Aespa Mascot
My Background
Personal Profile
FayMay is a visual artist specializing in digital illustration in Denton, Texas. She explores a range of mediums, including, but not limited to, painting, drawing, and digital tools. May began her artistic journey in 2017, taking on small commissions and honing her craft. Currently pursuing a degree in Interdisciplinary Arts and Design Studies with a minor in Marketing, she is dedicated to developing her communication skills, expanding her network, and acquiring diverse skills during her university experience. Outside the classroom, May has gained valuable experience in the food industry. She runs her merchandise business successfully, enhancing her project management abilities and adaptability in various workplace environments. Her focus in art as of now is on the human figure and graphic art styles, mainly leaning toward Eastern cartoons as inspiration.
Experience
April 2024
Project for 1800: Telling the Future
Led project planning and execution, including scheduling, team coordination, and presentation. Created a cohesive visual theme from thrifted materials, demonstrating creativity and project management skills
2022-2023
Merchandise Booth: Favoredmay
Developed and implemented marketing strategies for merchandise, including social media advertising and promotional campaigns. Managed inventory, sales, and budgeting, ensuring effective resource allocation and profitability. Engaged with customers and provided exceptional service, enhancing brand visibility and sales.
Jan-May 2023
85C Bakery and Cafe
Worked in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing customer needs and quality of service, completed daily tasks, POS efficiency, adherence to hygienic standards
Jan-April 2022
Omori Cookbook Zine
Collaboration with chefs to develop high-quality artwork next to recipes, receiving and reviewing feedback on work, providing sufficient updates to deadlines
Creative Statement
My current design project as a visual artist is rebranding the music group Aespa. As part of my portfolio, I propose and develop a new product line for Aespa to engage their audience more in the world they’ve built. A charming group of mascots could offer a delightful contrast to their sharp, girl-crush concept and help broaden their brand appeal, allowing fans to connect with the group without explicitly featuring the Aespa name.
The main goal was to capture the essence of the members without needing to include them directly in the marketing, coming to understand what makes their brand so recognizable. Being able to process their lengthy discography, I sought out the key points of their brand and created something that adhered to the group but with my own twist. Once the initial character designs were established, there were countless branding opportunities—bags, plushies, shoes, keychains, and more. The one I will be focusing on in this project will be a figurine/ blind box collection with multiple designs of the members of Aespa.
Although much of Aespa’s promotions center around the members, I am confident I can provide fans with a fresh and engaging way to connect to the group. The process of creating unique characters and designs has not only deepened my understanding of the brand but also allowed me to infuse my own creative vision, creating a personal connection with the audience.