Big Dream: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Alice Zong's Award-Winning Visual Design Celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage

Alice Zong's "Big Dream" project stands out for its focus on Chinese calligraphy and its cultural significance to Asian Pacific American heritage. The design language is both timeless and relevant, merging traditional and modern styles to create a visual language that transcends boundaries. The project showcases the beauty and richness of the art form through nuanced brushstrokes, highlighting the cultural importance and relevance of Chinese calligraphy to Asian Pacific American heritage.

Using innovative technologies, Zong conducted research on traditional Chinese elements to create the stunning design. Adobe Illustrator was used to translate and write digital Kanji strokes, while Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom CC were used to create a layout and combine the Kanji strokes of "Big Dream" with photography backgrounds. The result is a beautiful blend of traditional and modern techniques that celebrate the cultural significance of Chinese calligraphy.

The project, which measures 10 inches in width and height, was started in November 2021 in the U.S. and completed in March 2023. Zong's research traced the roots of Chinese calligraphy, exploring the Kanji symbol for "Big Dream." She learned from master calligraphers in China, capturing the essence of the art form in her designs. This journey celebrates Asian American Heritage Month, her culture, and heritage, and highlights the importance of our dreams for our future.

The project presented challenges in balancing traditional Chinese calligraphy with modern design. Extensive research, including traveling to China and consulting with calligraphers, was necessary to fully understand the cultural significance of the art form. The stunning poster design seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, showcasing the timeless beauty of Chinese calligraphy while embracing contemporary design. It highlights the rich cultural heritage of Asian Pacific Americans and the importance of celebrating their contributions to art and design.

"Big Dream" was awarded Silver in A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award in 2023. The award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.