We asked Nada to tell us everything ATypI members could ever want to know about her. She had a great deal to share.
Please provide us with your bio.
Nada Abdallah is an artist, designer, and educator. She is an Assistant Professor of Visual Communication at the College of Fine Arts and Design at the University of Sharjah. She is also the Founder of Bilarabic Design Festival and Director of Meta.motif masterclasses. Nada holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Visual Communication from the American University of Sharjah and an MFA from the Lebanese University. Prior to joining the University of Sharjah, she taught design at Sharjah Higher Colleges of Technology, Lebanese University, and Lebanese International University.
Nada has won several awards in design and photography, and sponsored numerous winning students’ projects. Her work has been exhibited in Lebanon, UAE, Greece, Korea, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, KSA, USA, and other places. Active since the early 1990s, Nada’s work and research focus is on Arabic calligraphy and typography and prehistoric motif design.
Give us a sentence that perfectly describes your love for type.
Typography is visualizing cultures and contemporizing heritage in alphabets.
Before this year, were you a member of ATypI? If so, when?
Yes, since four years ago.
Were you previously a member of the ATypI board, or a country delegate? If so, when?
No.
Describe your experience/involvement with ATypI activities.
I took part in ATypI All Over 2020 and 2021, and ATypI 2023 Paris.
Tell us about your current and past involvement with other type and design organizations.
My first introduction to typography was in my father’s printing press. I am a certified calligrapher and I use my knowledge in calligraphy to work with solid typography. I have been teaching typography at the university level for more than twenty years.
Describe your leadership experience with other nonprofits and work with conferences, workshops, publications, teaching, or other activities in the type, design, tech, and related communities.
I have led design and typography workshops in various design festivals in different parts of the world.
Why should ATypI members elect you to represent them on the board of directors?
Nada Abdallah is an artist, designer, and educator. She is an Assistant Professor of Visual Communication at the College of Fine Arts and Design at the University of Sharjah. She is also the Founder of Bilarabic Design Festival and Director of Meta.motif masterclasses. Nada holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Visual Communication from the American University of Sharjah and an MFA from the Lebanese University. Prior to joining the University of Sharjah, she taught design at Sharjah Higher Colleges of Technology, Lebanese University, and Lebanese International University.
Nada has won several awards in design and photography, and sponsored numerous winning students’ projects. Her work has been exhibited in Lebanon, UAE, Greece, Korea, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, KSA, USA, and other places. Active since the early 1990s, Nada’s work and research focus is on Arabic calligraphy and typography and prehistoric motif design.
And she would love to serve as a typography ambassador!
Answers and materials were provided by the candidate as part of their self-nomination for the ATypI board election. Candidate is a paid ATypI member in good standing and agrees to remain so if they are elected.