Draw Collective is not just a design studio but also a platform for Cypriot artists and designers to promote and sell their work. It was formed by Omiros Panayides, Marina Sofroniou, Marios Charalambous and Constantinos Economides. Draw Collective has been involved in many projects throughout all those years of its operation but the most interesting of all is the WECY souvenir project. The project, still in development, is being led by the studio team alongside other several designers whose proposals fit in the studio's project concept.

The objective is to re-define and re-approach the tourist souvenir market which was stalled for ages in a specific type of souvenirs. Souvenir products which lacked a design perspective, originality, sustainability and "character" that could reflect the country's culture, language, customs and beliefs. The intention of the team is to provide a new and alternative buying solution to tourists and to reinforce the emotional bond between the tourist and the product as well as the country itself.

The name “WECY” (ICY / YOUCY) as we all can understand derives from the name of CYprus and as we read in the WECY project webpage was further developed so as when someone comes in contact with a product from the souvenir collection, to actually say “Oh yes, ICY (I see why) this product has been designed for”, or on the other hand it might be the Draw Collective designers, that can say "WECY we have designed a specific product". The main belief is that a well-designed product increases its “value” and at the same time its selling potential.

Up to now in the WECY souvenir product list we can find the WECY Coasters, the WECY "Koupepi" place mats, the WECY "too much sunshine" photo filters, the WECY "shiakatouri" doorstop, the WECY "souvli" pencil holder, the WECY sea gradient wooden box, the WECY racket balls and the Water/ Wine carafe. All products are designed by the Draw Collective team.

WECY Coasters

The coasters are made out of solid Cypriot pinewood and walnut. You can find four WECY coasters. Airani: is a traditional Cypriot cold drink made with live yogurt and mint. Soumada: is a drink made from almonds and is served hot and is soothing and gives you a feeling of warm comfort. Commandaria: is a sweet wine and known to be one of the oldest in the world. According to legend it was made originally for Richard the Lion heart and the Crusaders. Zivania: is almost pure alcohol, made from highly distilled grape juice it is very strong and not for the light hearted- it gives an intense burning kick.

Photo Credits: Pashalis Panteli, DRAW Collective

Photo Credits: Pashalis Panteli, DRAW Collective

WECY "Koupepi" place mats

Koupepi is a traditional dish in Cyprus where vine leaves are stuffed with mincemeat. The Draw Collective team is inspired by this act of rolling the food and made the place mats where can be disposed after rollyivg over the leftovers of a meal. The shape of the place mat could not be any other than of a vine leaf, a very common ingredient in the Cyprus cuisine.

Photo Credits: Pashalis Panteli

Photo Credits: Pashalis Panteli

Photo Credits: Pashalis Panteli

WECY "too much sunshine" photo filters

Cyprus is a country that offers more than 300 days of sunshine. The "too much sunshine" photo filters offer, “sun” analoque filters, for an all year use in the photos.

Photo Credits: DRAW Collective

Photo Credits: DRAW Collective

WECY "shiakatouri" doorstop

"Shiakatouri" is a Cypriot word for downhill and as we are speaking for a doorstop that has a slight inclination, therefore the word "shiakatouri" is the most appropriate to use.

Photo Credits: Pashalis Panteli, Harris Kyprianou

Photo Credits: Pashalis Panteli, Harris Kyprianou

WECY "souvli" pencil holder

The inspiration behind the pencil holder is a traditional cypriot food, the souvla. The pencil holder resembles the "foukou", the traditional designed Cyprus rotisserie BBQ grill, and the pencils resemble the barbeque skewers.

Photo Credits: Pashalis Panteli

Photo Credits: Pashalis Panteli

WECY sea gradient wooden box

Cyprus is famous for its golden beaches and crystal clear water. This was the inspiration for the wooden container. The natural blonde colour of the cyprus pine wood resembles the sand, and the turquoise colour, the colour of the sea. From one corner to another, the colour gradually fades out.

Photo Credits: Pashalis Panteli, Draw Collective

Photo Credits: Pashalis Panteli, Draw Coolective

Photo Credits: Pashalis Panteli, Draw Coolective

WECY racket balls

Photo Credits: Pashalis Panteli

Photo Credits: Pashalis Panteli

Photo Credits: Pashalis Panteli

Water/ Wine carafe

Clay has been used for water and wine storage for centuries. Cooling occurs by natural evaporation through the pores of the clay material. The carafe is available in earthenware and stoneware clay.

Photo Credits: Harris Kyprianou

Photo Credits: Harris Kyprianou