■ Red Matter Magazine

PROJECT DETAILS

BRAND DESIGN, EDITORIAL

Red Matter is a bi-annual magazine tracing how Chinese objects shape identity and culture. From centuries-old relics to everyday items, each issue revolves around a theme through a curated selection of pieces.

TIMEFRAME:
3 Months

COLLABORATORS:
Solo

ROLE:
- Designer
- Researcher
- Art Director
- Editor

TOOLS:
- InDesign
- Illustrator
- Photoshop

PROBLEM TO SOLVE

There is a lack of magazines that explore Chinese culture and identity in a way that is accessible to English-language readers. Existing publications often take a broader Asian American lens, while those centered on Chinese topics tend to focus on the arts rather than presenting nuanced stories and perspectives.

SOLUTION

The magazine uses English as its primary language. Inspired by vocabulary textbooks, each spread pairs English with Chinese characters in a clear, structured system that supports quick recognition and understanding.

Organized into two sections, each centers on a single object as a cultural entry point. Through curated stories, each section introduces the object’s history, highlights its makers, and explores how it shows up in people’s lives, offering layered perspectives that move beyond surface-level representation.

PROCESS

Through research into Chinese and other Asian art and design traditions, I became interested in how Chinese characters can function as both language and visual form. I noticed how the relationship between Chinese characters and English text creates rhythm, contrast, and structure across layouts.

Visual research included studying Chinese graphic design of the past, ancient treatment of Chinese typography, and contemporary Chinese typography design. This insight led to an asymmetrical grid system that balances clarity with visual expression, creating an engaging entry point into Chinese culture.

MOODBOARDS

MASTHEAD EXPLORATION

This masthead exploration focuses on creating an immediate connection to Chinese culture through form and structure. Drawing inspiration from the vertical layout of traditional Chinese text, I experimented with compositions that feel both contemporary and culturally familiar.

The final direction uses a bold, graphic presence that can sit along the edge of the cover, acting as a framing device while allowing featured visuals to remain the focal point.

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