"The first thing that happens when I enter a meeting room is we all laugh and this is before we have even started talking about work yet," Seatapron "Bell" Korwanichakul says of the lovely clients he has been fortunate enough to work with. It should come as no surprise that this amicable artist, better known as Painterbell, is the person behind the wildly loveable and joyful characters John and Lulu. Seatapron first started drawing a blond-haired, French-looking boy and girl for fun five years ago for his Instagram account. Slowly over time, the cuteness of the sibling duo steadily found their fame, with countless brands, ranging from fashion, furniture, communications to toiletries, who sought his cartoons to add a touch of cheer to their products. Today, John and Lulu, along with their friends and other Christmas characters, are decking out the squares and halls of CentralWorld as well as of other 33 branches of Central across the country.
"When I first got that phone call from CentralWorld, I was shocked and my heart was beating very fast," the 32-year-old recounts. "Everybody knows that CentralWorld is a landmark for Christmas in Thailand. Now, I would be the one working with them to oversee the design. I'm very happy because it's such a huge project since it also includes all other Central projects in the country. It took a lot of energy to do this project."
This commission is Seatapron's largest scale creation yet -- as he had to draw and designs cartoon decorations for all nooks and crannies inside the mall as well as for accompanying the light installations outside. Besides erecting the tallest Christmas tree in all of Southeast Asia, CentralWorld's will also boast over three million light bulbs alongside highlights such as gigantic gift boxes and happiness selfie mirrors that span 360 degrees.
For this holiday season, Seatapron has made brand new beacons of joy; the angels Kate and Mick, who bring John and Lulu and their gang of friends into the mall. Then, there is also Nicholas, the father of Christmas, Snowy the snowman, and Jingle the reindeer that also make their debut. Mainly an illustrator, this is also Seatapron's first time working with 3D as he collaborates with Central's team to create sculptures and mascot costumes of his characters.
"When I first drew John and Lulu, I put them in real settings because I wanted them to look alive," the artist explains. "The great thing about this project is there are actually 33 sets of mascot outfits and the team has taken photos of my characters all around the country. For example, the gang is visiting Ya Mo in Korat and can also be found on the beaches of Phuket. It's a really wonderful idea and campaign to let people know that our Christmas festivities have begun."
Seatapron "Bell" Korwanichakul.
Seatapron also laughs at seeing how hard these mascots dance while on duty -- and albeit being a bit off from the original character's "gentle nature", there's no denying their energetic vitality brings a smile to passing onlookers. Although this is his largest project yet, it is not the first time John and Lulu have graced the halls of malls for the Christmas season. They made their first appearance at Peninsula Plaza in 2017 and in the following years, next-door neighbour MQDC also got the sibling duo to spruce up their Christmas decorations.
"It's funny and surprising that it keeps moving down the street," Seatapron said. "It does feel like it is progressing through the stages of life. I started this out as a small project but it has grown bigger every year and now I'm finally ready for the biggest stage this year. Just having to work on projects like this is already a Christmas present for me. I love the challenge of being given the responsibility for things I like as a graphic designer at my day job but at night in my own time, I get to do what I love."
Currently a senior graphic designer at the Mute design agency, the Dhurakij Pundit University communication arts graduate started to tinkle around with hand-drawn illustrations five years ago -- a natural return to his childhood love of drawing his peers and friends.
"I'm not a trained artist, so I still feel quite shy when people call me one," he says. "I felt like my style finally fell into place when I started working. I got to learn more about techniques, taste, style and usage of colours by doing graphic work which I could also apply to my cartoons. My advice for aspiring illustrators is to keep working and practising to find yourself. Sometimes, seeing a lot of work isn't as conducive as sitting and drawing what you would like to eventually achieve. Do it constantly and draw what you like. Since childhood, I had always liked to draw curly hair and big noses, so try to remember what you like and adapt it to your current self. If I didn't try to look for myself, I wouldn't be here now."
Clearly, Painterbell has a lot of talent but his positive personal life is surely another source of cheerful vibes. He credits his ability to have an optimistic outlook about life to his close-knit family.
"We all talk to each other and advise on things. The right attitude starts with your family and spreads to your friends and workplace after. I'm lucky that I'm not stressed with problems and always view them as something that can be solved. I really do feel that everything starts with yourself and your family."
At his family home, it is a given that the Korwanichakul family will be celebrating Christmas amid festive decorations, all hand-made by their crafty son.
"I'm busy with work but this is something I have to do too," he laughs. "We have a different theme every year and I love making cotton clouds and cutting things from paper to hang at home. People who come over love seeing it and everyone at home are happy too. I suppose Christmas must really suit me."
With this genuine love, it only seems natural that his cartoons are currently decked up at Bangkok's most iconic Christmas landmark.
MERRY INSPIRATIONS
Artists that Painterbell lists as his influences are just as upbeat as he is.
Raymond Savignac
"He was a French uncle who drew posters in bright colours. It looked something like a child had drawn and I didn't want to believe at first that it was an old man. There's something very childish and innocent about his work, which makes it easy to understand and to collaborate with brands of all sorts."
Yayoi Kusama
"I really like her work. Her patterns and prints are so busy and frenetic but when you look at the big picture, it all goes together well and just works."
Mr Doodle
"He can keep drawing forever without sketching before! It's very soothing to watch his videos. I've actually shot an ad with him and he's an awesome guy as well. His lines are really simple and he only draws icons and smileys but it keeps flowing to cover the whole wall and it looks perfect."
