Year of the Ox | New Year Buddies | NYBuddies

 

Project Brief | 

To create an artsy, fun, cute, colorful, cartoony brand  that is inspired by the Chinese zodiac myth as well as to potentially rival hello kitty and  promote the lunar/Chinese new year festival.

My Role |

Art/Brand Director | Conceptual Designer | Illustrator | Animator

NYBuddies character sketches
NYBuddies animation idea sketches
NYBuddies poster sketches

Sketches & Doodles

Preliminary ideas for the NYBuddies characters.

 

Character Design

Here are the characters

Red Design

This design is a representation of the traditional little red envelopes (hóngbāo) given out during Chinese New Year.

Animated Group Concept

Here is a fleshed out concept design of the animated scene. The idea is to have a continuous loop with all of the characters having fun together.

Print Concept Design

Mirroring the animation concept design and using it for potential printed items such as posters, magazine spreads, brochures etc…

Project Concept Design

Here are the conceptual elements: font, color, and proposed designs for the project.

NYBuddies Group Animation

Endless animated loop

Social Media Animated Ads

Here are the animated ads used to promote NYBuddies

Social Media Animated Ads

Here are the animated ads used to promote NYBuddies

Social Media Animated Ads

Here are the animated ads used to promote NYBuddies

Social Media Animated Ads

Here are the animated ads used to promote NYBuddies

Social Media Animated Ads

Here are the animated ads used to promote NYBuddies

Social Media Animated Ads

Here are the animated ads used to promote NYBuddies

Social Media Animated Ads

Here are the animated ads used to promote NYBuddies

Social Media Animated Ads

Here are the animated ads used to promote NYBuddies

Social Media Animated Ads

Here are the animated ads used to promote NYBuddies

Social Media Animated Ads

Here are the animated ads used to promote NYBuddies

Social Media Animated Ads

Here are the animated ads used to promote NYBuddies

Social Media Animated Ads

Here are the animated ads used to promote NYBuddies

Social Media Animated Ads

Here are the animated ads used to promote NYBuddies

Project Approach |

Doodle Notes:

– great wall of china (background)
– fireworks
– animals in astrological order

 

Project Scope Notes

– Design Print /Animate Ads for selling physical products and to promote Brand recognition.

Print
– Posters
– Postcard
– Printed Story Spread Illustration

Animation/Web
– Social Media loop animation
– Web static Ads

Products
– Mugs
-Tshirts

Additional Notes

Project Keywords:
– artsy, fun, cartoony, cute, colorful

Brand Name:
– New Year Buddies

Origin of Chinese Zodiac Myth

An ancient folk story called the “Great Race” tells that the Jade Emperor decreed that the years on the calendar would be named for each animal in the order they reached him. To get there, the animals would have to cross a river.

Original Source – Wikipedia

Project Conclusion |

 

The main goal of the NYBuddies project was to:
– introduce the characters to the public
– See what potential this project can yield as a competitive brand
– Gauge the public reaction

The NYBuddies in the beginning was a project I wanted to try and work on my animation skills. I thought it would be a fun thing to create.

As I continued this project the idea to create a name and brand for these characters started to grow.  I feel that I can take these characters and update/play with them further. I can create a new fun band of characters to have people laugh, enjoy and buy products to support this brand.

The scope of this project has come to an end. I will continue and add updates as time goes on. I will build the brand and create products and see where NYBuddies will take me and the world…