Shiyao Wu

Bento of Memories:
Four Years, Four Ingredients

Editorial Design, Bookmaking
2023

“Bento of Memories” comprises four books, each themed around an ingredient, recounting my personal journeys and emotions from four years. “Tomato” reflects on 2020, marked by farewells and yearning for family, intertwining memories with recipes. “Maitake Mushroom” recalls a solitary dining experience in 2021, evoking Japan's serene forests through tempura. “Truffle” commemorates my 22nd birthday in 2022 with culinary indulgence. “Salmon” celebrates my family reunion in 2023, blending stories with a Salmon Poke Bowl recipe.

Awards

2024 Young Ones TDC, Finalist
2024 Print Awards, Students: Books, First Place 
2024 Creative Communication Award, Book, Winner

Bento of Memories: Tomato

5 x 5 x 5 inches, Arturo Soft White Paper, White Cardstock, Linen thread, Wool yard, Glue

“Tomato” is my profound reflection on my journey in 2020, once again in a foreign land, a year filled with farewells and longing for family. The handmade book's deckled edge texture evokes the touch of a real tomato, conveying a sense of warmth and home. It not only preserves my memories but also documents recipes that resonate with the longing for family, blending warm reminiscences with the flavors of delicious cuisine.

Bento of Memories: Maitake 

2 x 4 x 6.5 inches, Twill White Paper, Mixed Media Paper, Linen thread, Acrylic

“Maitake” is  inspired by my summer 2021 omakase experience. Serving as the sole patron in the restaurant that evening, the tempura maitake mushrooms unveiled a captivating narrative about the tranquil forests of Japan and the enigmatic fungi that inhabit them. Through the artful design of this book, my objective is to transport readers into the very environment where maitake mushrooms flourish, facilitating a profound connection with the mystical allure of this natural realm.

Bento of Memories: Truffle

3 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches, Hamilco White Cardstock, Air-dry clay, Acrylic

"Truffle” is a semi-handcrafted creation commemorating my 22nd birthday dinner in 2022. Its primary objective is to capture the essence of the precious culinary treasure, the truffle. Additionally, it contains a detailed recipe for the highlight of that evening, a truffle-centric gourmet dish. It is designed to replicate the texture and quality of truffles, allowing readers to experience the mystique of truffles through both tactile and visual senses.

Bento of Memories: Salmon

3.5 x 15 inches, Twill White Paper, Translucent Paper, Nylon Monofilament Thread

“Salmon” is a scroll-shaped book centered around the theme of reunion. It captures the precious moments of 2023 when, after four years of separation, I joyfully reunited with my family. This book not only chronicles this special occasion but also features a collection of short stories, accompanied by the delightful addition of a Salmon Poke Bowl that serves as a palate-pleasing interlude in the narrative of life.

CARGOS

Typeface Design, Editorial Design
2024

Cargos is a typeface meticulously crafted with the robustness of airline cargo containers in mind. Each glyph carries the distinct cut-out edges reminiscent of these containers, marrying industrial precision with typographic elegance. A testament to the world of aviation, this typeface elevates design to new altitudes.

Awards
2025 Communication Arts, Typography
2025 Communication Arts, Typography Annual 15

Sound of No Sound

Editorial Design, Motion Design
2023 

This project explores the subtle auditory experiences in Washington Square Park throughout the day that are hidden from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Using modeling tools such as Blender, the project transforms these subtle auditory elements into concrete, visual representations. With the use of AR technology, the project allows users to interact directly with the collected sound data at the place of origin of these sounds. Users can observe in real time how the model dynamically changes according to the surrounding soundscape, thus feeling the interaction and connection between soundscape and visualization.

Sound of Wind 

9 x 5.5 inches, 73 pages, Crest Solar White 130lb Paper, 4.5 mil Transparent Paper

By subdividing the Washington Square Park into five different types of zones, “Sound of Wind” accurately recorded the sound of three different types and intensities of wind that occur in these zones at various times of the day. These include the sound of natural cold winds, the sound of sparrows flapping their wings, and the fluttering of wings as flocks of pigeons take off. By using transparent paper to show different levels of sound and different perspectives of the sound models. 

Sound of Wind Booklet Link: https://vimeo.com/901643970?share=copy

Sound of Talk

9 x 5.5 inches, 81 pages, Crest Solar White 130lb Paper, 4.5 mil Transparent Paper

By segmenting the Washington Square Park into five distinct zones, meticulously documenting the varying types and intensities of human talking that occur throughout the day in these areas. These include Sound of people talking ranges from quiet morning conversations to lively lunchtime exchanges, and finally to intimate hushed whispers during the evening. By using transparent paper to show different levels of sound and different perspectives of the sound models.

Sound of Talk Booklet Link: https://vimeo.com/901643843?share=copy

Sound of Speed

9 x 5.5 inches, 85 pages, Crest Solar White 130lb Paper, 4.5 mil Transparent Paper

Sound of Speed records the sounds generated by different types of speeds in various sections of the park throughout the day, by dividing the park into five distinct types of areas. These sounds include the sound of people walking starts with brisk footsteps in the early morning, transitions to leisurely strolls in the afternoon, and culminates in lively gatherings in the evening, and the sound of people biking commences with a gentle whir in the morning, as commuters pedal to work or school, creating a rhythmic and purposeful backdrop to the day's start. By using transparent paper to show different levels of sound and different perspectives of the sound models.

Sound of Speed Booklet Link: https://vimeo.com/901643761?share=copy

A Multi-Sensory Exploration of New York City's Bars Through Personal Experiences: Bridging Sensory and Social Divides Beyond Alcohol

Editorial Design, Publication Design
2023-2024

This project aims to break the boundaries of traditional cultural exploration, offering a comprehensive, multi-sensory immersion in New York's alcohol culture through a holistic approach. The core of the project is a book, a series of visual cubes, and some alcohol-related merchandise.

The inception of this project stems from a personal experience of mine. Sometimes on weekends, I would want to go to a bar to enjoy a leisurely drink, but I find that my friends are either allergic to alcohol or don't like the environment of the bar. Although I try to share my bar experiences and tasted wines verbally, I still long for them to experience more deeply those wonderful moments I've been through.

The purpose of this project is to share the full range sensory experience of New York bars that I've personally visited, with those who are unable to visit these bars for various reasons which explore how to provide a wide audience with an immersive wine culture experience without having to drink directly.

Chinatown Inside Out

Editorial Design
2023

A 32 pages booklet designed based on a book “Chinatown Inside Out” by Gor Yun Leong