Concept Creation for Production Design
As we step into January 2026, we’re looking back at a meaningful year-end highlight from 2025 - the IHRA x Happy Together Special Class, held from 20-22 December 2025 in Singapore.
One of the most special aspects of this class was the opportunity to invite a guest speaker from Korea, bringing an international perspective into the classroom.
Welcoming Korean Guest Speaker DDARAK
For this special collaboration, we invited DDARAK, a guest instructor from IHRA Korea, to lead the class.
DDARAK shared insights into concept creation for production design, offering learners a deeper understanding of how Korean aesthetics and design thinking influence modern creative work. Through real examples and guided discussions, learners were introduced to a design approach that values clarity, intention, and cultural context.
Having a guest speaker from Korea created a unique learning experience - allowing learners to engage directly with international design perspectives rather than learning them only through references.
A Focused and Personal Learning Experience
With a class size of 18 learners, the class maintained an intimate and focused atmosphere. Each participant received individual guidance throughout the creative process - from idea development to final prototype.
At the end of the class:
- Every learner received an official certificate from IHRA
- Learners were also awarded a Happy Together in-house certificate, recognising their creative development and participation
These certificates represent both international collaboration and local creative training - a meaningful addition to each learner’s portfolio.
Learning Concept Creation Through Korean Aesthetics
The class explored how Korean visual aesthetics can elevate concept development, focusing on:
- Colour and palette choices
- Layering and visual depth
- Forms that balance softness and structure
These elements were introduced as foundational tools for storytelling and thematic clarity within production design.
From Ideas to Hands-On Creation
Learners moved from theory into practice by translating their ideas into:
- Concept sketches
- Moodboards
- Early design prototypes
Guided by production design principles, learners refined their concepts step by step, strengthening both visual consistency and creative intention.
In-Class Prototype
As part of a Korean aesthetic influence study, learners developed 2D cake candle design prototypes, including:
- 2D Cake Candle
- Crown Design Cake Candle
- Ruffle Design Cake Candle
On the final day, the Singapore class also created an exclusive Snowflake and Christmas Tree Wax Melt, designed as the Christmas Special Edition - a unique year-end prototype only available in Singapore class with us.
Continuing the Creative Journey
This IHRA x Happy Together Special Class marked our second collaboration with a Korean trainer and a strong year-end highlight for 2025. We look forward to continuing international collaborations and sharing more specialised creative classes in the future.
