Magnolias

I am a designer and design researcher whose work sits between languages and cultures. Moving from China to the United States has shaped how I see design: as a practice that travels unevenly across scripts, institutions, and communities.

I am currently a Ph.D. student in Design at North Carolina State University, advised by Dr. Deborah Littlejohn. My research develops a principle-based framework for Multilingual Typesetting. I am also deeply committed to design education, particularly design higher education.

Before NC State, I earned an M.A. in Human Centered Design from Cornell University, with a concentration in Design for Interaction and a minor in Anthropology; an M.A. in Graphic Design and Visual Experience from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD); and a B.F.A. in Visual Communication Design from the Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts (TAFA) in China.

Outside of research, I photograph, with a particular interest in Northeast Asian documentary traditions. Welcome to my world of design and photography.
Linghao Li ｜李凌昊

PhD in Design
MA Design in Human centered design ‘24
MA Graphic Design and Visual Experience ‘22
BFA Visual Communication Design ‘16
NCSU | Cornell｜SCAD｜TAFA
+ 1 912-391-7213 | lli65@ncsu.edu
Behance / Instagram / Linkedin / Mail

Design Works
Photography Works
Research Topic
About Myself
Resume/CV

From the moment I unwrapped the gift of a Ricoh GR III, it wasn't just a camera; it became an extension of my soul. Every day for the past four years, it has whispered to me, urging me to capture the fleeting moments, the raw emotions, and the untold stories that life presents. This camera has been more than a tool; it's been my gateway to a world unseen, a world I never knew existed.

In the transformative fall23, under the mentorship of the esteemed Dr. A. Moisey, I embarked on a profound journey. Using Photobooks as my compass, I navigated the rich tapestry of photography's history. This exploration wasn't just academic; it reshaped my very essence, refining my artistic vision and deepening my connection to the art.

Through my lens, I seek the heartbeat of everyday life, the drama that unfolds in the quietest moments, and the joy found in life's delightful quirks. Every snapshot is a love letter to the world, a testament to my passion and curiosity. My camera doesn't just capture landscapes; it captures emotions, stories, and dreams.

I invite you to step into my world, to feel what I feel, to see what I see. Welcome to my utopia, a realm where every photograph is a piece of my heart, waiting to resonate with yours."

Can’t We Go Back? |
R eflection | First Love | One Day
Tonight, the wind carries no color.
In Photobook Classroom
A Layover of Light | Yirgacheffe
Where Lilacs Bloom Again
Once in a Lifetime ｜ Magnolias
Remember, Come Back
Who you are now | Pages of Departure
Hello, Old StreetsReturn My Hometown Vol. II
Return My Hometown Vol. I
City Memory - Taipei
City Memory - Washington, D.C
City Memory - HongKong
City Memory - Ithaca, NY
City Memory - Raleigh, NC
City Memory - London & Edinburgh, UK
City Memory - Savannah, GA
City Memory - New York, NY
City Memory - Philadelphia, PA
City Memory - Boston, MA
City Memory - Buffalo,NY
Cityscape ｜Nature Landscape
Anima l ｜Remembrance｜The Net

Random

Overview

About

-Ithaca, NY

04/2024
Sony ILCE-7R5
Ithaca, NY

Let's rewind to April, when Spring finally, slowly, arrived in Ithaca. To capture the fleeting Magnolia season on the Cornell campus—which disappears almost as soon as it arrives—my old partner (the "fully automatic model") and I didn't hesitate to head out.

Those massive Magnolia trees were blooming spectacularly ("轰轰烈烈" as we say). The pink and purple petals filled the branches, looking from afar like gentle clouds resting on the slope. When she stood under the trees in her white dress, the soft afternoon light filtered through the blossoms. A breeze blew, and petals drifted down. That moment felt almost unreal—so beautiful I wanted to hold my breath, afraid to disturb this fragile spring scene.

We also went to that iconic Gothic stone window (Ithaca’s architecture always carries the weight of old times). The cold, hard stone frame became the perfect canvas. As she leaned against it holding the bouquet, the contrast between the hard stone and her softness, the ancient walls and her youth, created a wonderful harmony. It looked like a scene from a classical oil painting.

She delivered a steady performance as always—living up to her title as my "fully automatic model." Don't be fooled by the sunny photos; April in Ithaca is actually quite chilly ("spring freeze"). She wore that thin dress in the cold wind without a single complaint to get the shot. Her professionalism is 10/10. Looking through the viewfinder, I knew freezing out there was totally worth it.

Spring is always so short, but I'm glad I could freeze its grandest moment with my camera. This set is probably the gentlest record of her final spring at Cornell. I hope that you, seeing these photos, can also receive this letter from spring.