Amina Out + Thanks for the Memories <3 <3 <3

SSL fam. This has been a moment. A time, really. Five years of scheming and dreaming and making and lettering. I can’t quite gather all my feelings for this post to tell you that I’ll be stepping down from my co-organizing role here at the Unofficial Hand Lettering Society of Silver Spring, but trust me, they are a lot.

I’ve truly loved watching this club grow and evolve over the years. It’s inspired me, challenged me, and given me so much more opportunity to see creative projects come to fruition. What I’ve learned here is beautiful things happen when we work together. From our collaborative zines to posters to art shows to community projects, it’s been such a privilege and blessing to watch community form through creativity over the years. And it has only affirmed my belief that every person has creativity in their bones. People often ask Christy and myself what they need to get started in hand lettering, and the answer is always the most simple- a pen, paper, and the ability to form letters. It’s truly not much, and the thing I’ve loved most about this art form is it’s low barrier to entry.

Instagram will lead you to believe that there are certain ways to hand letter, or certain materials you need to be successful, or that your lettering has to look a certain way to be considered “hand lettering.” All of these narratives are false. Hand lettering is what you make of it, and being a part of this community has given me so much opportunity to see such a wide range of styles and letters from people of all ages, of all backgrounds, in so many languages, and I am so grateful to have been able to witness this beauty first hand.

So I guess I should tell you why I’m leaving. Primarily because I just bought my first house in Baltimore(!!), so I’ll be leaving the area, though still nearby. My studio for my business will remain in DC for now and my number one companion, Rosie (my dog), and I are going to see where life takes us these days. We’ll miss you all but are excited for some change in life and routines, which I think we need after 8+ years of being in our same neighborhood and even more inside the DC beltway. We’re going to take some time to explore the inside of a different beltway and all the parks and creative opportunities that Baltimore has for us.

SSLetters was originally not supposed to be more than a fun thing for my great friend Christy Batta and I and anyone else who wanted to join us. But it really has become its own life force. I’ll really miss collaborating with Christy and her bold color schemes so much. I’m so happy she’ll be the guiding force for this group in the future. And if you’re interested in working with her to breathe more life into this community, definitely get in touch.

I thought this post could maybe be a recap of my favorite moments, but instead of having to really organize my thoughts any further, I’m just going to post a few photos of moments that I’ll keep forever. I love you all. Thanks so much for these memories.