SG artist creates quirky emotes that local users can relate to

A local artist who goes by the online handle HoshinoComet has launched a set of Singapore-themed emotes. The emotes features contemporary elements such as items, places and even animals that have become part of Singaporeans' everyday lives, with an added touch of humour. 

https://twitter.com/HoshinoComet/status/1524705888723881985

For instance, the Koel emote shows the infamous bird "screaming", which locals know of all too well. Meanwhile, the "no football in the void deck" emote shows the figure kicking the ball to break the ban sign instead, which is reflective of how locals tend to overlook or ignore that sign more often than not. 

Additionally, the iconic tissue packet emote is relatable to tourists who visit Singapore as well, as they witness an unlikely culture of reserving seats at eateries using tissue packets. The otter emote may be bittersweet for some, as it seems to be derived from the news of otters eating residents' koi fish in recent months. 

HoshinoComet has also designed some emotes which reflect the country's unique taste for food too, such as the kaya toast with kopi and soft boiled egg and the ice-cream sandwich, which made headlines thanks to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

For those who may have forgotten, the local delicacy was slammed on Buzzfeed in 2016 when it was listed as one of the "absolute worst sandwiches that have ever happened". In addition to locals and foreigners who have tried the sandwich coming to its defence, STB simply responded to Buzzfeed with a gif of ice-cream sandwiches posted on Instagram by Singaporeans, along with the caption, "Hey BuzzFeed UK, what's good?" According to HoshinoComet, the emotes are currently on sale for use on Twitch and Discord only. 

Aside from emotes, brands have also been coming up with their own GIFs and stickers to better engage consumers. HSBC Hong Kong's PayMe, for example, introduced WhatsApp stickers last year to usher in the Year of the Ox, while DBS Hong Kong teamed up with artist and illustrator Siu Hak to offer a digital greeting card and WhatsApp stickers.

Meanwhile, CapitaLand Westgate and Jewel Changi also rolled out their own stickers in 2019, joining other brands including GOJEK, Life Buoy, Lazada, Heineken, Singtel, Pepsi and Warner Bros. 

Related articles:
6 iconic logos redesigned: Can you recognise them?
If logos could speak: 10 logos reimagined to bid farewell to Russia