NANKANG IP Design｜A Visual System Built on Plasticity

The new IP for NANKANG originates from the very first state of a tire’s life. SBR rubber, or Styrene Butadiene Rubber, before it takes form. At this stage, the material has not yet been defined, yet it is full of tension and potential. This state of being undefined became the core of our creative thinking.

We translated this plasticity into the spirit of the IP. It is not a character that is manufactured. It is a living entity that continues to take shape and evolve alongside the brand.

Just as tires develop different characteristics for different purposes, the IP’s form can stretch and transform freely according to brand needs.

Heavy duty tread textures can evolve into characters with powerful, muscular volume.High performance tires designed for speed can extend into streamlined forms that resemble missiles in motion.

The visual language of this IP is highly flexible. 

It can express a full range of emotions, perform any action, and even push into exaggerated physical extensions. These qualities allow the IP to move beyond the role of a character and become a narrative tool for the future of the NANKANG brand.

It can evolve, divide, and expand into an entire family system. Every character is born from the same tire based DNA, yet each carries a completely distinct personality and appearance.

This is an IP ecosystem designed to accompany the brand for ten or even twenty years. It moves seamlessly across platforms and media, integrates naturally into products, events, and social content, and has the potential to form an entirely new visual language for the brand.

Most importantly, the client strongly affirmed the direction of this IP. Its plasticity, recognizability, and originality give it clear potential to enter popular culture. As a result, the client decided to move forward with large scale production of IP collectibles. From character figures and cultural objects to branded merchandise, a new line of brand collectibles was established.

From the plasticity of rubber to the plasticity of a brand.From tire performance to character personality.

This IP is not an accessory to the brand. It is an extension of it.