Crying at H-mart Book Cover Redesign

For my redesign of Crying in H Mart, I approached the cover as an opportunity to merge expressive typography with conceptual storytelling. I was especially drawn to the meaning behind “H Mart” that derived from “Hanareum,” or “one arm full of groceries.” I used that idea as a visual anchor. The grocery bag becomes both a literal reference and a metaphorical stand-in for Michelle Zauner herself: full, heavy, and carrying memory.

Rather than illustrating the memoir directly, I focused on capturing the emotional tension of the opening scene. The main character having a the near-breakdown in the grocery store while quietly resisting to confronting grief. The side profile suggests hesitation and inward reflection, while the color palette and typographic choices reference the visual language of an Asian grocery store. At the same time, they hint at the warmth and light that remain present through food and music.