Artists worldwide use lettering as a visual voice to mark International Women's Day
Creative expression has the power to act as a visual language through uniting people, igniting dialogue, and encouraging shared efforts to raise greater awareness about gender equality issues.
Each year, the IWD Lettering Challenge, run in partnership with the global Typism community, invites designers to create work inspired by the annual IWD campaign theme, highlighting the remarkable skill and originality of creatives worldwide. The initiative is designed to build awareness, elevate creative voices, and amplify visibility, all while advancing the conversation around gender equality.
In this feature, we highlight the work of one standout creative, Annelies, based in Grimbergen in Belgium, and present her striking IWD 2026 Give to Gain design.
Annelies is a graphic and lettering designer with an impressive background in communications and project management in public and non-profit sectors, with a focus on European projects. After some time spent in Poland and the UK, Annelies now resides in Belgium. She holds a deep love for letters and type, with a love for calligraphy has evolved into sketch-noting, hand lettering, and chalk lettering over the years.
"I'm taking part in this lettering challenge by creating and sharing my lettering piece inspired by the theme Give to Gain. This callout is about using lettering as a visual voice: to show solidarity, spark conversation, and support collective action in challenging gender inequality," explains Annelies sharing her design.
Design that truly reflects a mission and connects a community
As a part-time graphic designer for the Coudenberg Palace, Annelies shapes the visual experience for one of Brussels’ most unique cultural landmarks. Her work includes designing an updated visitor’s guide that is both welcoming and easy to navigate, creating engaging graphic materials for children’s activities, and developing the full range of visuals for the innovative temporary audiotrail UNDER-GROUND project.
Additionally, Annelies has crafted posters and flyers for the Coudenberg Sound Box Fest, helping to bring attention to this immersive cultural event. This experience highlights my ability to blend heritage and contemporary design to communicate clearly and creatively in cultural and historical contexts.
"If you’re a non-profit or small business looking for design that truly reflects your mission and connects with your community...I understand the unique challenges you face: creating impact with limited resources, crafting messages that resonate, and standing out authentically. Whether you need a strong visual identity, meaningful event materials, or custom lettering that adds personality, I bring a collaborative, flexible approach to design that supports your goals without compromising creativity or quality," explains Annelies.
Helping brands find their visual voice
Annelies specializes in graphic design, where she helps client produce branding material such as publications, event materials, logos and web design.
"I love helping brands find their visual voice. Whether you need a logo, a fresh brand palette, or cohesive print and digital materials, I approach every project with clarity and care. My process is collaborative, personal, and focused on getting results that help you stand out so your story connects with your audience right away. We can start from scratch to design a completely new identity, or I can work with your current branding to design various outputs," says Annelies.
Adding a handwritten, personal touch
Annelies also uses her lettering talents to add a handwritten, personal touch to shop windows, wedding mirrors, name tags, digitalised cards, and more, using letters in all shapes and forms.
"Expressive lettering brings individuality and warmth to every design. If you’re looking to add a crafted, artistic touch to branding, a gift, or any special project, I’d love to make it feel both personal and professional. My hand-drawn typography is all about letting your message shine while adding a bit of timeless artistry," explains Annelies.
Creating greeting cards for different occasions
Annelies' graphic design skills meet her love for lettering and all things post and stamps where she creates wedding invites, birth announcements or any other type of greeting card.
"Special moments deserve to be celebrated with beautiful design. I create personal announcements, wedding invitations, and bespoke cards that truly reflect your story and style. If you want to share good news in a way that's heartfelt and memorable, we’ll work together to craft unique pieces your friends and family will want to keep forever," adds Annelies.
Check out the brilliant work of Annelies and reach out to discuss project interest, collaborations, and bookings.
Share your creative talent with the world
Get involved with the annual IWD Lettering Challenge by creating your own piece and share your creative spirit with the world.
Post your creation on your social media feeds using the hashtags #IWD2026 #GiveToGain #IWDtypism throughout the year for a chance to be featured.
Together, let's Give to Gain and help forge gender equality through abundant giving.