#2 From nicoipi to GONNYS - The origin of "You are my inspiration"


In the previous article, "Why was GONNYS born? - Searching for 'helpful pictures'",

  • I used to not be attracted to "drawing characters"
  • A certain word triggered a change in thinking that prioritized "role" over form .
  • GONNYS wants to be "a handrail that softens the boundaries and connects here and there"


In this paper,

This film sheds light on "nicoipi," an early character born just before the start of GONNYS. It is a record of the quiet beginnings that formed the foundation of GONNYS.

This is a record of the quiet origins that laid the foundation for GONNYS.


What is nicoipi?


Nicoipi is a character that sums up my creative attitude in one line.

At its heart is just one statement.


You are my inspiration.

"You are my inspiration."


Encounters, conversations, gestures, and gazes - I want to translate the heartbeats I receive from "someone" into my work. I have continued to create with this promise in mind ever since.


 ↑The beginning of Nico-Ippi in the summer of 2019


Inherited spirit: From Nikoipi to GONNYS


GONNYS's production approach inherits the spirit of nicoipi.

Products such as t-shirts, shoes, and mugs are vessels that hold feelings. I value the craft of carefully receiving your feelings and translating them into the optimal form.


Product mockup

↑Products as vessels that hold feelings


Although nicoipi is no longer part of the GONNYS product line, it remains at the heart of the brand as the starting point of our thinking. GONNYS is what it is today, thanks to the gratitude we have received from everyone who has supported us since the nicoipi days. Perhaps nicoipi is still quietly smiling deep in the hearts of GONNYS.


↑ First line, first heartbeat


Nikoipi Gallery

↑You are my inspiration

Caption: Pieces of Inspiration

↑From line to shape, from shape to role


Now and in the future

GONNYS will continue to carefully walk the process of "giving shape to someone's ideas." Products are not an end in themselves, but a bridge to convey ideas. We build that bridge with sincerity.


Finally, let's revisit the core of the brand.

You are my inspiration.

— nicoipi & GONNYS


-Next episode preview-

In the next issue, I will delve deeper into why I started making full-scale character goods. I will introduce the influence of the work of Yoshitomo Nara, an artist I admire, along with some early notes and sketches.

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