Interview by Rui Pastorin
One day in 2020, Jessica Ieong (楊沅喬) experienced a stressful and tiring day at work. So, she did what she usually does to find relief and put her mind at ease: draw.
Local-born Ieong told the Post in a recent interview that while she graduated from the University of Macau (UM) with a degree in Civil Engineering and previously worked in the profession, art has always been an outlet for her, using it as a form of self-expression and creativity.
She found herself reconnecting with art in a “more significant way” during the COVID-19 pandemic, she said, highlighting that in spite of the lockdown having been a challenging time, it gave her the “time and space to reconnect with my creative passions”.
Going back to that day after work in 2020, Ieong recalled: “I wanted someone to give me positive energy, and suddenly, this cute, chubby character appeared in my mind”.
With that, the pink, comforting and ever-bubbly original IP character “Mr. Bubbles” was born as a drawing on her iPad, carrying with it a message of positivity. This creation went on to become something that not only resonated with the young artist, but with many others: “I started sharing my work online and was thrilled to realise that so many people resonated with the simple optimism brought by Mr. Bubbles”.
Through the illustrations, which are accompanied with motivating quotes, Ieong further underlined that her aim is to bring positivity and, more importantly, spark conversations about mental health and personal growth, topics that can feel “heavy or daunting”. She added: “Through visual storytelling, I hope to soften that barrier and make these conversations feel more approachable and relatable”.
Ieong further noted: “Like everyone else, Mr. Bubbles also has his ups and downs. He is not simply a symbol of positivity, but a reflection of mindset, reminding us that it’s okay to feel, to pause, and to navigate life one moment at a time. More than a cheerful presence, Mr. Bubbles is like a quiet friend who stays by your side through hard times, offering resilience and gentle encouragement when you need it most”.
In the years since its inception, Mr. Bubbles has grown from a drawing in an iPad to being featured in exhibitions, products, and brand collaborations, such as the Chinese mainland’s milk tea brand Chagee, while the IP has been showcased both in and outside of Macau. The Mr. Bubbles universe was also expanded with the introduction of more characters like Nimbus and Petals in 2024 with the “Mr. Bubbles Family”.
“What started as a hobby has slowly blossomed into a full-blown business”, said Ieong, who is continuing on her entrepreneurial journey, with plans of expansion and new projects brewing.
Ieong elaborated that prior to the Chinese New Year (CNY) holiday, she and her team gradually introduced special designs, stories and products for the period, hoping to convey joy, connection, and love to everyone. Mr. Bubbles is also poised to reach a wider audience as the team continues to develop an online shop with international shipping. “I can’t wait to reveal more details soon, so stay tuned!”.
And it doesn’t stop there, with more plans in the works. Ieong said: “In the new year, our team aims to expand the universe of Mr. Bubbles by creating storylines for all the characters within this world. We are also working to bring Mr. Bubbles to international audiences. It has been incredibly encouraging to see how people around the globe resonate with Mr. Bubbles’ messages, and we are committed to reaching and connecting with even more individuals”.
More of the Mr. Bubbles works can be found on platforms like Instagram, where the dedicated page currently has over 30,000 followers.
– Photos provided yesterday by Jessica Ieong
