Ethnic fonts are typefaces that are designed to reflect the culture, history, and traditions of a particular ethnic group. They can be used to create a sense of authenticity and cultural connection, and they can play a powerful role in shaping how people perceive and interact with different cultures. However, it is important to be mindful of the potential for cultural appropriation and to consider the context in which ethnic fonts are being used. Often, these fonts are not accurately representative of the ethnic group they are intended to represent. By creating fonts that reflect the diversity of cultures and ethnicities present in the world, designers can help to foster a sense of belonging and connection for people of all backgrounds.

To initiate a conversation about this topic, I created a font by collecting and combining handwritten manuscripts from 60 Dutch people of various ages, ethnicities, and genders. This font was then translated into a digital format and published, with all the handwritten letters presented separately in a publication. When the publication is closed and the letters are stacked, the “Dutch font” becomes visible.