Interview: Malaysian Artist Kazchips Shares Journey In Creating Fan Merch & Plans For HoYo FEST 2025
Speaking of Artist Alley, we've spoken to a few creators who will be opening up their booths at the 4-day festival. First, we have Kazchips, a Malaysian artist who has been drawing for over 15 years. While her main job is as a full-time comic artist assistant, Kazchipz continues to create and sell merchandise as a part-time pursuit — one that remains rooted in genuine fandom and joy for drawing. Let's learn more about her journey and her plans for HoYoFEST!
1. Could you tell us about how you got started in becoming a fan art merch creator?
During college, I went to my first anime convention, Comic Fiesta. I saw a lot of artists making merch—that inspired me. I started from there. I was also in an illustration course in college.
2. Are you doing this full-time, or is this more of a side hustle? How many events have you done so far?
Side hustle, because my luck in getting a booth is low. It's a lottery system, so all based on luck. Once you've applied to open up a booth at a convention, the organisers will then screen you before randomly selecting the creators. As for how many times I've done this, probably more than 20.
3. What are some of the challenges you faced when you were starting out? And how did you overcome them?
The first time I made merch, it was bad—I didn't know where to print keychains or prints. Later, I found a printing shop and started printing there. I only got a printer last year. Also, making merch is not cheap, so I started small, maybe 15 keychains or prints. If they did well, I'd reprint. Then I'd start selling them at events. If there were leftovers, then I'd sell online.
4. What are some of the newer challenges you face nowadays as a creator?
Printing and shipping costs are getting very high. I order keychains from Taobao, so shipping is expensive. I also try to fulfil buyers' demands, but I mostly focus on making merchandise of characters that I like. If there's a high demand for a character, I'll check it out, and if I like the character, I'll make merch of them, but otherwise, I prioritise my favourites first.
5. I've personally seen your work at conventions before, like Comic Fiesta AnimaGaki, so I'm very curious to know, as an artist, how you discovered your art style.
I think I'm still searching for my art style. But I think my inspiration will be much more from the art comic, the games that I see. So I get my art style from there. People have said my art style is 'very cute', and so far, I haven't had any feedback about possibly changing it up.
6. Which of the merch usually takes the longest to create? What are the challenges when creating that particular piece?
Art prints—the full-scale ones. The sketching part is the hardest. So whenever I feel like I'm stuck, I'll log in to Genshin Impact, walk around, look for different scenery and draw them.
7. Now let's talk HoYoverse. How long have you been a fan of their games, and which game is your personal favourite?
Since MCO was lifted. I got a new phone and played Genshin. My friend recommended it. I really loved Chongyun when I first started. I also play (Honkai) Star Rail and now Zenless (Zone Zero). I think I like Zenless more. As for my favourite characters from each game, I'd say Genshin: Heizou. Star Rail: Dan Heng, the Inhibitor. Zenless: I can't pick—I love them all. Maybe Harumasa, but honestly, everyone's a favourite.
8. What was your reaction when you got the call that you would be participating in HoYoFEST 2025?
I didn't get enough sleep that night. I felt every emotion. Thankfully, I'm done with all the preparations now, so the anxiety has calmed down a bit.
9. From the official announcements, what are you personally looking forward to at HoYoFest this year?
For the official booth, the exhibition. And the merchandise I'm going to buy. Also, of course, Artist Alley. One of my favourite things about it is meeting new artists, people and seeing all the artwork that they make. It's fun cause most of us already knew each other from other events, so it's like seeing friends again. We love trading stuff with each other.
10. As a creator, obviously, it takes a lot of time, effort and money to do what you do, so what's your advice for those who may be considering starting their own business and be part of this community?
I would say get a full-time job to support your part-time job, which is this Artist Alley. And then start small and gain more experience from that. Post more on social media like Instagram. And then maybe join the smaller event from there, you start, and then you can try again. Keep trying until you get the big event like that. Just don't be scared. Just start. Just start.
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