Design is often perceived as a technical discipline and, particularly today, as a creative field increasingly centred around digital tools and computer-based production. However, as one of the most powerful forms of communication, graphic design extends far beyond technical proficiency alone. In an era shaped by the rise of social media, where visual language is increasingly mediated through images and symbolism, successful design requires much more than software skills or production knowledge. Strong sociological observation, intellectual depth, originality, the willingness to take creative risks, a playful and exploratory mindset, the ability to decode cultural signals, and sharp conceptual thinking all contribute to the creation of meaningful and effective design. Just My Type emerged directly from these core values. Designed to strengthen students’ understanding of typography as one of the most fundamental elements of graphic design during the early years of BA education, the project sought to move beyond purely technical instruction. Instead, it allowed students to experience typography as a process of exploration, experimentation, and cultural investigation. Inspired by our campus in the heart of the city, overlooking Tower Bridge, and by London itself — a city that symbolises a microcosm of global culture— Just My Type was conceived as a project rooted in observation, culture, and diversity. Beyond encouraging students to engage with the city’s visual and cultural landscape, the project was further enriched by the perspectives of our multicultural student community, each interpreting London through their own experiences, memories, and identities. As an educator, one of the most rewarding aspects of the project was rediscovering the city through my students’ eyes. Having been born in London during the 1980s, I found myself encountering a familiar city from entirely new perspectives, shaped by the observations, cultures, and interpretations of a new generation. While the project began with the idea of selecting London boroughs and decoding them into bespoke typefaces, students were also encouraged to experiment across both traditional and contemporary design processes. From calligraphy and printmaking to digital tools and AI-generated image-making, the project created opportunities for students to explore typography through a wide range of analogue and technological approaches. One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was witnessing students gain confidence through making. Many arrived believing typography was intimidating or overly technical; by the end of the unit, they were presenting fully functioning typefaces alongside posters, visual narratives, and experimental outcomes that reflected both technical understanding and personal voice. The resulting exhibition celebrates more than type design. It celebrates curiosity, collaboration, experimentation, and the understanding that typography can function as a form of cultural translation, one that allows designers to reframe and reinterpret the environments they inhabit. These moments of creative discovery and self-belief are what make teaching so profoundly rewarding. At its most powerful, design becomes a reflection of the collective consciousness of its time. Through visual language, designers capture and communicate the cultural, social, and emotional landscapes in which they live. Just My Type was conceived as a contemporary form of urban storytelling, reflecting the voices, identities, and layered narratives of London today. Looking ahead, the project aspires to extend beyond the city itself, opening towards international contexts, new cultural dialogues, and a wider global creative community. Dr. Irem Ela Yildizeli London, May 2026​