Background
My master’s project builds upon my dissertation, which investigated how West African design, particularly from Nigeria, differs from Western branding. In that dissertation, I explored West African culture and Nigeria’s unique identity. For my current project, I aim to further this exploration by developing a distinctive West African-themed typeface, featuring a range of fonts that pay tribute to West African culture. As a Londoner with Nigerian heritage, I am keen to delve into my cultural roots through art and design. This project has provided me with a wealth of resources and insights from my background, enabling me to create a typographic design that authentically reflects my heritage.
Subject Area
My focus is on West African design, specifically examining the history of a particular design system and adapting these ideas for a Western audience. I have chosen to work with Nsibidi, an ancient writing system used in Nigeria before the colonial period. By incorporating its shapes and features, I intend to create unique Latin fonts, along with a range of fonts inspired by this traditional West African script.
What is Nsibidi?
Nsibidi is an ancient graphic communication system used by the Ejagham people in southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon, as well as by neighbouring Ibibio, Efik, and Igbo communities. It is an ideographic script, meaning its symbols represent abstract concepts, actions, or objects rather than specific spoken languages. Nsibidi’s visually compelling and encoded symbols facilitate communication across different language groups.
Nsibidi. Photo credit: Pinterest
Ukara Ekpe clothing featuring Nsibidi symbols. Photo credit: Pinterest
Nsibidi symbols used during a procession by members of the Ekepe society.
Photo credit: Pinterest
Nsibidi symbols on the wall of the Black Panther's throne room. Photo credit: Pinterest.
There are over 500 Nsibidi symbols, and I selected a number of particularly intriguing ones to sketch. After drawing these symbols, I then digitised them to create a digital format.
Examples of digitally formatted Nsibidi symbols
Isi Nsibidi
Isi Nsibidi translates to "Core Cruel Letters" in the ancient Igbo language. It is the oldest known form of writing in Africa, using hieroglyphics and symbols to represent abstract concepts or actions. By integrating Nsibidi symbols with Western-style Latin fonts, these symbols are presented as dingbats, allowing designers to use them for decorative purposes. This approach enables the creation of unique patterns and ornamental designs.
Isi Ahiri
Isi Ahiri translates to "Core Lines" in Igbo, aptly reflecting the essence of this font. The characters are crafted from lines to form distinctive Latin glyphs. Isi Ahiri is a default-style font that emphasises the role of lines, incorporating Nsibidi-like serifs throughout the lettering to ensure coherence. It is an ideal choice for designers seeking a Nigerian-inspired font that maintains a clean and uncomplicated design.
Isi Akara
Isi Akara means "Core Symbols" in Igbo. This font merges the Isi Ahiri style with Isi Nsibidi symbols, creating distinctive glyphs that integrate Nigerian symbols with Latin characters. In essence, Isi Akara blends Nsibidi symbols into Latin glyphs, offering a more abstract and decorative option. It is ideal for designers looking for a Nigerian-inspired font with a unique, artistic touch for their projects.
Isi Akara letter glyphs set 2
Isi Akara letter glyphs set 3
Isi Akara Number & Symbols glyphs set 1
Isi Akara Number & Symbols glyphs set 2
All the Isi fonts are closely related, sharing similar structural forms and consistent font weights. They maintain a uniform cap-height for uppercase letters and a consistent x-height for lowercase letters. As previously noted, these fonts exhibit a strong connection through their integration of traditional Nsibidi features with standard Latin glyphs, which imbues each font with a distinct cultural identity rooted in Nigerian heritage.
The Isi Fonts Are Structured as Template Sentences
For example, Isi Akara alternates are demonstrated through sentence forms. This font, a key member of the Isi family, allows designers to substitute standard glyphs with customized letters, numbers, or unique characters. Similar to Isi Nsibidi, Isi Akara is designed for decorative purposes. The glyphs are straightforward to use, especially in design programs like Adobe Creative Suite, where they can be selected easily in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign. All glyphs are systematically organised, facilitating efficient design workflows.
Isi Ahiri Poster
Isi Nsibidi Poster
Isi Akara Poster 1
Isi Akara Poster 2
Isi Akara Poster 3
Here are examples of posters featuring the Isi font family displayed in public.
Front cover
Back cover
Here is the structure of the Isi Type Specimen Book (Digital Version)
Here are images of the Isi Type Specimen Book
Isi fonts animation 1
Isi fonts animation 2
Isi fonts animation 3
Isi typeface family gif 1
Isi typeface family gif 2
Here are three animations and the two short gifs that introduce the fonts in the form of motion graphics.
Thank you!
f you wish to purchase these fonts, please complete the contact form and specify which Isi font you need. Remember to reference my name when using these fonts for future projects or general use, as they are copyrighted ©.