Creator Interview #2 - Olive and Wee, the creators of Bichi Mao
Join us for a light-hearted chat with Olive and Wee, the creative couple behind Bichi Mao. In our second creator interview blog, we dive into the fun and inspiration that birthed this beloved character, exploring their journey in the vibrant world of character design. Get ready for some delightful insights and stories from the creators of Bichi Mao!
Background and Inspiration - Olive & Wee, could you share a bit about your background in character design and what inspired you to create 'Bichi Mao'?
We’re both from different industries but we share the love of cats and art. It was just like any other night during COVID when Olive drew the very first Mao. Wee gave the nod of approval to its cuteness and potential. The rest was history.
Creative Process - What does your creative process look like when designing a new story or sticker set for 'Bichi Mao'?
Our creative process for designing new stories or sticker sets involves a collaborative approach. We first brainstorm ideas with our team, then we proceed to sketch out the story and refine them together. Olive & the team’s illustration expertise brings the characters to life. The process is iterative, ensuring each detail aligns with the charm of Bichi Mao.
Bichi Mao Team during an internal discussion Challenges and Solutions - Creating a character-based sticker series is a journey filled with challenges. Could you tell us about a significant challenge you faced with 'Bichi Mao' and how you overcame it?
We have been thinking about releasing our own sticker packs for quite a while now. So that was a lot of ideas & inspiration already ready to be executed. However, the main challenge that emerged was maintaining consistency in our releases. Also trying to release new & fresh stickers, which we overcame by establishing themes & studying other sticker packs we love. Feedback from our community played a crucial role as well.
Audience Engagement - How do you connect with your audience and gather feedback to ensure 'Bichi Mao' resonates with them?
We always read the comment section of our posts. We pay attention to what our community reacts to, positively & negatively. It is encouraging & refreshing to see how people react to our stories. There are some comments that are hilarious which always brighten our day. We are grateful for their constant support & passion for Bichi Mao. We do however try our best to stay true to our own voice so that Bichi Mao remains authentic.
Stipop Platform Experience - What has been your experience using the Stipop platform? How has it helped in showcasing and distributing 'Bichi Mao'?
Stipop has been instrumental in showcasing and distributing Bichi Mao stickers. The platform's user-friendly interface and wide reach have allowed us to share our characters with a global audience, expanding Bichi Mao's presence in diverse messaging conversations. We are also extremely thankful that their founders really do care about creators & constantly communicate with us on how they can do better. The feedback for improvements are also reflected very quickly which is amazing.
Advice for Aspiring Creators - What advice would you give to aspiring character creators who are aiming to gather a large audience on Instagram like how you did?
For aspiring creators, authenticity is key. Stay true to your passion, engage with your audience genuinely, and be open to evolving. Consistency is also crucial to fostering a significant audience.
Future Plans - Do you have any future plans or upcoming projects for 'Bichi Mao' that your fans can look forward to?
We are hitting the ground running for 2024. We are working on our blind box series, plush toy series, 3D animation, and also several brand collaborations. We hope that our community will enjoy our upcoming releases. We’re excited about all these projects & look forward to showing them to the world.
Personal Growth and Learning - How has your journey with 'Bichi Mao' contributed to your personal and professional growth as a creator?
The journey with Bichi Mao these past 4 years has been transformative. It not only honed our creative skills but also taught us the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the joy of sharing positivity through our work. We also had to learn how to start a team and work with brands. Bichi Mao has become a source of continual personal and professional growth which we are grateful for and will continue to do our best.
Favorite 'Bichi Mao' Moment - Of all the stickers in the 'Bichi Mao' series, do you have a personal favorite or a moment that stands out to you?
It would be launching the free sticker pack that allowed all our fans to use them. It was also really amazing when we finally saw our friends & family using Bichi Mao stickers.
*You can view Bichi Mao stickers here.
Message to the Stipop Community - Lastly, what message would you like to share with the Stipop community, both current and future creators?
To the Stipop community, we express our gratitude for your support. Keep creating and sharing your unique stories. Embrace the joy that stickers bring to communication. Let's continue building connections and spreading smiles through the universal language of adorable characters.
If you're ready to embark on a similar path, Stipop welcomes you to join our community and bring your characters to life. Interested in sharing your own creative story? Reach out to us at artist@stipop.io for a chance to be featured. Start your journey with Stipop today, where every character has a story, and every creator has a stage.