Artists are paying tribute to Canadian artist Qing Han, aka Qinni, who has passed away after a battle with cancer. Qinni was a beloved and influential figure in the online art scene, and her viral work inspired countless people for over a decade. She was 29.

Though she eventually accumulated over two million followers on Instagram, Qinni found her start in the 2000s internet stalwart DeviantArt. Introduced to the site by a high school friend in 2005, it wasn't until 2008 that she created an account and began posting her own work.

Qinni's ethereal, anime-inspired art gained significant attention and was frequently shared by fans, galvanising her to pursue it as a career.

"DA was really the place where I got the encouragement and confidence to try and convince my parents I wanted to become a professional artist," Qinni wrote in 2017. "I remember wanting to be just as skilled and well known as some of the artists here and it’s crazy to almost be able to see myself as their peer now."

Qinni achieved her dream of becoming a professional artist, working as a background painter for animation studio Titmouse. She also continued to make her own art on the side, including creating tutorials and sharing advice for other artists.

Known for her positivity, friendliness, and warmth as much as her skill with a pencil, many considered Qinni a teacher and inspiration. In February 2017 she was awarded DeviantArt's Deviousness Award, granted for her "helpfulness and mentoring within the DeviantArt community."

"I just like talking to people," she told Urban-Muse.com. "If someone starts an engaging conversation starter or points something out, I’d try to respond if I’m not busy."

Qinni's work was so prolific that there's a good chance you've enjoyed it without even realising. In addition to her more serious art, she was further responsible for the classic meme of a person lying in a puddle of tears.

Well, no matter what happens, at least my meme sketch will be immortalized forever on the internets lol

saw someone use it just the other day xD~ pic.twitter.com/SJJgWubPeH — Qinni 【天天就是天天】 (@QinniArt) January 19, 2020

Qinni was open about her ongoing health issues and frequently included medical themes in her work. Having undergone open heart surgery four times due to a genetic heart condition, her announcement just after Christmas that she had also been diagnosed with terminal stage 4 fibrosis sarcoma cancer was met by an outpouring of sympathy and support.

Over the next month Qinni shared her experience of chemotherapy with brutal honesty and a dark sense of humour, cracking jokes while still continuing to create art. "It just feels good to sort of blarrgh feelings onto a page," Qinni told Urban-Muse.com two years before the diagnosis. "Art therapy is a real thing."

Qinni's friend and fellow illustrator Courtney "Seage" Howlett broke news of her death on Feb. 10. "She was a light in my life and meant more to me than I can explain," he wrote on Twitter.

I'll be away for some time while I sort through my emotions. I love you, qing... I'll miss you. Rest in paradise. — Seage (@Seageart) February 10, 2020

I'm sorry everyone. After what @Seageart said and I went to check and indeed, @QinniArt brother confirmed that she passed away suddenly. I am so so so sorry. This breaks my heart. She is so strong. She gave me hope.



May she found peace and no more pain. — kiDChan @ I need to buy a house (@cyanparade) February 10, 2020

Today, the world has lost a wonderful artist, and a wonderful person. Thank you for inspiring us with your art, Qinni. We hope you rest in peace. https://t.co/2FXWVksUEb — DeviantArt (@DeviantArt) February 10, 2020

Tributes have poured in for Qinni from around the world, with countless artists who have been inspired by or admired her work sharing art under the hashtag #galaxiesforqinni.

Many of these tributes have drawn from one of Qinni's most famous pieces: a blue and purple girl with stars on her face. 'Starred Freckles' was so prolific that it even inspired a 2016 makeup trend.

Some have also incorporated gold fish or stars, references to Qinni's 2012 short film Night Lights and 2017 artwork 'Wishing upon a star.'

A drawing for Qinni. It feels so incredibly unfair that someone with so much talent and so many amazing things ahead of her is suddenly no longer here. I wish I had the chance to get to know her better. Rest in peace, funny, sweet, talented and beautiful Qinni. pic.twitter.com/31ofqJAqHY — Loish (@loishh) February 10, 2020

a small tribute to Qinni inspired by her "Starres Freckles" drawing, that piece had inspired so many artists to reach a certain level of imagination. The world seems to be less beautiful now. Rest and fly with your dreams now, my fellow artist. pic.twitter.com/mlmKVQQ8UU — Nan Fe (@NanFe1789) February 10, 2020

She heightened my love for stars.



Thank you so so so 𝘴𝘰 much

#galaxiesforqinni pic.twitter.com/UDc1d0yGx0 — ✨Lin Grace ✨ (@Aleikats) February 10, 2020

Thank you for inspiring us to follow our dreams, never give up and smile no matter what @QinniArt , you will stay with all of us forever ✨ #qinniart #Qinni #galaxiesforqinni pic.twitter.com/ebsrWVmv46 — 🌻Kari's Art ♌︎🌻 (@Kari_Yordanova) February 10, 2020

I am at a loss for what to say, @qinniart was a beautiful person and artist and I’m sad she is no longer with us and my heart goes out to her family and friends. May she live on in our hearts as her art continues to be an inspiration for generations to come. #galaxiesforqinni pic.twitter.com/e25nAWh66M — Elentori (@Elentori) February 11, 2020

A tribute to Qinni, a wonderful artist and beautiful soul. Regardless of all the lame cards she was dealt @QinniArt

remained one of the most positive and strong people ever. I looked up to her when I was young and look up to her even still. RIP Qinni, you continue to inspire. pic.twitter.com/p0Cs9Dgye9 — Filigreen (@FiligreenArt) February 10, 2020

Heartbroken by the passing of @QinniArt. Thank you for being an inspiration to many 💫 #galaxiesforqinni pic.twitter.com/ruKpdR2AmE — Rossdraws (@Rossdraws) February 10, 2020

for @QinniArt, thank you for being a huge inspiration to many and staying strong until the end. may you rest peacefully among the stars and shine even brighter. #galaxiesforqinni pic.twitter.com/p0YwfKAVU3 — 엘리🐰eli ✦ reading tgcf (@fols800) February 10, 2020

Rest in peace, Qinni.