K’s Trends — Kexcelled × CrazyJN

Materials should never be seen as cold industrial components alone. They are carriers of creativity — extensions of design language itself.

For this second issue, we invited modeling artist CrazyJN and creator CuteYao. Through thae intersection of 3D models and materials, we catch a glimpse of a growing universe known as Yangliu City.

The Birth of a Model Maker: From Handmade Craft to 3D Printing

In an era dominated by one-click AI generation, CrazyJN chose the slower path.

He insists on handcrafted modeling, using 3D printing to turn the warmth of fingertips into physical form. This pursuit of “long-term differentiation” resonates deeply with Kexcelled’s relentless focus on material quality.

CuteYao plays a key creative role alongside CrazyJN, handling character painting and visual presentation while continuing to develop her own original creations. Together, their collaboration forms a complete creative loop:

Modeling → Printing → Painting → Character Creation

Chronicles of Yangliu City: A Living Universe

「Chronicles of Yangliu City」 is an original IP series continuously developed by CrazyJN — a step-by-step journey toward his childhood dream.

There are no grand epics here. Instead, the world revolves around everyday life:

Xiu the repairman, Aibo the salvaged robot, Old Fisher the restaurant owner, Habibi the black Shiba Inu shop clerk, and wandering adventurers drifting through the city — all quietly enjoying ordinary moments filled with warmth and humanity.

Behind the Worldbuilding

We spoke with CrazyJN to uncover the stories behind Chronicles of Yangliu City.

Q: How did Chronicles of Yangliu City first begin?

A: “When I was young, I loved comics and always dreamed of creating a long-running series of my own. Later, I became a game illustrator, but that idea never really disappeared. I kept thinking that one day, I needed to build a complete universe for myself.

Then last year, I suddenly realized: if I kept postponing it, it would never happen. So I started.”

He intentionally designed the world with an open-ended structure, similar to long-form adventure stories:

“Most of the time, everyone simply lives their daily lives in the town — repairing machines, collecting shells by the sea, enjoying the sun. But at any moment, a single event could pull them into adventures across other planets.

That flexibility allows me to follow my changing interests while keeping the universe alive for the long term.”

Around these characters and stories, he creates illustrations, comics, and physical models — combining all of his creative skills into one evolving world.

Q: Is there a character that represents yourself?

A: “Xiu reflects the version of myself I aspire to become.

He doesn’t worry about deadlines or other people’s opinions. He’s an old inventor who enjoys tinkering with strange creations in his workshop, constantly curious about the world.”

Q: What do you hope people feel when entering Yangliu City?

A: “The key word is relaxation.

I hope people can temporarily forget work and conflict, and return emotionally to the feeling of a childhood summer afternoon.”

He explains that he increasingly appreciates creations that do not force meaning, but instead celebrate simple moments of joy — and he hopes to bring that same feeling into his own storytelling.

Beyond Yangliu City: Expanding the Universe

In addition to Chronicles of Yangliu City, CrazyJN has also created multiple original IP projects including:

Many of these characters are planned to eventually enter the Yangliu City universe, allowing different dimensions and stories to collide.

When asked how he creates these characters, CrazyJN shared:

“Most of my earlier works started with an image first, and the story came later.

For example, I might imagine a traveler holding a book while riding a giant creature through the desert, or someone floating quietly inside a zero-gravity space capsule with long hair drifting gently in the air.

I sketch the scene first, then gradually ask questions: Who is this person? Where did they come from? Where are they going? What are they thinking about?

From there, I slowly build the story and details while researching references.”

Designing the Kex & Kella Blind Box Series for Kexcelled

CrazyJN also designed a brand-new blind box series for Kexcelled mascots Kex & Kella.

Three identities represent three different creator communities within the 3D printing ecosystem:

• Casual Edition — Entry-level makers
• Artist Edition — Creative designers
• Maker Edition — Engineering and technical creators

The hidden edition was printed using Kexcelled’s champagne-gold material, creating a platinum-like metallic glow that transforms the material itself into a visual expression of rarity.