Daniella Chukwuezi’s research-based design practice investigates the significance of symbols

The designer Daniella Chukwuezi isn’t interested in creating work with no substance. Instead she likes to see what lies beneath visuals, focusing on the language, critical theories, her heritage and ancient African culture – and how all of these elements can inform her work. Daniella is particularly interested in the relevance of symbols in the modern creative world, and is inspired by artists like Basqiat and Virgil Abloh, and how their work involves “playing with symbols and meaning”. She says: “When we think of universal codes and meanings they are the same, simple and accessible for all to understand.”

One project that demonstrates Daniella’s deft application of symbols is her work for the Circles night and Jumbi in Peckham. Originally a one-night affair for Daniella to bring together her different groups (or circles) of friends, the night is now a monthly event with “the sole purpose of bringing people together”, Daniella says. For the visuals, Daniella wanted a “ straight to the point” look. Applying the symbol of circles throughout and maintaining a monochrome palette, the posters have a clean stylishness about them, perfectly balancing bold, well-placed typography with pattern and form.