Meet Freya Wang (王千倩), the imaginative designer and founder of EYELAND—a brand where storytelling, artistry, and social consciousness converge through handcrafted dolls. A graduate of China’s Jiangnan University School of Design (2018–2022) and the Royal College of Art’s Sculpture program (2024), Freya blends academic rigor with playful creativity to create dolls that captivate hearts and spark meaningful conversations. Dive into her journey, philosophy, and the enchanting universe of EYELAND.

1. From Academia to Artistry: Freya’s Creative Evolution
Freya’s design journey began at Jiangnan University, where she honed her skills in textile and 3D modeling. Her 2019 breakthrough creation, DUNO—a soft-sculpted companion born from a child’s dream of overcoming nightmares—catapulted her into the spotlight. DUNO’s story of “guardianship and companionship” resonated deeply, symbolizing the universal longing for connection.

After refining her craft at the Royal College of Art, Freya launched EYELAND in 2022, merging her love for soft clay, fabric, and hand-drawn illustrations into tactile, story-driven dolls. Her academic background in sculpture and design fuels her ability to transform 2D sketches into 3D wonders, ensuring every piece stays true to her original vision.

2. EYELAND’s Signature Style: Whimsy with Purpose
Freya’s dolls are a celebration of “novelty and cuteness”, blending soft textures, vibrant colors, and thought-provoking themes. Each collection reflects her dual focus on artistic expression and social advocacy:

• Ocean Guardians: Her “Mutated Marine Creatures” series uses ugly-cute “monsters” to highlight ocean pollution, urging viewers to confront environmental crises.

• Cultural Fantasies: From the mythical beasts of Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas) to spooky-cute Halloween characters, Freya reimagines folklore with a modern twist.

• Handmade Magic: Every doll starts as a hand-drawn sketch, meticulously translated into soft clay and fabric forms—a process she calls “giving life to paper.”

3. Philosophy: Dolls as Storytellers and Advocates
For Freya, dolls are more than collectibles—they’re vessels for empathy and change. Her work is guided by two core principles:

• Art with Heart: “Dolls can comfort lonely souls,” she says, referencing DUNO’s role as a guardian against fear. Her creations often feature wide-eyed, innocent designs to evoke warmth and nostalgia.

• Design with Duty: The “Mutated Marine Creatures” collection, for instance, challenges viewers to see beauty in imperfection. “Ugliness can be a mirror,” Freya explains. “These dolls ask: What have we done to our oceans?”

This duality—whimsy meets social critique—has made EYELAND a favorite among art collectors and eco-conscious audiences alike.

4. The EYELAND Process: Where Sketches Become Heirlooms
Freya’s hands-on approach ensures each doll is a labor of love:

1. Illustration: Concepts are born as detailed hand-drawn artworks, often inspired by dreams or cultural tales.

2. Sculpting: Soft clay is shaped into expressive faces and bodies, preserving the sketch’s charm in 3D.

3. Textile Artistry: Fabrics are dyed, stitched, and accessorized by hand—think tiny embroidered scales on mermaids or patchwork capes on Halloween ghouls.

4. Narrative Packaging: Every doll includes a story card, inviting owners to join its “world.“

    

    

    

   5. EYELAND’s Rising Influence
   Freya’s unique blend of artistry and advocacy has earned her recognition across exhibitions and sustainability forums. Highlights include:

   • DUNO’s Legacy: The 2019 collection’s viral success, praised for its emotional depth and craftsmanship.

   • Educational Collaborations: Workshops teaching children to create eco-themed dolls, aligning with her ocean conservation mission.

   • 2024 Milestone: Her RCA graduate exhibition, where she debuted a mixed-media installation linking doll-making to environmental storytelling.