Animaru Wins License This!
Animaru, a graphic design property with Japanese influence from UK artist Sophie Hinton has won the final of the inaugural License This! The Next Big Thing challenge at Brand Licensing Europe 2010.
Animaru is a Japanese inspired graphic, designed by Sophie Hinton and marketed by her brother Noel. Over 200 animal characters have been created over the past few years and the designs have already inspired a range of gift cards, self-funded by the Hintons. Sold through three local Norfolk stores, sales of the cards have already hit 40,000 and the judges agreed that the designs have the potential for huge commercial success.
Animaru was presented to an esteemed panel of licensing industry judges alongside three other global finalists. Animaru has won a fully-furnished stand at Brand Licensing Europe 2011, worth around £4,500, and the chance to showcase their property to over 5,000 retailers, manufacturers and sales professionals who attend from around the globe.
Sophie Hinton, the creative mind behind the design said: “I can’t believe we won! I watched the other three finalists present and they were so brilliant, I was convinced we could not win. In the end, we are a brother-sister team from Norfolk, working on a shoestring. I can’t wait to see what we can do with the brand over the next year leading up to our first time as an exhibitor at Brand Licensing Europe 2011!”
The four entrepreneurs pitched to the judges in front of a live audience. The judging panel included Helen McAleer, managing director of Walker Books; Sandra Vauthier-Cellier, managing director of 4Kids Entertainment Industries; Gary Pope, managing director of Kids Industries; and David Todd, managing director of Dissero Brands.
Helen McAleer, MD of Walker Books and chairperson of the judging panel, said, “This was an unbelievably difficult decision to make, as the judging panel were in agreement that all four finalists have a great chance of succeeding commercially in what is a very tough market. We chose Animaru for its modern, relevant appeal and we could easily see the licensing opportunities, from toys to apparel to collectables.”
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