Literatura para
Mentes Livres
Li. is an independent literary platform co-founded in 2020 as a response to social isolation and the need for meaningful cultural exchange. Conceived as both a content initiative and a design-driven experiment, the project combines literary curation, community building, and visual storytelling. Initially developed in collaboration, Li. has evolved over time and is currently directed by me, who leads its visual language, content strategy, and overall creative direction.
The platform was created to expand access to diverse authors and narratives, encouraging more critical and inclusive reading practices. Through curated reviews, collaborative contributions, and open submissions, Li. operates as a participatory space where different voices can be amplified.
In its first year, Li. expanded beyond the digital sphere through AMPLI.AR, a decentralized book circulation initiative designed to bring literature into tangible, community-based contexts.
From a design perspective, Li. functions as an experimental laboratory for illustration, visual identity exploration, and content strategy. A place for dialogue, representation, and collective thinking.
Year: 2020- present
Key words: Branding • Community Building • Literary Curation • Visual Storytelling • Critical Thinking • Illustration
Visual Reflections and Celebrations
Right from the beginning, I realized that Li.’s greatest distinction would be using design as a tool to help me tell the stories of the books I read, as well as to illustrate my thoughts and literary and social reflections.
I’ve always created a wide range of posts, from simple reviews to more elaborate ones, such as on my 27th birthday, when I invited 27 friends to recommend books and then illustrated each of them; special posts featuring my favorite books of the year (designed as a library loan card, a calendar or a catalog); and themed posts celebrating meaningful dates.
Writing Practice
For my written reviews, I prefer not to summarize the book or recount its plot. I read to read the world, so I always choose to write from the heart. How did I feel while reading it? How does that story connect to what is happening around us? I believe this approach helps foster critical thinking through literature. I also dedicate time to researching the author and the context in which the book was released, sharing those insights with the Li. community.
• Public call connecting donors and receivers;
• Donations distributed by me to libraries, schools, communities, social project and institutions in Porto Alegre, RS.
1.
• Influencers from different Brazilian cities joined the initiative;
• They became local collection points
17 cities across Brazil participated, from south to north!
2.
• In 2024, during the floods in Rio Grande do Sul, AMPLI.AR was reactivated to support public schools in rebuilding their libraries.
3.
This project was born from a simple question: how could a digital literary
project become tangible in the real world?
In 2021, during the pandemic and in its first anniversary, Li. sought to expand its impact beyond social media and into physical territories. We want to bring and introduce literature to those who don’t have access to it, to those who need it and don’t yet know it. We know the power of stories for social transformation, the questioning strength of words, and the capacity of books to generate both inner and outer knowledge.
