Shani Avni, the Hebrew Script Chair for the GRANSHAN Type Design Competition 2023/2024, brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and dedication to the world of Hebrew type design. As the Ismar David Assistant Curator at the RIT Cary Graphic Arts Collection, Shani has spent years researching, preserving, and advancing Hebrew typography.
Reflecting on her role and the importance of beyond Latin scripts, Shani emphasizes
»Hebrew type design is not just about creating beautiful forms, but about preserving a cultural heritage and pushing it forward for future generations«
Shani’s journey began with a BA in Graphic Design from Shenkar College, Israel, and an MA in Typeface Design from the University of Reading, UK. Her deep connection to the David Hebrew typeface family, explored in her MA thesis, laid the foundation for her ongoing research and curation work. Since then, she has dedicated her career to bridging history and innovation—bringing to light Hebrew and Yiddish woodtype while fostering contemporary design excellence.
In the interview, when asked about her favorite Hebrew glyph, Shani’s response reflects her deep understanding of form and function, as well as her appreciation for the nuances of type design.
For young designers aspiring to compete in GRANSHAN, Shani offers invaluable advice:
»Stay curious, immerse yourself in the history of your script, and always strive to innovate while respecting its roots«
Shani’s work serves as a testament to the power of typography in preserving cultural identity while embracing modernity. Her leadership at GRANSHAN ensures that scripts like Hebrew continue to thrive, inspiring designers worldwide to push boundaries and celebrate typographic diversity.
Watch the full interview on the GRANSHAN YouTube channel