle ground where I can be more vulnerable in my art, yet still able to relate to a bigger audience.”
Advice for Fellow Dreamers
To other artists finding their way, Jean offers the same patience she’s given herself:
Mural painting for Breakfast at Timothy | Photo by Jean
“Stay true to yourself. Explore and study different kinds of art styles — figure out what you like and don’t. It’s a journey of self-exploration, so don’t rush it; you’ll find it eventually, sometimes even without realising it.”
And when it comes to community, she believes in walking far, together:
“Most of us are working alone, so it’s good to support and help each other… If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together.”
Looking Ahead
Right now, Jean is focusing on creating more artwork and hopes to join art events abroad soon. One recent project, illustrating a proposal portrait for a client, reminded her why she loves what she does.
“As a ‘lover girl’ myself, I think it’s really an honour.”
Follow The Hidden Rainbow
Website: https://jlynnchang.wixsite.com/portfolio
Instagram: @jlynnppg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hidden.rainbow.jean
Shopee: https://shopee.com.my/jlynnppg