When an Artist Knows How Not to Starve

Let me tell you a story, not about me for once, but about a little character that took over Asia, Instagram, and every pop culture lover’s heart: Labubu. That mischievous, spiky-haired creature may look like a cute gremlin, but it’s actually the perfect example of how an artist can thrive, not just survive.

Labubu was born from the mind of artist Kasing Lung, who didn’t just doodle a cute creature and hope for the best. Nope. He followed a method, intentionally building a character rooted in strong storytelling, playful mystery, and that irresistible blend of creepy-cute. Then what? He partnered with Pop Mart yes, the surprise-box empire that knows how to hype a character better than a Netflix series.

Suddenly, Labubu wasn’t just art. It was a collectible. A trending topic. A brand.

Here’s what I see when I look at Labubu’s journey:

• Create with a method: Kasing Lung used classic illustration principles + market psychology to make a character you can’t ignore.

• Think brandable: It wasn’t just a drawing; it was a world, a story, a face people wanted to follow.

• Strategic collab: He didn’t try to do everything solo. He found a company (Pop Mart) that lives and breathes marketing magic.

• Ride the surprise toy trend: Mystery boxes are HUGE. Scarcity meets delight. Genius.

I’m not planning to create a gremlin (yet!), but watching Labubu rise taught me something important:

Artists don’t have to starve anymore.

We’re living in a time when:

• Social media can make your art go viral in 30 seconds.

• There are companies begging for unique art to license, market, and sell.

• People crave originality, limited editions, handmade vibes, and stories.

If you have a signature style and a bit of marketing courage you’re already in the game. Watching the Labubu craze reminded me that method and momentum can change everything.

Maybe I won’t make mystery toys (or maybe I will 👀), but I’m keeping the lesson close:

• Build collections, not just art.

• Tie everything I make to a feeling, story, or memory.

• Look for creative partners who can amplify my work.

• Never forget that fun and strategy can go together.

Because yes, being a creative is emotional. But it’s also a business. And you don’t need to suffer to prove you’re “real.”