SIPA Character design award 2017 - Winner
Participated in Character Design Workshop and International Internship 2017 by SIPA and won the opportunity to intern at Studio Gale animation studio in Seoul, South Korea.
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Kai Nui is a character design concept of Surat Thani province which located in the southern part of Thailand. The concept is to combine 3 main symbols of the province, the first monkey school in the training center for agriculture, salted eggs of Chaiya district and the sea which is the most popular tourist attraction.
The story came from the process of Chaiya salted eggs which very well-known nation wide as 5 stars local products (OTOP). The process is very unique and needs ingredients that can only be found locally. Start with mixing anthill soil and soaked eggs with burned rice ash and fermented them in a specific time.
Head : Represent 'sea wave' the tourist attraction
Monkey : The first monkey school for agriculture of Thailand
Body : White fur and red belly from the process of 'Chaiya salted eggs'
Swimming pants : Must have item for the beach
This province is known as "The city of Hundreds Islands." Tourists primarily recognize it as the starting point for journeys to Ko Samui, Ko Tao, and Ko Pha Ngan.
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I use this distinctive point as one of the main concept for this character by simplify the sea wave and placing it on top of his head while also choosing to dress him in swimming trunks.
The story is about a typical monkey which is raised in the Monkey Training Center for Agriculture of the province, trying to skip the training and hiding away from the trainer by ducking in the mud. Because of the softness and coolness of the mud, he fall asleep. Time flies, his trainer found him and the monkey jumped out of the skin! The monkey’s fur turned into white and his belly turned red.
Character's icons for the motto of Surat Thani
The City of 100 Islands (1), Delicious Rambutan (2), Big Shells(3), Red Eggs (4), and The Center of Buddhism (5)
This video shows the story of Kai Nui and simulate tourist experiences when they take the journey to Surat Thani
Here are the samples of character merchandises
Another fun part of this project, the AR tour app which is a little gimmick uses with travel leaflets. There will be a pop-up picture from the leaflets including video clips about Kai nui and the upcoming tourism campaign.
