Guided by the theme of “Finding Connections to Society Through Wacom’s Instruments and Technology,” we are exploring new ways to engage meaningfully with society through experiences that use our instruments and technology as creative mediums. In November 2024, Connected Ink 2024 brought this vision to life, featuring a workshop titled "Create Your Own 'Ordinary Days' Key tag,” perfectly aligned with the event’s theme.

Share the theme of Connected Ink 2024
At the heart of our key tag workshop were the original characters designed by illustrator ktym, known for her iconic creations. For this event, ktym introduced six unique characters, which often appear as iconic elements in her artwork. These characters also play a central role in the key visual for Connected Ink 2024. Quietly present in their own worlds, each character exudes a unique charm. Workshop participants were encouraged to bring these designs to life by adding their own colors, turning them into personalized key tags. This creative process aimed to bring the theme of "Ordinary Days" to life, connecting everyone involved through shared artistry and imagination.

Coloring “Ordinary Days” with Creative Chaos
The key tag-making process starts with choosing from six distinct characters. Many participants found themselves saying, "I like that one! I like this one too!" as they browsed the sample artworks, often leading to indecision. Some even returned to the line several times, determined to create key tags featuring all the characters.

After the characters were chosen, participants eagerly used Wacom One pen displays to add colors. When the team explained the color palette and brushes, the excitement was palpable as participants eagerly deliberated over the colors they were going to choose. We were impressed by their enthusiasm and thoughtful approach they took in selecting their colors.

Once coloring was finished, participants handwrote the theme “Ordinary Days” using the pen displays. Some chose to write in Kanji, others in Hiragana, while some wrote in English, and a few even added their own signature or unique mark. This variety highlighted the distinct personality that handwritten text contributes.

Over the span of two days, 105 participants crafted their own “Ordinary Days” key tags, each one a unique creation. With coloring styles and personal handwriting, every piece captured the spirit of "Creative Chaos" that Connected Ink stands for.

A few of the pieces created by participants

During the workshop, several participants asked, "What character is this?" and "Why is the 'Ordinary Days'?" These questions turned the key tag-making workshop into a valuable opportunity for us to share more about Connected Ink. Attendees not only experienced the key tag-making process, they also attended sessions on the main stage and explored various booths throughout the Connected Ink 2024.

We hope that the key tag not only captured the creative process but also encapsulates the essence of Connected Ink as a whole. It will be exciting to see what memories resurface when participants come across their ‘Ordinary Days’ key tag in the future.

Connected Ink 2024 Key Visual “Ordinary Days” by Illustrator ktym

About ktym:

Born in Osaka, based in Tokyo, ktym is an illustrator and performer.
With experience in product planning and design for theme parks, she has worked on a variety of projects including event visuals, book illustrations, CD covers, and logos.
As a digital performer, ktym explores creative expressions such as speed drawing, collaborations with dancers, and VJing in Japan and abroad.Creates works with a constantly evolving style, blending emotions, contrasts, and dualities. The central theme of her creation is breaking free from her own shell.

For Connected Ink 2024, ktym created the key visual under the theme ‘Ordinary Days.’ The characters featured in the key visual are iconic symbols of her work, frequently appearing throughout her pieces. At the “Create Your Own ‘Ordinary Days’ Key Tag” workshop, six newly designed characters were introduced.