HKU Student Turns Illustration Contest Win into Dream Design Career
Hong Kong Metropolitan University student Chloe Tong Tsam-yu won an illustration contest at Hong Kong Disneyland last summer, and it marked the beginning of her journey as a professional designer. Her winning entry was a themed line of products featuring Stitch, the lovable alien from Disney's Lilo & Stitch.
Tong proposed Stitch for the main character because she identified with his story of loneliness and isolation, which resonated deeply with her own childhood experiences. She came up with the idea 'Stitch Up the Spring', where Stitch sets out to find a missing key that unlocks spring in the forest.
Tong's internship with the Hong Kong Disneyland merchandise team was a turning point for her. She worked closely with her colleagues to design and develop the product line, which included plush key chains, water bottles, postcards, pouches, and T-shirts. The team gave Tong space to explore and bring fresh ideas to the table.
The 'Stitch Up the Spring' products have been well-received by guests at the park, with some visiting specifically to buy items from the line. Hong Kong Disneyland donated a portion of the proceeds from merchandise sales to establish a scholarship for talent development at HKMU. The experience has confirmed Tong's resolve to build a career as a designer of original characters.