Do you ever see a stranger and wonder...
I’ve been asking that question since 2009 and have received more than 100,000 hand-written, true, and anonymous answers. Whether about love or loss, joy or fear, what they all have in common is an honest voice of the human experience. We’re living in a time where the differences between us are magnified. I believe that what starts as a simple act of listening can be a profoundly transformative experience. Exploring the lives of the people we share space with every day shows us how wonderfully human we all are. These stories engage strangers of all ages and backgrounds to reflect, rejoice, heal and connect through words.
Everyone has a Story
What started as a small experiment has grown into my life’s work, and I’m grateful it caught your eye. The Strangers Project is built to be explored — whether you’re here to read, to share, or simply to see what it’s all about.
If you’re curious about how it all began, you can learn more about the story behind the project. If you’d like to see it in action, you can plan a visit to the story wall in New York City. If you want to bring it to your own community, there’s a way to start that conversation. And if you believe in keeping this space open and free for everyone, your support makes that possible.
Wherever you choose to start, I’m glad you’re here. This space is for you.
Stay Connected From Anywhere
Step inside the project from wherever you are.
Each week, I’ll share a selection of real, handwritten stories from The Strangers Project, along with behind-the-scenes moments and reflections you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a way to pause, connect, and see the world through someone else’s eyes — delivered straight to your inbox, free.
I love being hands-on and making whatever tools I need whenever I can. Handmade things have small imperfections that remind us a human put real time into making something exist… and they’re just more satisfying to use.
I needed a stamp for the envelopes I give out to visitors.
Here’s how I made it.
Step 1: Draw the stamp design
Step 2: Model a hollow, mirrored version of the text in 3D (we mirror it because once the mold is filled, the image flips when the silicone is removed)
Step 3: 3D print the mold
Step 4: Mix equal parts liquid silicone rubber
Step 5: Pour the mixture into the mold
Step 6: Let the silicone cure for about 4 hours
Step 7: Remove the solidified silicone from the mold
Step 8: Measure the new stamp and model a simple handle
Step 9: 3D print the handle
Step 10: Affix the silicone stamp to the handle
Done! Now we have a simple little Strangers Project stamp, made by hand.
From the walls of the Strangers Project. This space is for you.
Happy birthday to this stranger. Happy you’re here.
Santa Barbara! @friendsofstatestreet brought me out to collect your stories today and tomorrow (Saturday and Sunday) at @artandsoul.sb Gallery here on State Street. Hope to see you. The space is for you.
PS - the exhibition will be on display for a week after this weekend, but I’m only here until Sunday. The exhibition will be read only after I’m gone. Come by any time today and tomorrow to share a story with the project!
From the walls of the Strangers Project.
Each of the 100,000+ stories in the project was handwritten on the spot by a stranger. The collection moves over time, but you can currently visit the exhibit inside the World Trade Center Oculus in NYC, where you can read thousands of stories — and if you choose to, add your own.
This space is for you.
Found this in the comment box at the exhibit today. People often tell me all the different ways they find the space. This is one of them.
Hey everyone, Brandon here. This month I’m experimenting with how I share stories here on Instagram. Because they’re handwritten, it’s always been a challenge finding the right way to present them on small screens — they’re really meant to be experienced up close, in person.
I’m going to be playing with different title card formats and seeing what feels best — but I’ll always include the exact handwritten story in the carousel, just as I always have.
This project has always been about you all, so if you have thoughts on what’s working (or what’s not), I’d love to hear them. Feel free to DM me anytime. I can’t respond to everything, but I do my best to see everything.
