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What is picture book IP?
Simply put, picture book IP is not just a picture book, but a character and story system that can continuously create value. Just like Peppa Pig, she is not just a talking pig, but also: a complete family story, a series of interesting life stories, a set of educational concepts, and a business symbol!
What is the core of picture book IP?
Unforgettable characters : unique appearance, distinct personality traits, and memorable iconic elements
Touching stories : interesting plots, warm emotions, positive values
Sustainable development space : series story extension, animation adaptation, peripheral products, educational applications
So how do you build your own picture book IP?
1） Role creation: making the image deeply rooted in people's hearts
The core of a successful children's picture book IP lies in the charm of the characters. Children and parents will continue to buy related products because they like a certain character. How to create an unforgettable character?
1. Key points of character design
✅Simple and memorable: sharp appearance and clean lines
✅Distinctive personality: Give the character a unique personality
✅Emotional resonance: Let children or parents find themselves in the characters
2. Classic case analysis
- Peppa Pig: A pink pig with simple facial features and a lively personality. The story revolves around daily family life, making children feel involved.
-Garfield: A fat orange cat with a lazy personality, he uses humor and satire to attract children and adults.
-Snoopy: A fantasy puppy who uses anthropomorphic techniques to show childishness and philosophy.
Key point: The characters should be cross-age, appealing to children and interesting to parents.
2）Story creation: narrative techniques that children can’t put down
A good story is the core competitiveness of picture book IP. How to make the story simple and easy to understand, and read repeatedly without getting bored?
📖Short and concise: Children have limited attention span, so do not overload each page with too much text
📖Repetitive rhythm: Children like repeated language and plots
📖Humor and surprise: add funny or twist elements
For example: A little Corgi sees a big building block and is confident that he can jump over it. The little Corgi jumps up high with a big smile on his face, but ends up bumping into the building block and falling to the ground. Then he realizes how short his legs are!
2. Theme selection
Daily life (such as brushing teeth, going to school, and having a picnic in Peppa Pig)
Adventure fantasy (such as Snoopy's "Ace Pilot" imagination)
Emotional education (such as "Guess How Much I Love You" conveys parent-child love)
Key point: The story should be close to children's lives, while adding a little exaggeration and humor.
3） Visual design: Let children fall in love at first sight
The visual style of children's picture books directly affects children's interest. How to design eye-catching pictures?
1. Color and composition
🎨Bright colors: For example, Peppa Pig is mainly pink and blue, which creates a strong contrast.
🎨Clean lines: Avoid complicated details so that children can easily recognize the characters.
🎨Dynamic: The picture should have a sense of "dynamics", such as exaggerated expressions and movements (such as Garfield's funny look).
2. Classic Case
- Peppa Pig: Minimalist style, the character has almost no nose, but the expression is vivid.
- "Snoopy": black and white + a small amount of color, smooth lines, and a strong sense of character dynamics.
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Collage style with bright colors, appealing to young children.
Key point: The visual style should be recognizable so that children can recognize your IP at a glance.
4） Brand Operation: The Commercialization Path from Picture Books to Global IP
Picture books are just the starting point. The real success lies in the long-term operation of the IP. How can a picture book character become a global brand like Peppa Pig?
1. Content expansion
📚Serialization: Continuously launching new stories (such as "Garfield" is still being updated after 40 years)
🎬Cross-media development: adaptation of animation, film, and game (such as the Peppa Pig cartoon that has driven a global craze)
2. Derivatives and Authorization
🛍️Toys, clothing, and stationery: such as Peppa Pig dolls and Snoopy co-branded T-shirts.
🎡Theme parks and offline activities: such as the "Peppa Pig Theme Park" that attracts families with children.
3. Social Media and Interaction
📱Short videos and emoticons: Funny GIFs such as Garfield spread on social networks.
🎮Interactive content: Develop new forms such as AR picture books and e-books.
Key point: IP must continue to "live" in the children's world and cannot just stay in books.
The ultimate secret: make kids fall in love with your character and parents will be willing to pay for it!
