This Honor of Kings artist layers architecture and cultural memory in his atmospheric digital paintings
by https://www.creativebloq.com/author/imaginefx-staff · Creative Bloq
Share this article
0
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter
Cyril Yong Zhou is a concept artist and visual designer based in China with 12 years of experience in film and games, including projects such as Honor of Kings and The Eight Hundred. He creates atmospheric environments that blend digital painting, 3D workflows, cinematic mood and cultural memory, often working in Photoshop and Blender (see our guide to the best digital art software)
Below Cyril tells us about four examples of his work. For more inspiration, see our other features on digital artists.
The Golden Harbour Citadel
“A golden capital rises above the harbour, combining monumental architecture, layered districts, and bright atmosphere. Airships and sunlight reinforce a vision of prosperity, power, faith, and wonder across the skyline.”
You may like
Godzilla inspired this artist's depictions of massive machinery in natural environments
Memes, photogrammetry and gopniks – discover the influences behind this artist's post-apocalyptic scenes
This artist uses Photoshop, Blender and Unreal Engine to create striking characters, mechs and environments
Lion Dance in the Old Quarter
“A courtyard is a stage where lion dancers, martial movement, and modern city forms collide. This explores cultural continuity through contrast, performance, celebration, and urban memory made visible.”
Ruins Beneath the Tide
“An ancient ruin that’s been transformed by water, drifting fabric, and strange growths. The scene frames exploration through layered space, vivid colour, and a sense of mystery, danger, and forgotten history.”
Market Street below the Castle
“This bustling market street in a Medieval town leads the eye towards a distant castle on a hilltop, using layered rooftops, banners, and figures to build a welcoming Storybook sense of place."
You can see more of Cyril’s work on his ArtStation profile.
Get the Creative Bloq Newsletter
Sign up to Creative Bloq's daily newsletter, which brings you the latest news and inspiration from the worlds of art, design and technology.
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors
This article originally appeared in ImagineFX. Subscribe to ImagineFX to never miss an issue. Print and digital subscriptions are available.
Inspired? See below for deals on drawing tablets that we've reviewed, or see our guide to the best drawing tablets for help choosing.
11% OFF
Wacom
MovinkPad 11
$399.99$449.95
shop now
34% OFF
Huion
Inspiroy H640p
£28.46£42.99
shop now
20% OFF
Wacom
Intuos Small
$39.95$49.95
shop now
19% OFF
XPPen
Artist13.3 Pro
$209.98$259.99
shop now