On June 11, 2026, students enrolled in the Design Management course visited Kelly’s Co., a creative studio specializing in illustration and Intellectual Property (IP) development. The studio visit formed part of the course’s learning activities. Through this experience, students gained direct exposure to the creative industry and discovered how illustration-based businesses grow from original ideas into successful brands.
Exploring Illustration and Intellectual Property
The visit began with an introduction to Kelly’s Co. and its creative journey. The team shared the studio’s background, creative philosophy, and portfolio of work. Students learned how Kelly’s Co. transforms original illustrations and characters into recognizable Intellectual Property with long-term commercial value.
Through presentations and real project case studies, the speakers explained each stage of their creative process. They discussed character development, visual identity, brand consistency, and product development. As a result, students gained a better understanding of how creative ideas evolve into sustainable businesses.
Learning from Industry Experience
Beyond showcasing their projects, the Kelly’s Co. team discussed the opportunities and challenges of building Intellectual Property in today’s creative industry. They explained that creating successful IP requires more than artistic ability. Strong branding, business strategy, and consistency also play an important role.
Furthermore, the speakers encouraged students to develop a distinctive creative identity while remaining open to collaboration and new opportunities. Their experiences demonstrated how passion, persistence, and strategic thinking can help creative professionals build lasting careers.
Interactive Discussion and Q&A
Following the presentation, students joined an interactive question-and-answer session with the Kelly’s Co. team. They asked about project management, client relationships, business development, creative workflows, and the realities of working in a professional studio.
The discussion gave students practical insights into everyday creative practice. In addition, they learned how studios balance artistic vision with business goals while continuing to develop original Intellectual Property.
Office Tour and Creative Environment
The visit concluded with a guided office tour, giving students the opportunity to experience Kelly’s Co.’s creative workspace firsthand. They observed the studio’s working environment and learned more about its collaborative culture.
Students also explored Kelly’s Co.’s merchandise and product displays. This experience demonstrated how original illustration-based Intellectual Property can grow beyond digital artwork into products, brand experiences, and new business opportunities.s.
Overall, the studio visit broadened students’ understanding of illustration, branding, and Intellectual Property development. More importantly, it showed how creativity and business strategy can work together to build meaningful and sustainable brands.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Kelly’s Co. for warmly welcoming our students and generously sharing their knowledge and experiences. We also thank the lecturers and students who participated in this studio visit. We hope the lessons gained from this experience inspire students to continue developing their creative skills, strategic thinking, and professional practice as future designers.
