UK-based illustrator and business owner Deborah Panesar supports Give to Gain lettering challenge
Meaningful change can be elevated through creative expression that challenges perspectives, ignites dialogue, and encourages action.
Each year, International Women's Day amplifies a wide range of creative work that reflects women's experiences contributing to a fairer world.
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.
The challenge aims to raise awareness, showcase talent, and provide visibility for creatives while supporting gender equality.
Here, we shine a spotlight on one creative, Deborah Panesar, and showcase her fabulous IWD 2026 Give to Gain design.
"This year's theme is Give to Gain, and it’s pretty simple; when we lift women up, we all benefit. I feel lucky to know so many wonderfully talented female designers and illustrators, who keep rising each other up in what is still a male dominated industry. Let’s work together to ensure that others can help us rise too, so we can have the same opportunities (and pay checks) as our male counterparts. 'When women thrive, we all rise'," explained Deborah.
Working with conscious brands
Based in Nottinghamshire, UK, Deborah Panesar is a freelance illustrator for conscious brands who helps business founders to build beautiful brands that stand the test of time, and translate their ideas into creative visions and captivating visual identities.
Deborah has been working as an illustrator and designer since graduating in 2010, creating bespoke designs for businesses big and small, in the UK and worldwide. Deborah's mission is to convey the story, ethos and values of brands through carefully crafted illustrations that will capture clients' attention and heart.
"I specialise in raising brands with my detailed and heritage style illustrations that are heavily inspired by the natural wonders of the earth we live on, as well as the celestial skies above us," explains Deborah.
Running her own small business
Having created her own small greeting card brand with the aid of the King’s Trust (formerly Prince’s Trust), Deborah knows better than anyone else what goes into running a small business, and how important it is to make it as unforgettable as possible. What started out as a few simple birthday card designs grew into a huge collection and has now expanded into wrapping paper, art prints and stationery, all with a sustainable approach.
Enjoying hobbies alongside her art
Deborah is a proud Norwich University of the Arts graduate, and an avid list keeper, tea drinker, meditator, and serial book reader.
Share your creative talent with the world
Get involved with the annual IWD Lettering Challenge by creating your own piece and sharing your creative spirit with the world.
Post your creation on your social media feeds throughout the year using hashtags #IWD2026 #GiveToGain #IWDtypism for a chance to be potentially featured.
Together, let's Give to Gain and help forge gender equality through abundant giving.