Emma Zhou

A multidisciplinary designer specializing in visual and interface design, combining conceptual thinking and a solution-driven mindset to create elegant and thoughful experiences.


Love Illustrated



This is my master’s thesis exploring the evolution and significance of love symbols across cultures and historical periods. It categorizes these symbols into three areas: Historical Artifact, representing ancient beliefs and mythologies; Physical Object, focusing on tangible tokens of affection; and Behavioral Action, highlighting gestures and activities that express love.

The final deliverable is a book that traces how these symbols evolved as society’s view of love shifted—from a sacred, collective force rooted in social structures to a personal experience centered on individual fulfillment. By bridging ancient traditions with modern interpretations, it offers a fresh perspective on love’s evolution and its ongoing significance today. This is for the lovers—a tribute to the symbols that connect past and present, showing how the meaning of love is timeless yet ever-changing.