Julie 晶晶 Gillis

Based in New York

Specializing in book design, bilingual typography, and multipage layouts. My work focuses on cultural storytelling through a mix of archival research, graphic design, and illustration

Graphic Design fellow at Accent Sisters

More Info!

Graphic Design
Publications
Illustrations

 

Boil Buds

Boil Buds is a toy company with one mission: Re-establishing the ritual and cultural significance of tea pets through a global lens.

Originally a staple of Chinese tea ceremonies, tea pets are figures "fed” with tea to cultivate a patina over time, serving as companions and anchors for mindfulness. By tracing their journey from a localized tradition to a worldwide practice, Boil Buds walks through the history of tea. The current collection honors four distinct tea cultures: China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Morocco, and Syria. Each figure acts as a sensory bridge, inviting tea drinkers to slow down and connect with the heritage held within every cup.

Illustrator, Blender, 3D Printing, Photoshop, Lightroom