Illustrator Anna Siviero shares her punk and graffiti inspired Accelerate Action lettering design
Creatives 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, Anna Siviero, and showcase their IWD 2025 Acceleration Action design.
Anna is part of #Typism100, a directory that helps lettering artists attract new clients through showcasing their skills to a wider audience.
Conveying energy that drives change
Anna Siviero is an illustrator, graphic designer, lettering artist, and choir singer who lives in Padua in Italy.
Anna explains the concept behind her Acceleration Action design.
"The concept and the phrase Acceleration Action made me think of a brush lettering style for this piece, reminiscent of the punk movement and graffiti art. I wanted to convey action, speed, instinct, rebellion, and the propulsive energy that rage can have to drive change," says Anna.
"This year’s theme resonates with me so much, as we are witnessing a setback in human rights I thought were granted. They’re not. They never are. And I hate living with my guard high. You would hate it too, brothers. So that’s my interpretation of the Accelerate Action focus," says Anna. "It’s time for you to show up for us. For your sisters, mothers, female co-workers, friends, wives, LGBTQIA+, migrants, racialized, and disabled people. Show them that they can trust you. Show them that you are a safe man. Show them that you are on the right side of humanity with your actions, not just words. Be a part of this change. There’s room for you and I promise you it feels safe.
Will this cost you the approval of your bros? It’s a risk you need to take. If they really are your friends and not just your bros, they’ll follow and support you. Will this cost you your privilege? Definitely yes, and we all wish for that."
What was your process for creating the artwork?
Anna shares how the process for her Acceleration Action piece was really instinctive, as she truly wanted to participate but didn’t have much time.
"So I didn’t focus too much on making my piece overly precise or accurate. Plus, the concept was perfect for the kind of brush lettering I had in mind and Shoutbam's brushes were the best ones to use for it," explains Anna.
Creating meaningful change
Anna believes that Acceleration Action means we’re moving too slowly.
"It means we can’t wait for someone else to lead the way toward equity and equality anymore - especially men (at least, too many of them), who shouldn’t wait for a woman to take their hand and spoon-feed them what they can do to be decent human beings. It means we ALL need to become that change, and we need to do it quickly and meaningfully," comments Anna.
Anna explains International Women’s Day means to her. "International Women’s Day should be celebrated every day until we no longer need it. It’s about remembering all the battles my mothers and sisters had to fight so that I could have more rights than they did. It’s about honoring their sacrifices, carrying their torch, and fighting for my sisters around the world and in my everyday life," adds Anna.
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.