Aloha and welcome to B.Wan Studio! I'm Billy Wan, an illustrator living in Hawaii. I love drawing cute characters in happy scenes as well as giant, yummy desserts. When I'm not drawing, I'm always on the look out for new restaurants and boba cafes. I hope my illustrations will help add some sun and good vibes to your day!
When I was a little boy growing up in Hong Kong (maybe three or four years old), my dad would often take me to the neighborhood arcade. It was always the highlight of my day, filled with flashing lights, exciting music, and the thrill of winning prizes. One day, while I was there, a stranger — a high school or college-aged guy — walked up to me. He had just won a plush teddy bear from one of the claw machines, and instead of keeping it, he handed it to me. Maybe he just didn't want it, maybe he was clearing his hands for another game... But to little me, it felt like pure magic. Someone had chosen to give me a special gift, just because. That tiny moment stuck with me. It was small, simple, but somehow, it mattered. So much so that I still have that bear today, tucked safely away like a little piece of childhood warmth.
That little act of kindness stayed with me, and years later, it became the heart of Bili and Bear, my original characters. They came to life during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, a time when the world felt heavy. I wanted to create something that could bring a little more love, warmth, and positivity into people's lives, even if just for a moment. I never named my stuffed animals so he's always just been "Bear." And while Bili isn't entirely based on me, I've definitely sprinkled bits of my personality into her character. Through my illustrations and animated shorts, I hope their little adventures bring you the same sense of comfort and joy that Bear has always given me.
I truly believe that our energy has a ripple effect. Have you noticed how a person's joyful personality can brighten an entire room? A little kindness, a little warmth, and a little love can go a long way in making the world a happier place. That's the heart of Bili and Bear — spreading love, joy, and positivity, one little moment at a time.
