In their own words
I don’t want to claim that the work carries the emotional weight of the diaspora experience, but more so that it’s a reflection of my own identity and has elements or throughlines that can be drawn to a broader story and historical context within that relationship.
Piragua and Between Worlds in general is really about exploring those tensions and acknowledging them, but it isn’t a judgement.
The most resilient brand systems aren't built on exhaustive rules – they're anchored by a few essential elements, and designed to move.
The brands that endure won't be the ones that try to control every pixel. They'll be the ones who understand what to hold onto, what to let breathe, and what to push into new territory.
Articles & interviews
- How Letterforms Preserve Culture
PRINT Magazine’s feature 'How Letterforms Carry Culture' by Amelia Nash explores Daniel Irizarry’s typographic project 'Between Worlds', which examines Puerto Rican identity and diaspora through three custom typefaces. The article discusses how Irizarry, a designer and creative director at Athletics, uses typography as a form of cultural preservation and critique of commercial design systems. Through interviews, it highlights the emotional and historical depth embedded in his type design practice.
- Daniel Irizarry’s “Between Worlds” Explores Puerto Rican Identity
The Dieline article profiles designer Daniel Irizarry’s personal project 'Between Worlds,' a typographic self-portrait exploring Puerto Rican identity and the cultural duality experienced by members of the diaspora. The piece reflects on the tension of belonging to both Puerto Rican and American cultures while feeling unclaimed by either.
- From Symbols to Systems: Designing brands that hold under pressure
Creative Boom’s insight article by Daniel Irizarry, creative director at Athletics, explores how modern brand systems must balance structure and flexibility to remain resilient in a fast-changing cultural and technological landscape. Drawing on experiences with clients like Google and Okta, Irizarry argues that strong brands are anchored by a few essential elements and thrive when teams are empowered to adapt creatively. The piece emphasizes experimentation, collaboration, and the importance of defining what’s fixed versus flexible in identity design.