Introduction:The limited-edition hot drink cups launched in collaboration between Luckin Coffee and the popular IP Loopy have sparked a wave of fan-created remixes. Fans used markers to redraw the little beaver as resembling artists like David Tao and JJ Lin, unexpectedly turning the exclusive cups into a trending topic on social media. This spontaneous and playful fan modification not only drove up cup sales but also highlighted the community engagement potential behind brand collaborations. This article breaks down the full story and shares creative inspiration along with tips and precautions.

Luckin Coffee has been on a roll with marketing lately — first teaming up with the wildly popular IP Loopy to launch a co-branded hot drink series, then quickly announcing actors Tan Jianci and Liu Yifei as brand ambassadors, successfully drawing massive consumer attention. But what really went viral online was fans’ creative DIY modifications. One netizen, after getting a pink Loopy-shaped beaver cup, used a marker to add bangs, unintentionally making the character resemble David Tao and JJ Lin, which then kicked off an imitation trend.

These fan-redesigned cups, jokingly dubbed the “David Tao Blue Album Limited Edition” or “JJ Lin Side Bangs Version,” first gained attention through photos shared by users on social platforms. They drew signature hairstyles on Loopy’s forehead and even recreated elements from the singers’ album covers — for example, adding a red rose by the beaver’s mouth to mimic David Tao’s classic look. This fun form of secondary creation quickly spread, prompting many music fans to join in.

The creativity wasn’t limited to the drink cups themselves — even the limited-edition Qixi Festival cup sleeves became canvases for art. Some creators added black side-swept bangs to one Loopy and designed a custom hairstyle for another, crafting an exclusive “wedding-themed” version. Others depicted the two little beavers as David Tao and JJ Lin respectively, achieving a virtual “joint appearance.” These clever designs transformed ordinary merchandise into highly collectible “collaboration editions.”

Interestingly, some Luckin staff initially thought a new collaboration had launched and even prepared to explain the campaign details to customers. It wasn’t until they saw numerous similar creations on social media that they realized this “fake collab” was purely fan-driven entertainment. Still, the incident led to a noticeable boost in limited-cup sales, with some customers saying they visited multiple stores just to collect different versions.

Here are some recommended tips for creating your own designs: use waterproof markers to prevent ink from smudging onto drinks, and opt for fine-tipped pens for precise hairline detailing. To capture an artist’s signature style, you can refer to their classic album covers or stage outfits. Also, it’s a good idea to practice your design on paper first to ensure proportions are balanced before applying it to the cup.

This event also shows that brand collaborations, when designed to spark consumer participation, can generate unexpected levels of buzz and reach. Although David Tao and JJ Lin weren’t actually involved in the partnership, the fans’ spontaneous creative actions inadvertently brought Luckin extra exposure and topic heat. For coffee lovers, this playful modification not only offers an entertaining experience but also showcases the clever intersection of community culture and brand marketing.

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.