Sonia Leong:  Artist/Author, Manga/Comics's Avatar

Sonia Leong: Artist/Author, Manga/Comics

@sonialeong

Known for work on Manga Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet, Doctor Who, Assassin's Creed, Draw Manga: Complete Skills, Beginning Manga and lots more! Sweatdrop Studios Director. She/her

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12.09.2023
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Latest posts by Sonia Leong: Artist/Author, Manga/Comics @sonialeong

A winged horse with fiery mane, tail and wings rears up

A winged horse with fiery mane, tail and wings rears up

Happy Chinese New Year! 恭喜发财!
2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse!
Please enjoy the results of my little speed paint.

17.02.2026 15:55 👍 11 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 1
A Eulogy for my Father

My father was the definition of an upright man. In all of his dealings with family, friends, and work colleagues, he was fair and considerate. A father figure and an inspiration to everyone.

He had a strong sense of justice and equality. He disliked favouritism, treating his children equally and devoting time to his beloved wife, my mum, Anna. Despite the pressures of working life, he showed up for his family. He made time to go out on regular dates with mum. He was present at all our milestones. He was a hands-on dad who wasn't afraid to change babies nappies, or step into the kitchen to fry some eggs. No wonder my mum stayed married to him for over 50 years.

He could have spoilt us all rotten, but even though he loved to indulge us, he wasn't born with wealth so he taught us to be careful with money, we learnt restraint. Until eventually there were times he would take me out shopping and he would complain about not knowing what to get me for my birthday and I would purposely start expressing an interest in various things, to which he would eventually say "You like that one? Aiyah  - fine, I get it for you, ah." Because I knew it would make HIM happy to buy me something I liked!

A Eulogy for my Father My father was the definition of an upright man. In all of his dealings with family, friends, and work colleagues, he was fair and considerate. A father figure and an inspiration to everyone. He had a strong sense of justice and equality. He disliked favouritism, treating his children equally and devoting time to his beloved wife, my mum, Anna. Despite the pressures of working life, he showed up for his family. He made time to go out on regular dates with mum. He was present at all our milestones. He was a hands-on dad who wasn't afraid to change babies nappies, or step into the kitchen to fry some eggs. No wonder my mum stayed married to him for over 50 years. He could have spoilt us all rotten, but even though he loved to indulge us, he wasn't born with wealth so he taught us to be careful with money, we learnt restraint. Until eventually there were times he would take me out shopping and he would complain about not knowing what to get me for my birthday and I would purposely start expressing an interest in various things, to which he would eventually say "You like that one? Aiyah - fine, I get it for you, ah." Because I knew it would make HIM happy to buy me something I liked!

He allowed us to find our own paths, with only mild cross examinations over whether they were smart choices - that was another infuriating but effective trait of his - whenever I wanted to get up to stupid teenage antics like going out partying at all hours of the night, he never said no outright. He would just sit me down and explain to me exactly why it was a bad idea. I really appreciated his type of parenting, no need to rebel if he just convinced me not to go do the stupid thing.

He believed in meritocracy, where anyone, regardless of background, should be rewarded for their hard work and skill. Not even family gets an automatic pass - despite going into the same field, his eldest son Seth had to earn his degree and experience, even working for his competitors for a while!

Dad was compassionate and generous. There were tough times where many businesses were closing down, laying off workers in process - but he fought tooth and nail to keep on as many staff as possible, dividing up hours, even taking a big pay cut to afford paying everyone's salaries. 

He wasn't all work and no play though.
He appreciated good food whether it was an expensive restaurant or a simple street food hawker stall. He was the type of person who would fly to Hong Kong just for some really good roast duck.

He allowed us to find our own paths, with only mild cross examinations over whether they were smart choices - that was another infuriating but effective trait of his - whenever I wanted to get up to stupid teenage antics like going out partying at all hours of the night, he never said no outright. He would just sit me down and explain to me exactly why it was a bad idea. I really appreciated his type of parenting, no need to rebel if he just convinced me not to go do the stupid thing. He believed in meritocracy, where anyone, regardless of background, should be rewarded for their hard work and skill. Not even family gets an automatic pass - despite going into the same field, his eldest son Seth had to earn his degree and experience, even working for his competitors for a while! Dad was compassionate and generous. There were tough times where many businesses were closing down, laying off workers in process - but he fought tooth and nail to keep on as many staff as possible, dividing up hours, even taking a big pay cut to afford paying everyone's salaries. He wasn't all work and no play though. He appreciated good food whether it was an expensive restaurant or a simple street food hawker stall. He was the type of person who would fly to Hong Kong just for some really good roast duck.


He was a skillful musician. Many of you may have seen my dad perform. He played guitar throughout his life, doing gigs at clubs when he was young, then performed with his children. We inherited his love of music, his youngest son Simon is a professional musician.

After retirement... well, anyone who ever met him would know he couldn't really retire. His hobby was work. Whilst he did travel with my mum all over the world, he also decided to write the by-laws of the AQST - the Association of Quantity Surveyors Thailand. Whenever he could, he wanted to enhance and promote his profession. 

Then when I, my younger sister Stephanie, and Seth, started having our own children, he became a devoted grandfather. He loved carrying his grandchildren, and never shied away from helping us, burping babies after feeds, rocking them to sleep. When they learnt to walk, he would volunteer to take them around shopping malls holding hands, especially when their mums wanted to finish eating. He often sat in his study working, chatting with his granddaughter as she drew pictures at his table.

I think I speak for us all that it was a blessing that my dad was around long enough to welcome his newest grandchild to the world. I am sure that he was so grateful that he got to cuddle her for a few weeks before he was admitted into hospital.

He was a skillful musician. Many of you may have seen my dad perform. He played guitar throughout his life, doing gigs at clubs when he was young, then performed with his children. We inherited his love of music, his youngest son Simon is a professional musician. After retirement... well, anyone who ever met him would know he couldn't really retire. His hobby was work. Whilst he did travel with my mum all over the world, he also decided to write the by-laws of the AQST - the Association of Quantity Surveyors Thailand. Whenever he could, he wanted to enhance and promote his profession. Then when I, my younger sister Stephanie, and Seth, started having our own children, he became a devoted grandfather. He loved carrying his grandchildren, and never shied away from helping us, burping babies after feeds, rocking them to sleep. When they learnt to walk, he would volunteer to take them around shopping malls holding hands, especially when their mums wanted to finish eating. He often sat in his study working, chatting with his granddaughter as she drew pictures at his table. I think I speak for us all that it was a blessing that my dad was around long enough to welcome his newest grandchild to the world. I am sure that he was so grateful that he got to cuddle her for a few weeks before he was admitted into hospital.

Thank you all for remembering the remarkable man my father was.

Dad - you did your best. And you did good. You were amazing. We love you.

(Framed photograph of my father, portrait of a smartly dressed man wearing glasses, surrounded by white flowers)

(Close up of his name 'Mr Leong Choong Peng' on his white casket)

Thank you all for remembering the remarkable man my father was. Dad - you did your best. And you did good. You were amazing. We love you. (Framed photograph of my father, portrait of a smartly dressed man wearing glasses, surrounded by white flowers) (Close up of his name 'Mr Leong Choong Peng' on his white casket)

A Eulogy For My Father

Peter Leong Choong Peng
11th October 1951 - 2nd February 2026

11.02.2026 13:33 👍 4 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
On the left is a High fantasy Elf with strawberry blonde hair wearing novelty Christmas Elf clothing in green and red has a disgruntled pouty expression. To the right, a kitsune (fox girl) with red hair wearing comfy black and green top/bottom belly laughs and slaps at her leg

On the left is a High fantasy Elf with strawberry blonde hair wearing novelty Christmas Elf clothing in green and red has a disgruntled pouty expression. To the right, a kitsune (fox girl) with red hair wearing comfy black and green top/bottom belly laughs and slaps at her leg

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! Here's my 2025 Christmas-themed art, 'Christmas Elf' featuring Silas and Rua from my fantasy series The Chronicles Of Ciel. I mean, Silas IS an elf...

23.12.2025 21:27 👍 5 🔁 1 💬 2 📌 0
Graphic with event map and repeating details of accompanying text above in my post

Graphic with event map and repeating details of accompanying text above in my post

Collage of photos showing my table displaying of art prints and books

Collage of photos showing my table displaying of art prints and books

I'm in Birmingham this weekend for MCM Comic Con Birmingham! 28-30 Nov 2025 at the NEC, I'm in the Artist Alley table C-02 and teaching Manga workshops at Pop Asia Fri/Sat 3.30pm and Sun 3pm! My last event of the year, get your goodies whilst you can! #mcmcomiccon #comiccon

27.11.2025 16:21 👍 4 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0
Blue line sketch of an elf looking up

Blue line sketch of an elf looking up

Frieren Looking Up - ifykyk lol
Real talk though, it is a genuinely tricky angle, especially if you need to streamline it down to clean lines in a simpler anime style and stick to flat colouring. Anyway, that's today's warm-up before I get onto my real work...

26.11.2025 12:15 👍 13 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0
Photo of me (woman in glasses,black hair, red dress) in front of table displaying lots of art and books

Photo of me (woman in glasses,black hair, red dress) in front of table displaying lots of art and books

Photo of table displaying lots of art and books

Photo of table displaying lots of art and books

It was busy yesterday at Thought Bubble! Despite this much stuff on my table, I still couldn't display everything I wanted, lol
Today's the last day, try make it here before 5pm! So many creators to see, so much cool stuff that supports real human artists/writers, get your Christmas gifts done!

16.11.2025 11:22 👍 12 🔁 2 💬 1 📌 0
Graphic giving all information in post with samples of art

Graphic giving all information in post with samples of art

Map showing location of my table a11 Bubbleboy Hall

Map showing location of my table a11 Bubbleboy Hall

List of all special guests of the con

List of all special guests of the con

Collage of photos of me in red dress and white dress, text alludes to cosplay being about spies and families

Collage of photos of me in red dress and white dress, text alludes to cosplay being about spies and families

I'm at Thought Bubble Comic Convention, Harrogate 15-16 Nov, Table A11 Bubbleboy Hall! Loads of my art, books and comics for sale, including new prints (like Columbina / Genshin Impact and more designs from my Toyota x Initial D campaign). Also, I may be in subtle cosplay... Hope to see you there!

14.11.2025 10:30 👍 3 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Graphic with details only upcoming livestream auction for Sonia Leong art and comics

Graphic with details only upcoming livestream auction for Sonia Leong art and comics

Sweatdrop Studios will be running our (semi-)regular Whatnot livestream sale tonight Friday 7th November at 8pm UK time but it's another Sonia Leong art and book print special! Tune into to see what's available from Sonia at BARGAIN prices 🙂
Here's the direct link to the show:
whatnot.com/s/ZCVDN2KH

07.11.2025 19:11 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Win the ultimate manga book bundle for children and a £50/€60 National Book Token! | National Book Tokens Give them the joy of choosing a book as well as the fun of reading it.

To enter the free prize draw for the Manga book bundle, go to this link: nationalbooktokens.com/win/win-the-...

06.11.2025 13:56 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Gift Cards - buy online, spend online or in-store Official Gift Voucher store - Buy giftcards online, spend in store

To buy my book token design, go here and scroll sideways through the artwork to find my card: www.shop.nationalbooktokens.com/NationalBook...

06.11.2025 13:55 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
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I'm a new artist for this year's range of National Book Tokens! To celebrate my new Manga Heroes design, they are running an amazing Manga book bundle giveaway of my best series picks for ages 9+ and one of my drawing guides, all in a free prize draw! See my replies for the links!

06.11.2025 13:54 👍 6 🔁 2 💬 2 📌 0
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Happy Halloween and Blessed Samhain! As usual for Halloween, I'm carrying on the tradition of putting my characters in costume - so here are Silas and Rua from my fantasy series 'Chronicles Of Ciel' dressed up as Loid and Yor from 'SPY x FAMILY'! Enjoy~
#SPYxFAMILY #spyxfamilycosplay

31.10.2025 15:22 👍 5 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0
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Packed with dynamic energy and irresistible characters, our new Manga Heroes National Book Token is sure to thrill manga mega-fans.

We're delighted to give away £50/€60 and an electrifying book bundle of brilliant titles, handpicked by artist @sonialeong.bsky.social.

Enter now: buff.ly/QTxgrlH

27.10.2025 17:42 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
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It's the end of the summer, but squeezed in a cute drawing. Silas, Rua, Arafel and Veronique (from my fantasy series Chronicles Of Ciel) all dressed in traditional yukata having gone to a Japanese Matsuri / festival :) #art

16.09.2025 17:19 👍 11 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 0
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Tomorrow night is a Sweatdrop Studios Whatnot livestream special sale - Sonia Leong's signed A4 pearl prints! Typically £9-£10 online, grab them for the event exclusive price of just £8 each - but only a max of 3 per design is available at this price. Tune in Friday 11th July at 8pm UK time!

10.07.2025 21:46 👍 2 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
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Looking for Manga workshops in the Greater London area?
As part of Wimbledon Bookfest I'm running 2-day courses for 11-14yrs/ 15-19yrs from 24-29 July in Colliers Wood / Mitcham Library.
Get your tickets here: www.wimbledonbookfest.org/manga-worksh...
(free places available, see link for details)

10.07.2025 10:42 👍 0 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0

This was really difficult though! I love so many Pokémon, I had at 5 villagers I wanted to pick, and I love many types of flowers, but at least with colours I love reds and blue-greens the most, if not black/white or gold/silver/copper metallics

28.06.2025 21:34 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0

If you see this, post a Pokémon, Animal Crossing villager, flower and colour you like ✨

28.06.2025 21:30 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
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Today I'm selling my art prints, books and comics at MACC-POW in Macclesfield! In the beautiful Town Hall, upstairs underneath a magnificent chandelier! Hope you can make it if you're in the area ♥️#maccpow #macclesfield #comiccon #comics #manga #anime #comicbooks #artist #supportartists

28.06.2025 09:43 👍 12 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0
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My 2025 upcoming event schedule:
MACC-POW, 28 Jun
London Film & Comic Con, 5-6 Jul
Hyper Japan, 18-20 Jul
Wimbledon Bookfest, 24-29 Jul
MIL-D-CON, 4 Oct
Cheltenham Literature Festival, 17-18 Oct
MCM Comic Con London, 24-26 Oct
Thought Bubble, 14-16 Nov
MCM Comic Con Birmingham, 28-30 Nov

27.06.2025 21:23 👍 6 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0
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More Mini Manga Portraits! These are 10-15min headshot sketches in pen/ink on A5 card of you, your OCs, or your favourite characters in your preferred anime/manga/game style, for around £15. I offer them at most comic cons for fun :)
#sketch #commission #drawing #illustration #portrait #penandink

27.06.2025 20:27 👍 9 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
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Had a lot of requests for her so I added her to my sketchbook! Arlecchino from Genshin Impact. Drawn with fineliners and markers. Enjoy~ #genshinimpact #arlecchino #arlecchinogenshinimpact #genshin

25.06.2025 20:11 👍 6 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
Man with wolfish black and grey hair dressed in black, grey and red clothes, adjusts his tie and dangling handcuffs

Man with wolfish black and grey hair dressed in black, grey and red clothes, adjusts his tie and dangling handcuffs

Here is my Wriothesley from Genshin Impact! Drawn with coloured fineliners and felt tip markers. Enjoy the lovely tall wolf boy and remember - DON'T BREAK THE LAW 😂 ⛓️‍💥#wriothesley #wriothesleygenshin #wriothesleygenshinimpact #genshin #GenshinImpact #genshinimpactfanart #genshinfanart

16.06.2025 21:57 👍 15 🔁 5 💬 0 📌 0
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Well after Neuvillette I had to draw Wriothesley. Him and his wolfy hair, high boots, handcuffs, loose necktie 👀 I was torn between making him drink tea and this pose but obviously this was more alluring #wriothesley #genshin #genshinimpact #genshinimpactfanart #sketch #wip #artwip

12.06.2025 21:47 👍 8 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
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Our favourite Hydro DPS king Neuvillette from Genshin Impact - this took me way longer than I thought it would 😭 Stabilo fineliners, coloured with various felt tip markers #neuvillette #neuvillettegenshinimpact #GenshinImpact #genshinimpactfanart #sketch #myart #genshin #art

11.06.2025 21:21 👍 8 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
TikTok - Make Your Day

Hydro dragon Hydro dragon please don't cry

vm.tiktok.com/ZNdA5myh3/

11.06.2025 20:25 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
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A little art timelapse video I put together from an ink sketch I did of one my original characters Decravia the witch, from Decravia's Diary, a little comic strip I wrote/drew of a witch's diary published in the LoLz anthology / magazine / comic from The77! #arttimelapse #sketch #witch #art

05.06.2025 19:37 👍 8 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
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Neuvillette's drip is so complicated that I was tempted to just leave him without his clothes 😜 WIP pencil sketch of Neuvillette from Genshin Impact #neuvillette #genshinimpact #genshinimpactfanart #wip #artwip

03.06.2025 19:40 👍 8 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
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Mini Manga Portraits! I sometimes offer quick A5 commissions of face/bust portraits for £15-20. Pick your preferred style and I knock something out in 15mins :) Here are some I did over the last few events.
#manga #animeart #sketch #sketches #commission #drawing #portrait #illustration

28.05.2025 21:07 👍 7 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 0
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Some tiny ACEO sized art for you to enjoy! Romeo from my book Manga Shakespeare: Romeo & Juliet - drawn with pencil, fineliners, felt tip markers and white gel pen. Enjoy the WIP shots!
#romeoandjuliet #shakespeare #manga #sketch #drawing #aceo #sketchvsfinal #artwip

27.05.2025 20:36 👍 9 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0