Canadian art director Oscar Diaz uses brilliant creativity to help Accelerate Action
Creatives, both women and men, play an important role in elevating International Women's Day (IWD) through helping amplify awareness raising. Via their creative contributions, audiences worldwide are engaged through collective action to help forge gender equality.
Each year the IWD Lettering Challenge, in association with the global Typism community, calls for creative designs that support an annual IWD focus and showcase the impressive talent of creators.
Here, we shine a spotlight on one such creative, Oscar Diaz, and showcase a brilliant IWD 2025 Acceleration Action design.
Oscar is part of #Typism100, a directory that helps lettering artists attract new clients through showcasing their skills to a wider audience.
Focusing on key IWD themes
Oscar Diaz is a Montreal-based designer and illustrator with a keen eye for lettering and his work blends typography and illustration into compelling, story-driven visuals.
Oscar crafts impactful designs for top creative agencies and clients. "Originally from Colombia, I live in Canada and, often inspired by my travels living abroad, I bring a global perspective to my work. Whether it's designing brand identities, websites, packaging, or illustrations, I thrive on turning ideas into unforgettable visuals. Some call it being a multi-disciplinary creative; I call it my passion for storytelling through design," shared Oscar.
When creating an Acceleration Action design, Oscar's focus was on representing growth, connection, and nurturing progress, which very much relates to the International Women's Day theme.
"This year's International Women’s Day theme is all about speeding up progress for gender equality. Every small action contributes to the bigger picture, and it’s time we move faster—together. Through this artwork, I wanted to capture the strength, beauty, and urgency of the movement. Change is happening, and with every effort, we get closer to a world where equality is a reality, not a future goal. Every action, no matter how small, adds to the momentum. Together, we’re challenging norms, breaking barriers, and creating space for a more inclusive future," explained Oscar.
Explaining the creative process
"A little sneak peek of what’s been growing in my sketchbook. It’s about strength, progress, and the power of collective action," shared Oscar on Instagram in the lead up to IWD.
For the typography style, Oscar envisioned the letters as hand-drawn and flowing, with soft curves and swirls to reflect a natural and human touch. "This was meant to convey organic growth and collaboration," explains Oscar.
Oscar integrated vines and flowers into or around the letters to symbolize growth, flourishing potential, and empowerment, while also using natural texture with subtle leaf patterns or woodgrains to emphasize sustainability and connection to nature.
Oscar's color palette included soft greens to represent growth and renewal; warm pinks and purples to emphasize femininity, empowerment, and celebration; and gold accents to add sophistication and a sense of importance to the message.
"My lettering aimed to feel inviting, elegant, and harmonious while staying true to the empowering theme of Women's Day. It takes a more subtle, refined approach rather than being overtly bold or dynamic," says Oscar.
Turning awareness into change
For Oscar, to Acceleration Action means to channel the collective energy of individuals and communities to break barriers, challenge inequalities, and create opportunities for women everywhere.
"It's about turning awareness into tangible change - empowering women to lead, thrive, and inspire future generations. On Women's Day, it's a reminder that equality is not just a goal; it's a movement that requires bold steps, urgent decisions, and unwavering commitment from all of us," explained Oscar.
When asked what International Women’s Day means to him, Oscar said: "International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and achievements of women throughout history and across the globe. It’s a day to celebrate progress, honor those who’ve paved the way, and recognize the work still needed to achieve true equality. It’s a call to action to uplift women’s voices, challenge stereotypes, and create a world where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive and lead. Above all, it’s a moment of unity and hope, inspiring collective action for a brighter, more inclusive future."
Oscar's advice to aspiring lettering artists seeking inspiration
"I’d say don’t be afraid to experiment and make a lot of “imperfect” work. The best way to grow is by trying different styles, techniques, and materials—each piece you create will teach you something new. Also, study the work of artists you admire, but find a way to make it your own. Inspiration is everywhere, from the signs on the street to the smallest details in daily life, so keep your eyes open and keep creating," shares Oscar.
Staying inspired and motivated when facing creative blocks
"When I hit a creative block, I like to step away from the work for a bit and look for inspiration outside my usual sources. I might go on a walk around Montreal, visit a gallery, or even just sit with a sketchbook and draw whatever comes to mind. Sometimes, I’ll revisit older projects or sketches, which remind me of how much I’ve evolved and reignite that initial passion. Staying inspired is all about finding those small ways to reconnect with why I started in the first place," said Oscar.
Continuously learning and improving skills in lettering
"Digital tools like Procreate and Adobe Illustrator have been game-changers in my lettering work, allowing me to refine details and experiment with styles. But I also rely on traditional tools, like pencil and paper, to map out ideas before moving digital. Books and online classes have been invaluable, too, helping me learn from other artists and stay updated with new techniques," suggested Oscar. "I believe in learning by doing, so I make it a point to tackle new challenges and experiment with different styles in each project. I’ll also set aside time to practice, even if it’s just sketching ideas that might never be used."
Balancing the creative and business aspects of a lettering career
"It’s a constant balancing act! I make time for creative exploration, but I’ve also learned the importance of setting boundaries and staying organized on the business side. Planning out my projects and keeping track of finances is essential to ensure I’m hitting deadlines without burning out. Scheduling time for creative work that’s purely for me also helps me stay inspired so I don’t lose sight of why I started lettering in the first place." When asked about a successful career milestone, Oscar says: "One milestone that stands out was creating a large-scale signage project for Ricardo (a very popular chef in Canada), which involved designing the entrance sign for his offices. This project allowed me to bring my lettering work into a physical space, combining design with environmental branding to create a lasting impression. Seeing my work contribute to the brand experience in such a direct, tangible way was incredibly rewarding and reinforced my passion for lettering as both an art form and a powerful communication tool."
Emerging trends in the lettering world
"One trend I’ve noticed is the rise of playful, bold lettering that incorporates vibrant colors and quirky illustrations reminiscent of the work of artists like Gemma O'Brien and Maggie Enterrios. Their ability to merge typography with whimsical designs is inspiring and reflects a desire for more personality in lettering. I’ve been adapting to this trend by experimenting with color palettes and integrating fun, unexpected elements into my own pieces," offered Oscar.
Why not share your creative talent with the world?
Post your creation on your social media feeds using the hashtags #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction #IWDtypism for a chance to be featured.
Together, let's Accelerate Action for gender equality.