Rachel Li

This project reflects my personal experience of nostalgia in a childhood bedroom, where light, space, colour, and sensory details create lasting impressions. The room tells the story of two imaginative children who fill their space with joy and creativity by day—jumping, playing make-believe, and creating colourful chaos. However, as night falls, the atmosphere shifts, mirroring my childhood dread of bedtime and the monsters I imagined lurking in the shadows. This nostalgic setting captures both the warmth of joyful memories and the unease of childhood fears, blending them into a space that feels both comforting and haunting.

‘The Pursuit of Happiness’ is a well-being campaign designed for Monash University Caulfield campus to help students explore what genuinely brings happiness amidst the stress of school, work, and life’s uncertainties. While we often focus on our grades, achievements, and careers, this campaign illustrates that lasting happiness lies in our connections with loved ones. It reminds us that happiness is within reach and an active journey to pursue.

‘Mismatch’ by Kat Holmes is a book about inclusive design, a serious topic of growing discussion in the design industry. I wanted the animation style of my book trailer to be somewhat connected to the front cover of my chosen book, I chose this book because I was inspired by its minimalistic monochromatic front cover and, for this project, my heart was set on exploring a minimal animation style that used shapes, lines, and colour to tell a story. My goal for this book trailer was to tell a story with mesmerising animation that brings simple shapes to life and enhances the meaning of the words.

[View full video here]

Not Too Matcha is a proposed cafe business inspired by my love for matcha and a cherished memory with a friend. This memory fuels the heart of Not Too Matcha, aiming to recreate the warm, comforting, and friendly atmosphere that I hold dear. The cafe’s mascot, Amato, embodies this spirit. His name, meaning “sweet tooth” in Japanese, reflects a love for sweet treats. Amato’s design draws inspiration from my comfort cartoon characters, making him a playful and memorable symbol of the cafe’s welcoming and friendly identity.

The “In Search of Lost Time” exhibition is a heartfelt exploration of memory, identity, and the fluidity of time, showcasing the work of Simryn Gill. This concept was inspired by her intricate use of text, fragmented imagery, and the layering of meaning, drawing attention to how memories can be reinterpreted and reshaped over time. The visual strategy incorporates a scattered abstract style that mirrors the themes of fragmentation and decay prevalent in Gill’s pieces. The invitation, gallery catalogue and wayfinding systems are intentionally curated to guide visitors through a journey of discovery.

‘Labour of Love’ is a collection of photos that tell a story that many Asian households can relate to. The photos depict preparing and offering fruit as an act of love. Growing up in my Chinese-Mauritian family in Australia, I have become used to different ways of being shown love. Although it may sound cold to those unfamiliar with this gesture, for me, a bowl
of fruit my mother or father prepared for me is an unspoken expression of love, making the fruit taste sweeter than usual. I took inspiration from the minimalistic and raw photography style of Japanese photographer, Rinko Kawauchi.