Tealive Cup Design for the China Market

A bold and expressive cup design for Tealive, created to bring Malaysian heritage into a modern beverage packaging experience. The illustration blends visual storytelling, cultural symbols, and playful details tailored for the China market.

RESULTS

3

Malaysian elements: wayang kulit, durian, and the Malayan tapir were integrated into the design

1

Market focus. Designed specifically for the China market

100%

Fully illustrated from scratch without the use of AI tools.

The Problem

Tealive needed a cup design that could introduce Malaysian heritage and culture to the China market in a fresh, engaging, and visually memorable way. The challenge was to make the design feel culturally rich while still staying playful, modern, and relevant to a lifestyle beverage brand.

Cultural representation

The design needed to showcase Malaysia in a way that felt authentic, recognisable, and easy for international audiences to understand.

Market connection

The visual direction had to appeal to the China market while still keeping Tealive’s Malaysian identity at the centre.

Visual balance

The artwork needed to include multiple cultural elements without making the cup feel too crowded or overwhelming.

The Solution

The design approach focused on turning iconic Malaysian elements into a vibrant illustrated story. By combining heritage, nature, and local identity into one expressive composition, the cup design became a cultural bridge between Malaysia and the China market.

Highlighted Malaysian icons

Elements such as Wayang Kulit, durians, and the Malayan tapir were used to represent Malaysia’s unique culture and identity.

Built a strong cultural narrative

Each illustrated element was carefully arranged to create a sense of discovery, helping the audience explore Malaysian heritage through the cup design.

Created a bold hand-drawn style

The full illustration was crafted manually to give the packaging a more original, expressive, and human touch.

The Outcome

The final cup design delivered a bold visual identity that celebrates Malaysian heritage while making it accessible and engaging for the China market. Through handcrafted illustration and culturally meaningful details, the design helped Tealive express its Malaysian roots in a fresh and memorable way. Fully illustrated without AI tools. Illustrated by Ben Lee.