In creating the posters for Cultural Cravings, my goal has been to visually connect each ingredient to its cultural heritage while maintaining a modern and accessible design. For each poster, I carefully selected color schemes and typographic choices that reflect the essence of the ingredient and its traditional use. For example, the red and yellow colors for ginger are inspired by the Chinese flag, symbolizing the cultural significance of the ingredient in Chinese cooking and medicine. Similarly, the vibrant orange and green for calamansi mirror its fresh, tangy character, while also evoking the bright, lively nature of Philippine cuisine.
In addition to color, I incorporated cultural symbols to further enhance the connection between the ingredient and its origins. The use of Korean lettering for gochujang pays homage to its Korean roots, while the silhouette of Taiwan behind basil acknowledges the cultural importance of Taiwanese basil in local dishes. These symbols are not just decorative elements, but serve to reinforce the authenticity of each ingredient's role in its respective culinary tradition.
To ensure that the designs are not only visually striking but also functional, I focused on balancing the graphic elements. I wanted to avoid overwhelming the key visuals with too much detail in the background, which could distract from the core message. For this reason, I used subtle textures, such as the appearance of traditional pottery or woven materials, to provide a more organic, grounded feel to the posters. This texture not only helps with visual balance but also ties the ingredient to its agricultural or cultural roots.
Ultimately, my aim with these posters is to combine modern design principles with cultural authenticity, creating a collection of visuals that are not only aesthetically appealing but also serve as educational tools. These posters provide a way to showcase traditional ingredients in a fresh, engaging format, allowing viewers to connect with both the cultural stories and health benefits behind the food they consume.
"Julie Lin is a maker exploring the intersections of food, wellness, and culture through digital design. Using tools like Procreate and the Adobe Suite, she creates graphic posters and infographics that spotlight culturally significant ingredients, related recipes, and their health benefits. Through this work, she aims to foster inclusivity, spark curiosity, and deepen appreciation for how food shapes identity and well-being."
Above is the vision statement I submitted for my capstone project. On a more personal note, this entire project was not only about wanting to do good for others by informing and educating them about food culture and wellness, but it also became a journey of growth and resilience for me. I learned a great deal about digital design and gained a deeper understanding of food in relation to culture. I hope that this capstone has helped others in some way, just as it has helped me. Thank you for your time :).