Typography as quiet advocacy: wearing Yes
CONCEPT
During Australia’s Voice to Parliament referendum, public conversations about identity, recognition and belonging were happening everywhere — in homes, workplaces and across communities. Like many creatives, I wanted to support First Nations people, but in a way that felt authentic to my practice.
As a lettering artist, words are my medium. Typography has the power to communicate ideas quickly, emotionally and publicly. Rather than posting opinions online, I chose to express support visually — through a hand-lettered design worn on a simple black T-shirt. The message was intentionally direct: YES
PROCESS
Bringing the word to life had a colourful trajectory. I had already painted my Newy colour font in bright blue and pink gouache — bold, imperfect and unmistakably human. After vectoring in Illustrator, I recoloured the originals into warm reds and orange, then layered the design over a black background for strong contrast, allowing Yes to be read instantly.
Rather than a static graphic, the word was printed onto a T-shirt by the amazing team at Print Bar Brisbane. The artwork moved beyond the studio, becoming a small, visible act of participation in a national conversation.
OUTCOME
Worn in public, the design functioned as mobile typography — carrying the advocacy message through the streets. At times it sparked conversation; at other times it signalled quiet solidarity. The project reinforced how small creative gestures can contribute to broader cultural dialogue. The design forms part of my ongoing interest in art for advocacy — using lettering and public-facing design to communicate messages of belonging, empathy and social awareness.
While simple in form, the project demonstrates how typography can move beyond design to become a tool for participating in social advocacy.
