Characters

Looking Hate in the Typeface

Throughout history, typography has existed alongside the pursuit for freedom. Sometimes existing at the forefront, other times in the background. In all of these cases, typography is there, empowering people to be a part of their own liberation. Characters is an evolving exhibition, created in collaboration with Tré Seals, that showcases typefaces from the Vocal Type catalog. These typefaces illuminate how struggles for equality and justice and the contributions of Black designers and activists have profoundly shaped the world we live in today.

The Branch Museum of Design – Richmond, Virginia

Each iteration of Characters is adapted to reflect the unique history, space, and audience of its host museum. Our first Characters exhibition (2022–2023) debuted at the Branch Museum of Architecture + Design in Richmond, Virginia. Positioned across the street from the infamous Robert E. Lee statue in the former home of the Confederacy, we turned the museum’s roots on their head. We transformed the museum, housed in a mansion, into a portrait gallery devoted to civil rights icons.

Museum of Design Atlanta

We re-envisioned Characters and expanded on its story for its second home at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA, 2023–2024). In this contemporary museum setting, we recontextualized the exhibition emphasizing narrative structure. Working with writer Kaleena Sales, we introduced chapters and visual storytelling elements that draw from the language of protest—picket signs, banners, and materials like cardboard, nails, newsprint, and sign painting.

The Vocal Civilian

At MODA, we also debuted the first edition of The Vocal Civilian, a take-home newspaper expanding on the exhibition’s stories created in collaboration with Mark Baker-Sanchez. It serves as a lasting educational resource for classrooms, libraries, and community spaces.

Breda, Netherlands

Characters: Voices in Type connects history, design and social change. Tré created VTC WIJ, a font inspired by the Surinamese anti-colonial activist and resistance fighter Anton de Kom (1893-1945). His words, “Free Today, Free Forever” still resonate in current times and were honored in a 105 x 6 meter mural in Breda, Netherlands.

Thanks to 60 volunteers + 16 hours + 100 meters + 2 continents + 3 partners the Characters FREE TODAY! FREE FOREVER! mural was finished. The mural marked the start of a project by Civilization, Vocal Type, and Graphic Matters investigating type and protest around the globe. More events plus a related design conference to come Spring 2026.

Brooklyn Public Library

A Characters installation is currently showcased at the Brooklyn Public Library – Letters for the Future exhibition. The exhibit, curated by Prem Krishnamurthy runs from November 3, 2025—January 25, 2026 in the Grand Lobby and Mezzanine of the Brooklyn Central Library.

Next Stop

We are seeking a new home and partners for Characters to continue bringing these critical histories to broader audiences.

Client: Self-Initiated
Era: 2022 - Now
Type: Physical, Environmental, Strategy
  • Principals: Michael Ellsworth, Corey Gutch
  • Concept and Design: Tré Seals, Michael Ellsworth
  • Environmental Graphics: Michael Evans
  • Research: Raya Leary
  • Account and Project Management: Molly Derse
  • Exhibition Writing: Kaleena Sales
  • Print Design: Mark Baker-Sanchez
  • Sign Painting: Adam McNeil