Design for a Better World – Eastern Promise

Before founding Caper, Weitong Mai, Yulong Lli and Yiwei Xu were busy freelance illustrators. Yet during Covid, the trio discussed a shared realisation: many talented illustrators, particularly in China, were eager to expand their client base – but struggled to secure commissions overseas. Driven by a shared vision of “bridging that gap [and] connecting them with international clients and opportunities,” they established Caper, Weitong explains.

What is the Caper process?

With an initial enquiry from potential clients in hand, the brief is discussed in detail, confirming key aspects like the timeline, usage and theme. Once the project’s direction is clear, artists are contacted by the team to assess their interest and availability.

Juggling different time zones, language barriers and communication channels like WeChat, Caper provides support ranging from translation to legal requirements. By facilitating, and thoroughly reviewing these elements, vital clear communication is established before the project begins.

Jazzy Yuan: Pride Month

During the project, the “stages of [the] artists’ creative journey” are shown to highlight the importance of “drafting, colouring, and finalising” says Weitong.

This selective approach “helps convey to the public the value and significance of original creativity”. When the artist’s work is presented, the company engages in press activities and interviews to showcase its creative process and idea development.

Now, the agency represents over 25 talented artists, all of whom have “discovered their unique visual voice and have a strong command of their techniques,” says Weitong.

Caper’s goal is to “ensure that each artist is irreplaceable in the market” – when evaluating potential artists, their style is their primary focus, adds Weitong.

Weitong Mai – Caper Illustration

Yiwei Xu – Caper Illustration

Yulong Lli – Caper Illustration

Laomo Wang – Salute to Life

Laomo Wang, a freelance illustrator based in Changzhou, Jiangsu, is an example of an illustrator who has developed “a distinct personal style inspired by traditional Chinese ink textures” creating “her own brushes and digital textures to bring her illustrations to life,” Weitong explains. This style spans across varying themes, including children’s books, food and beverage illustrations, film posters – and more.

When asked about the branding campaigns she is particularly proud of, Weitong shares a memorable experience: while travelling to South Korea this summer, she discovered a limited edition Glenkinchie bottle in a duty-free shop at the airport – designed by Caper artist Dong Qiu.

“It was such a pleasant surprise and an honour to see the work of our artists featured in stores around the world,” she says, and it is because of this that her “sense of fulfilment has grown” since establishing Caper.

Looking ahead, Caper plans to expand its roster by bringing in artists from Southeast Asia, who can offer diverse perspectives on Asian culture, alongside artists with skills in 3D rendering, coding, frame-by-frame animation, and typography. This expansion will only strengthen Caper’s position as a specialised hub for diverse and innovative artistic Eastern talent.

Visit Caper Illustration here to find out more about their artists: https://www.caperillustration.co.uk/

Lead image – Dong Qiu: Dream Journey to the West