For my final project this year I wanted to create connections that would engage the wider public and make Te Reo Māori more accepted.  I have reflected on my feelings and emotions with my own journey to learn more about my Māori culture.

I wanted people to be curious and make them feel more comfortable when interacting with Te Reo Māori. Drawing on my own Māori experiences as a child as well as what I have learnt as an adult, I have designed my own typeface. The typeface takes elements from Māori carvings, sculptures and weapons. This comes across in the shape and movement of the pieces used to create these strong rounded yet sharp letters. The aim is to get more people engaged in Māori culture. To help with this I have created a mock app to use the font  “Te Reo for eggs”. An app that will teach basic Te Reo Māori to be able to use in our everyday lives. I have also used the font in an illustrated children’s book retelling the Māori story of Māui slowing down the sun.

I have immersed myself in all types of media while I studied at Ara but my favourites were brand expression and package designing. While I have my own artistic outlets, the past 3 years have shown me how much I have enjoyed creating from a brief. I believe my future in design involves working on innovative projects with inspiring people.