Get To Know Tokki & Friends
Tokki & Friends, circa 2023
Ever wondered how Studio Moon Tokki started and how these four best friends came to be? It’s a bit of a long story, but I’ll try to keep it as short as I can. But I promise you, it’s a good story!
Moon Tokki circa 22 February 2022
I actually learned how to crochet when I was 10 years old when it was taught in my school. Crocheting actually runs in my family since my mom tells me that I remind her of my great grandmother. I didn't really enjoy crocheting back in school, but I grew an appreciation for it when I saw my mom making clothes for my Bratz dolls and Powerpuff Girls plushies.
Fast forward to when the Covid pandemic happened and I was also suffering severe burnout from being a graphic/multimedia designer for 7 years. I finally stopped to think if I really still want to continue down that road while I took a few months to rest and detox. I went back to my first love of anime and drawing, played Animal Crossing New Horizons a lot, and tried my hand in making stationery and other items for journaling. When I realised that my love for regularly drawing was not as strong of a passion as I thought it was, I regrouped once again.
The concept of Tokki was originally born from my first email address as a child. Back then, I made one for online chatting with friends + school purposes, and it later evolved into my actual brand identity that everyone who knew me associated strawberry (moon) bunnies = me.
One afternoon, it felt like my Strawberry Moon Bunny was waiting for me to make her for the past 19 years at the time, when I finally picked up a crochet hook and some yarn and took the leap of faith. Tokki’s eventual creation was the result of severe burnout as a designer when I managed to finally make her even in my lowest point in my life to date. Thanks to her, I managed to slowly but surely pick up the pieces of my broken self-confidence and rebuild myself into a better version of who I could be. They say "Hindsight is 20/20", so looking back at it now, she really was and still is like my guardian angel. Maybe it was fate I gave her wings from the very beginning. 🍓🌙🐰
Tokki is as pink as a fully bloomed cherry blossom in Spring time. She is adorable, always curious, ready to grow into whatever she can be. She was definitely lovely; representing everything I wanted to be at that time.
Soon after, I found myself making more friends for Tokki.
Kuma, the brown bear, has a warm heart and loves everything about food (be it learning more about it, cooking or eating it). He reminded the little bunny of the golden glow of Autumn, just like the honey the bear loves so much.
Jubang, the purple kitten, can seem cold and sharp at first glance, but is really flamboyant, cheeky and endearing to those he deems close to him, like the comfort of a warm blanket and a cup of hot chocolate by the fire place in a cabin during the peak of Winter.
And Inu, the dalgona-like puppy, with his happy-go-lucky view in life, who loves the great outdoors and constant adventures that always brightens their days like the sun in Summer, sums up their main group, striking the perfect balance they all needed as a classic loveable ride-or-die foursome called Tokki & Friends.
Have a look at each of their bios!
Tokki & Friends, first rendition, 27 March 2022
The Core Four have slowly taken over the branding of Studio Moon Tokki. Soon after their initial creation, I realised that each friend actually represented a part of me as a person, as well as hold something I aspire to become. Tokki’s curiosity, Kuma’s passion, Jubang’s wit, and Inu’s selflessness. Which is why every time I see them, I get reminded everyday of what I want to do moving forward with Studio Moon Tokki.
Tokki & Friends Collection
Check out the collection for more of the Core Four!
“Aspire to Inspire before you Expire”
What I've wanted to do with Studio Moon Tokki is to show people that no matter how old or young you are, it's never too late to follow your dreams. It's scary to leave your source of comfort, but sometimes, it's what's right for you in the long run. Everyday is an adventure, indeed. And no matter what stage in life you're currently in, you should never forget your inner child, and you should always strive to be the kind of person your younger self would be proud to grow up to be like.
I hope each friend can inspire you to be the best version of yourself as much as they have inspired me!
