Hong Kong’s tumblers wobble into Taiwan

Beebipeace’s Creative Director Siy Tak Yin is an artist and a designer. She balances art and commercial design in her tumbler series.

Beebipeace has benefitted from the Hong Kong International Licensing Show twice.

“The Rose Tumblers” were more artistic, and the design always made an impression.

Scandinavian animals such as deer and owls became new friends of the original characters.

<div class="col-xs-12"><h4><strong>Taiwan has long been renowned for its plethora of character brands, but the market also has a love for Hong Kong’s original characters. A Taiwanese licensing agent was attracted by a Hong Kong-made tumbler collection for its cute design and the characters’ indomitable spirit, and introduced the tumblers to Taiwan.</strong></h4><p align="justify">“To convince the market to accept your work, you must first love your own creations,” said Beebipeace’s Creative Director Siy Tak Yin about her key to success.</p><br /><h4><strong>Inspired by antique dolls</strong></h4><p align="justify">The name Beebipeace sounds similar to “BB Peace”, which means “baby loves peace”. The Rose Tumbler was the company’s first product. It conveys a positive, encouraging message.<br /><br />Siy said: “I was a toy designer and I like collecting toys. One time in Beijing, I saw a cute antique doll that I instantly fell in love with. But the price was too high and I left empty handed. After I returned to Hong Kong, I designed a tumbler for myself. I adorned its head with a rosette. At the time, I was studying women’s studies and I chose the rose to represent and pay homage to the beauty of women of previous generations. Life was not easy for them. But through perseverance and an indomitable spirit, like the tumbler, they too lived a fulfilling life. I also encourage myself with this tumbler spirit, especially since I have started my own brand and the entrepreneurial path is full of challenges. If I give up easily myself, how can I convince others not to?” <br /><br />Siy has long been traversing the fields of art and design. She struck a balance between art and design in the Rose Tumbler. “When I was designing the Rose Tumbler, I was not thinking about commercial opportunities. The Rose Tumbler I created in 2013 was an art installation. I only started illustration in 2014. As many overseas artists create peripheral products for their artworks, I also tried to develop products for my artworks, with the intention of bringing the artistic messages and ideas into daily life. The products were well-received, and it encouraged me to combine art and design to bring out a positive energy.”</p><br /><h4><strong>Parent-child image projects kindness</strong></h4><p align="justify">At the Hong Kong International Licensing Show held earlier this year, Beebipeace’s Rose Tumblers and QQ Tumblers attracted the attention of a Taiwanese agent, who subsequently licensed Beebipeace’s characters for the Taiwanese market. “This Taiwanese agent not only sources local brands, it also seeks cooperation opportunities with character brands from Japan, the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong to diversify and refresh its product lines. Our Taiwanese agent found the design of the character’s eyes to be very special and consider the character’s image right for the parent-child market. Products derived from the characters are also suitable for students from kindergarteners to high school students.” <br /><br />In fact, Beebipeace had not only scored success at this year’s Licensing Show, it also achieved good results after exhibiting at last year’s Licensing Show, when it joined for the first time. “Although we did not take any orders on-site, our presence accomplished a promotional effect. Many visitors were impressed by our brand and contacted us after the fair. We later cooperated with a food manufacturer and released licensed chocolates snacks.”</p><br /><h4><strong>Closely following market trends for sustained development</strong></h4><p align="justify">Siy often reviews her strategy after a fair to look for room for improvement. After two Licensing Shows, she finds that as long as she is addressing the market’s demand, there will be a higher chance of orders. “When I first exhibited, I got many good ideas from the visitors. Some of them asked me ‘if the Rose Tumbler had friends’ and ‘if there was a cuter version to appeal to young boys and girls’. The QQ Tumbler, which appeals to young boys and girls, was a result of those discussions. At my second exhibition, we featured a new character in the centre of our display board and brought more samples of new products to show our commitment to the future of the brand.” <br /><br />Siy stressed that continually giving the characters new friends is a way to sustain the brand. For that reason, after her trip to Scandinavia, Siy took inspiration from local animals such as deer and owls and created several new animal tumbler characters. She added that joining exhibitions allows her to understand the market’s various scenarios and prompts her to overcome different challenges and accumulate experience. “During the fair, we treated every visitor as a friend and offered information generously and sincerely. After the fair, we would follow up by email to find out the buyer’s intentions. Frequent communication is key to showing goodwill for cooperation.”</p><p> </p></div>

25 October 2016

Events at a Glance

Partners and Supporting Organisations 2024

Success Stories

Previous Event Information

Events

e-Fair Catalog

Exhibitor List 2024

SME Export Marketing Fund

Resource Centre

Exhibition

ALC Programme

About Licensing Academy

Media Partners 2024

Press Releases

Photo Gallery

Video Gallery

Media Centre

Press

Value for Money Hotels

HKTDC Marketplace app & E-badge

Visitor's rules and regulations

Caution on third party promotional offer

Visit

AIRFARE OFFERINGS

Visa & Permit for Entering Hong Kong

Important Notice for Indian Nationals Travelling to Hong Kong

Message for Muslim Visitors

Customs Requirements on Cross-border Cash Controls

Tour Information for Hong Kong

HKeMobility

Extreme Weather Arrangement

Travel Info

Market Trends

SME Support

Intelligence & Services

Enquiries

HKTDC Events

Intelligence Hub

Booth Format

EVENT AT A GLANCE

More than nine lives for this brand

Character brand became online sensation with cute animal looks

Local character Charging Buddies Take Fly at Licensing Show

Taiwanese cat characters promote culture overseas

Old Master Q-themed restaurant serves up unique experiences and licensing opportunities

Cute characters go global through Licensing Show

Japanese animated character pops out from greeting cards to the global market

Spreading Hong Kong’s can-do spirit through licensing

Sing Sing Rabbit reaches for stars

Local start-up brand soars to the international stage

From comic strips to shopping mall

Taiwanese enterprises tap the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan markets with popular characters

Second-generation toy and gift manufacturer finds business opportunity in licensing

Art Brand on Licensing Journey to Make Social Impact

Korean Cartoon Character Breaks into Asian Market by Brand Licensing

Japanese firm set to tap Asian markets with licensed brand CRAFTHOLIC

Hong Kong company opens ceramic mugs market in ASEAN through Thai and Japanese character licensing

Licensing Show brings business opportunity for Mobile Girl accessories

Van Gogh’s universal appeal brings endless licensing opportunities

Homepage

Media Partners

Circular

Business Matching

Contact Us

Advertising Opportunities

Asiawide Franchise

Business Focus

CharaBiz.com

I Love Character

Total Licensing

Character Databank

Universe Business

Value-added IP Services

Video-on-demand Pass

Additional Facilities & Services Order Form

Hong Kong International Licensing Show 2023

Asian Licensing Conference 2023

Caution on Third Party Promotional Offers from Fair Expo / Fair Guide / Expo Guide / Event Fair

Fast Action Scheme

Caution on Rental of Credit Card Payment Terminals

Special Circular: Enforcement of Green Card System for Stand Fitting Contractors at HKCEC2010