HotPot Friends :
Where FLAVOUR meets friendship — building a brand universe through character design, storytelling, and strategy.”
Branding / Character Design / Illustration
An original IP branding project bringing together culture, creativity, and comfort — inspired by the magic of hot pot.
**Client / Project:** Self-initiated IP Brand Development
**Role:** Brand Design · Character Design · Worldbuilding · Art Direction
**Tools:** Adobe Illustrator · Procreate · InDesign
What is HotPot Friends?
HotPot Friends is an original IP character branding project that blends fantasy storytelling with cultural inspiration from hot pot ingredients. Each character represents unique personality traits such as leadership, creativity, and harmony, living in a vibrant world called HotPot Heaven.
This project embodies core values of creativity, community, and emotional warmth — designed to connect deeply with audiences who appreciate imaginative stories and cultural heritage.
Target Audience:
Young adults and families who love creative storytelling, fantasy worlds, and culturally inspired designs.
Brand Mission & Core Values
To inspire creativity, promote togetherness, and turn the hot pot experience into a joyful, story-driven universe.
Core Themes:
Friendship & Unity
Creativity
Cultural identity
Warmth & comfort
Inclusivity
Brand Story & Worldbuilding
HotPot Heaven is a vibrant, celestial realm where five ingredient-spirits — Springie, Garry, Pika, Noki, and Choyce — live and collaborate to protect the magical Great Cauldron at the world’s center. Each character represents an emotional trait and a food element, blending personality, power, and flavor into one.
From the Mistwood Grove to the Verdant Nexus, the world reflects both fantasy and culinary symbolism, encouraging connection and storytelling.
Character Profiles
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Springie
Energetic Leader
Traits: Optimistic, Caring, VitalInspiration:
Based on spring onions, Spring channels plant magic to heal and protect.
Visual Style: Bright greens, magical floral patterns, and a Verdant Crown of Wisdom.
Catchphrase: “Growth begins with a single sprout.”
Description:
Spring is the heart of the HotPot Friends, always encouraging growth and harmony. Though full of energy, he sometimes feels the weight of leadership but never stops inspiring his friends. -
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Garry
Adventurous Warrior
Traits: Brave, Loyal, BoldInspiration:
Inspired by garlic, Garry’s strength lies in his fiery spirit and protective nature.
Visual Style: Earthy tones with a rugged edge, equipped with a Garlic Blade.
Catchphrase: “Fear is just a flavor to conquer.”
Description:
Garry’s courage drives the group forward, ready to face challenges head-on with his loyal heart and fierce determination. -
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Pika
Wise Strategist
Traits: Intelligent, Calm, Observant
Inspiration: Modeled after mushrooms, Pika is thoughtful and resourceful.Visual Style: Deep browns and soft grays, with intricate fungal patterns.
Catchphrase: “Patience grows wisdom.”
Description:
Pika provides balance with her calm insight, guiding the team through complex situations with quiet confidence. -
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Choyce
Creative Innovator
Traits: Imaginative, Optimistic, Eager
Inspiration: Based on bok choy, Choyce brings fresh ideas and vibrant energy.
Visual Style: Vibrant greens and crisp whites with bok choy leaf patterns.
Catchphrase: “Why settle for ordinary?”Description:
Choyce’s creativity sparks new adventures, always pushing boundaries and encouraging the group to try new things. -
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Noki
Peaceful Mediator
Traits: Gentle, Harmonious, Friendly
Inspiration: Inspired by tofu, Noki symbolizes purity and calm.
Visual Style: Soft whites and creams with subtle tofu textures.
Catchphrase: “Harmony is the best flavor.”Description:
Noki balances the group’s energy, bringing peace and understanding in moments of conflict.
Worldbuilding & Storytelling
Welcome to HotPot Heaven — A World of Flavor and Friendship
HotPot Heaven
HotPot Heaven is a vibrant and enchanting fantasy realm where every ingredient is alive with personality and magic. This world is a reflection of the warmth and diversity found in the cultural tradition of hot pot — a place where different flavors and elements come together to create harmony and balance. Each region within HotPot Heaven is inspired by the unique characteristics of the HotPot Friends, from the lush, verdant fields of the Verdant Pavilion, home to Spring’s flourishing plant magic, to the spicy, adventurous Fire Spice Forest where Garry thrives.
The environment itself breathes life into the characters’ stories, with bubbling hot springs, floating vegetable isles, and simmering cauldrons that serve as meeting places and stages for their adventures. This fantasy setting allows for rich narrative possibilities — the characters’ personalities and powers are deeply tied to the elemental nature of their hot pot ingredients, emphasizing themes of community, growth, and balance.
HotPot Heaven also symbolizes cultural unity, blending influences from various Asian cuisines and folklore, inviting audiences to explore a world where diversity is celebrated through the lens of playful storytelling and heartfelt connections. Through this immersive setting, HotPot Friends become more than characters; they embody the spirit of togetherness and creative collaboration.
The HotPot Friends Family
Meet the five core characters who embody the spirit of HotPot Heaven:
Each character protects and nurtures their domain, and together they maintain balance in their world—facing challenges and growing stronger through teamwork and connection.
Springie
– Energetic healer and leader, master of herbal broths
Garry
– Brave adventurer who explores bold flavors
Pika
– Calm strategist who brings emotional insight
Noki
– Gentle artist enhancing meals with beauty and harmony
Choyce
– Creative innovator adding magical touches
Heart of the Community
Heart of the Community
🔥 The Central Hearth: Heart of the Community
The Central Hearth is the main gathering place in HotPot Heaven—a warm, glowing pavilion where magic, cooking, and storytelling come together.
Each member of the HotPot Friends brings a vital element to the world of HotPot Heaven. While Spring takes the lead in harmony and healing, Garry protects and pioneers new flavors, Pika ensures emotional balance, Choyce adds innovation and spark, and Noki brings everything together with grace and beauty. Their contributions aren’t about power, but about balance — just like the perfect hot pot.
