B.YOND

B.YOND explores the cultural identity of Asian Americans through the lived experiences of established creatives, people who built careers in industries where they were the visible minority. Grounded theory shaped the research; phenomenology shaped the lens.

One question runs through every page: how do childhood experiences, parental expectations, social perception and self-identity shape the careers of Asian Americans? The answers came from one-on-one interviews, supported by secondary research, and were translated into a book through illustration, typography, mixed media, photography, styling and creative direction.

The Visionary pages show the approach at its most playful: songpyeon 송편, the rice cakes shared at Chuseok, arranged into a smiling face under a pink-violet glow; wax apples, mangosteen and orchids stacked into a sculptural still life called Sweet Escape. Every element, from concept and props to lighting, photography and retouching, was mine.

The name is a play on “beyond”, a reminder that people are far more complex than what can be seen from the surface. It also carries a quiet signature: B and Y, for Bella and Yelin, the English and Korean names given to me by my parents, one at birth and the other upon immigration. This first issue celebrates Asian American voices; the concept is built to grow into a publication for many cultures and many stories.