Screaming Tomato!!!

Do you see what I see? I noticed something in the background of yesterday's picture of these caps.
See it now?I can't help but see a screaming tomato when I look at this sign. Do you think that is an intentional design decision? I think the white part is supposed to represent glossiness, but it sure reminds me of a face.

What do you think?

Fifteen Little Piggies

Pork is a big part of the Korean diet. Many restaurants display pig characters to let you know what you can eat inside. There are all sorts of ways to represent pigs. This is a sample of around 15.

It's unlikely to see pigs represented as real-life pigs like these:

These boar designs are quite traditional.

This pig is a little cartoon like, but it's still more like a pig than a human.

You are much more likely to see pigs as cartoon characters. They stand on two legs, wear human clothes and even have their own personalities:

Many wear aprons or chef hats to underscore that they are delicious.

This one seems euphoric in its getup.

This one is lazy and cares nothing of formality. It skipped right passed getting dressed to impress and is wearing the pot it will be served in as a hat! And to top it off, it's sticking its tongue out at us!

Some dress in ways that suggest they will offer you excellent service. Especially if you are made of bamboo.

Pigs can be proudly patriotic.

This pigs seems humble and friendly in overalls. It's like the pig next door.

Sometimes pigs are paired with other food on the restaurant menu:

Pork and beef are an unbeatable team.

Even abstract pigs can team up with abstract cows.

They seem utterly bewildered by why the abstract humans are so happy.

This pig seems in total harmony with its fish friend. That is until . . . . . .
.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Oh no!

Seafood Showcase

Many trade characters like to give the thumbs up, but there is one group of animals who are at a disadvantage in this area: sea creatures. They don't have thumbs to persuade you with fancy gestures. However, that doesn't mean they can't put their claws to good use:

The following two tentacled fellows use their eyes to get your attention rather than draw attention to their lack of thumbs:The snooty way this squid is closing its eyes suggests its restaurant must be of the ritziest caliber where only the elite are welcome.

This one's using his eyes to express complete happiness. Everybody's welcome at his place!This cuttlefish went all out in chef's gear. It's so tasty that it can't help but lick itself!

I think this eel is conflicted about its job as a trade character. It looks like it just found out exactly what its restaurant does to eels.This pollack looks happy enough.

If there is one thing that fish trade characters do well, it's jumping. That is their thumbs up.

Jumping out of water may seem a drastic measure to get your attention, but here is a reminder of the competition they are up against:

Thumbs Up!

I've noticed a trend with trade characters for businesses and restuarants in Seoul. They love to give the thumbs up!

This is a kimbab giving a thumbs up for Kimbobnara.

This characterization of kimchi is great! It's giving the thumbs up for a place called Kinchi Cook.

I think this is an unlicensed use of Mu Yong Hae, a salary man in a popular newspaper comic series called Mu Daeri. He's giving a thumbs up for a place called Sports Seoul, which is also the name of a newspaper.

This puppy is giving a thumbs up and a wink for Pet Drug House. The wink is also a common expression.

Ha ha, even grandma's part of the thumbs up club!

This poor goofy chicken of Apgujeong Dalkkochi doesn't even have any thumbs! I think it's trying to give a thumbs up so it can be like all the other trade characters. But it looks like it's giving a thumbs down. Or is it pointing?

Pointing is another common gesture these trade characters use. This ant is pointing up from the side of a Sein Design truck.

This sprite is pointing off into the horizon on a PC bang (internet room) sign.

I've got more trade characters that I'll post about on another day. Enjoy!