Nao Lee's Graphic Design Creates Digital Terrains with Hidden Treasures

Seoul-based designer Nao Lee, also known as undefinedtomato, creates densely layered posters that function as digital terrains concealing small discoveries. Her work deliberately overrides graphic design's instinct for uniformity, embracing juxtaposition and noise to spark open interpretation. Lee draws inspiration from vernacular sources like medical toothpaste packaging, document forms, and snack logos, mixing their experimental elements with refined typography. This approach aims to narrow the hierarchy between designers and readers. Her visual language evokes nostalgia for a time of curiosity about the land, influenced by ancient symbols and archaeological sites. Specific works include "Earthland" (2026), "Becoming Ashes" poster for Jiun Koo's solo exhibition (2026), "Love is Our Way" (2023), "Wind Blows" (2025), "Personal Statement" (created with Robert Suetan, 2023), the ongoing "Miri Patch" series (2026), "Sometimes Walls Talk" (2023), and "Digitalweb" (2026). She maintains an Instagram account and a personal website. The article was written by Ellis Tree, a staff writer at It's Nice That who joined in April 2024 after graduating from Kingston School of Art.