Rabbit Dog is a studio brand led by graphic designer and illustrator Zhao Chenxue. Since 2019, they have been participating in the Shanghai Art Book Fair, creating content in the form of artist zines and continuously updating their original IP of wild monsters’ emotional daily lives.
For the third edition of the Banana Fish Bookstore’s reading club, we have invited Zhao Chenxue, who works and lives in Shanghai, to share the creative ideas and behind-the-scenes of the Rabbit Dog Studio. During the reading club, she will present the zines she has been creating since 2019. These works, characterized by bright colors and repetitive patterns, feature monsters as the main characters, reminiscent of the art style of online video games, while also exploring topics closely related to daily life. As an intermittent worker who also manages the studio, Zhao Chenxue will inevitably discuss the balance between work and creativity in this sharing session.
In this edition of the Summer Reading Club reading event curated by Banana Fish, Rabbit Dog will not only bring their own works but also their favorite books selected from this year’s Shanghai Art Book Fair. Additionally, they will share some hidden treasure recommendations in the field of illustration and design. (Looking forward to it!)
Rabbit Dog Studio Booth Design at UNFOLD2023 Shanghai Art Book Fair
About the Artist
Zhao Chenxue
Monster enthusiast, Founder of “Rabbit Dog Studio”
A designer and illustrator based in Shanghai
In 2019, she participated in the UNFOLD Shanghai Art Book Fair with the ZINE “Wild Animals,” which was inspired by her travels in Northern Europe. In 2020, she established Rabbit Dog Studio and has been participating in art book fairs and art festivals across the country with 1-2 series of works each year. Her works from six series, including “Garden Party,” “Mini Planet,” “KNOCK KNOCK Roaming,” “Flame,” “Love & Adventure,” and “Vacant Land,” have been exhibited in various locations.
Chen Xue’s Zines List
(1) Wild animals
Size: 200x200mm
64p
This is a collection of everyday stories about a group of extraterrestrial monsters. Having lived on various planets, they are now settled on Earth out of strong curiosity about the human world. The content combines illustrations with layout design to create a unique narrative experience.
(2) Garden Party
Size: 195×275mm
24p
After diligent work, the wild monsters have finally saved up a travel fund. Let’s set off again—this time to the mountains and forests to host a garden party. This semi-handmade zine chronicles their journey from sunrise to sunset, capturing a warm and beautiful day’s adventure.
(3) KNOCK KNOCK
Size: 180×255mm
40p
“Roaming KNOCK KNOCK” depicts a street that doesn’t exist. It features a variety of quirky shops and neighbors, inspired by the small shops on the streets of Bergen, Copenhagen, and Shanghai. Ice cream parlors, hair salons, dessert cafes—these essential parts of life will take on a novel and imaginative appearance in this new zine.
(4) Mini Planet
(5) Easy to Burn
“Easy to Burn” documents the emotions trapped within a confined environment. This zine seeks to convey abstract emotions through visual language, where the flame symbolizes primal and pure strength.
(6) LOVE & ADVENTURE
“The world is a shell, and you are the pearl,” just as navigating emotions is like traversing vast oceans. May you find your own treasures and encounter unwavering strength from within. No matter where you come from or where you’re headed, may you always carry the passion and courage to journey through mountains and seas.
(7) Vacant Land
This is a piece of land claimed by rabbit dog. With endless possibilities, should a skyscraper, a paradise, or even a city be built here? The boundless potential of an empty space starts with Plan A.
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