001 RED MATTER
PROJECT YEAR:
2025-26
PROJECT TYPE:
Student Work
TIMEFRAME:
3 Months
TOOLS:
InDesign
Illustrator
PhotoshopSKILLS:
Research
Graphic Design
Art Direction
PROBLEM There is a lack of a magazine that explores 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.
SOLUTI0NThe 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 three 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.
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.
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