Kuro-ME or Kuro-THEM?!
I made my drawing waaaaaaaaaaaaay back in August 2025, it definitely felt like an obvious collaboration 😝! I will say, not to toot my own horn but I actually like mine more 🙈! I feel like these barely hit the market before they were gone! Side note I really need everyone to look at and appreciate my font and lettering! I don’t have premium so I added all the shines by hand with the line tool or marker 😅! It took so long please absorb it. Would also love to hear what people think about the Sanrio collab since it was barely advertised at all!!!
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As a longtime fan of both Kuromi and Sanrio collaborations, I found this Pop Mart release particularly exciting yet surprisingly underhyped. The blend of Sanrio's iconic charm with Pop Mart's collectible appeal brought a fresh wave of creativity, but the limited advertisement made it easy to miss. Creating fan art that captures the essence of such limited editions requires patience and a personal touch. For instance, adding shines and highlights manually, like using line tools or markers as done here, adds emotional value that digital presets might lack. It truly reflects the passion and effort behind each piece, making the fandom experience more authentic. The rapid sell-out of these items speaks volumes about the demand for unique Sanrio merchandise, especially when paired with popular characters like Kuromi. It’s always fun to compare different fan interpretations, as seen in the playful debate over "Who did it better?" between Kuro-ME and Kuro-THEM, which fosters community engagement and creativity. Reflecting on this, I encourage fellow fans to keep an eye on niche collaborations from brands like Pop Mart, as they offer fantastic opportunities for collectors and artists alike. The joy is not just in owning these collectibles but also in expressing fandom through personalized art and sharing it with a supportive community.
