Break The Bias Challenge

I suppose I took the word ‘break’ literally and used that as a starting point to develop my idea. I wanted my type to incorporate a breaking element. I used a broken glass window as a reference point.

As mentioned earlier I used the word ‘break’ as my starting point in generating ideas. I then brainstormed different objects that might look interesting as broken. For example, broken mirrors, glass, biscuits, and a sheet of paper that’s been punched through. 

From that, I quickly drew a very rough pencil doodle of possible ideas on paper.

I also made a super quick single-line drawing of word placement.

From that, I went into Procreate and sketched  out a very rough idea and built up layers of sketching till I was happy with a form. And then pretty much traced over the rough sketches and filled in the piece using the pencil brush.

I suppose in some way I am someone who is breaking the bias as my appearance is what someone might say as androgynous, tomboy vibes.

I work in a school where children get to see a different type of woman and I hope that any child that doesn’t fit the conventional female type can remember me as that teaching assistant that was different but cool and female. 

Natalya Tatar | @hoggi.art 

What is the concept behind your design?

In my design, I wanted to use a style that would emphasize the changes of modern reality, as well as the courage and confidence that are necessary to overcome prejudice. Therefore, lettering is built from a clear rhythm and forms.

What was your process for creating the artwork?                                               

I always start my work on lettering with paper. I have been using an iPad for about two years, but the first sketches, searching for ligatures, and idle compositions are easier for me to do on paper. Then I draw everything on the iPad.

Do you have any views or comments about gender issues relating to the world of “women and typography”?

It may not be so noticeable in the creative environment, but it seems to me that in typography, as well as in almost any other professional field of activity, there is still a gender imbalance in the environment of pin designers in favor of men.  Although every year more and more women designers appear

Alanna Flowers | @alanna_flowers

What is the concept behind your design? 
 

My concept for this piece was to symbolize the movement to “cross out” the gender bias as we strive towards a more diverse and equitable world. That’s where using the X’s around the lettering came from. I also decided to create the lettering in a mix of styles to symbolize the need for increased diversity and representation.

What was your process for creating the artwork?
 

My process for creating this artwork started with going to the internationalwomensday.com  site to learn more about the Break the Bias movement. After a bit of research, I played with the idea of mixing lettering styles and finished everything off with a color palette meant to explore the idea of feminine, masculine, and gender-neutral colors.

What does it mean to you to Break the Bias?
 

To me, it means first understanding that all sorts of biases exist and that we need to acknowledge them. From there we can identify ways that we can address and check those biases in the spaces that we occupy whether that’s at work, in our organizations, etc. With more awareness and education, we can break these biases and seek more diversity, equity, and inclusion.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
 

International Women’s Day to me means celebrating the women of the past, present, and future while also reflecting on the challenges we still face. The wage gap and lack of representation across a number of industries just to name some of those challenges. 

Do you have any views or comments about any gender issues relating to the world of 'women and typography'?
 

There is always room for more women in the world of typography because we are still underrepresented in a number of creative industries. I believe this is even more prevalent in more niche industries like type design and lettering. This is why I love organizations like Femme Type that highlight the work of women in the fields of type design and lettering across their numerous platforms.

Maria Frolova | @letter_elfa

We will continue to share our favourite submissions to social media as they come in through the month of March, so please, continue to tag #IWDtypism on Instagram.

Thank you to everyone who participated this year.