Letterpress Demo at Interfaces 2010

This past weekend, Dennis and I carefully packed up our little Kelsey press and hit the road. We were graciously invited to speak and do a letterpress demonstration at Interfaces, a conference that’s put on by the International Academy of Design and Technology. At the end of our talk, attendees got to print their very own postcard.

We designed a two color postcard so we could demonstrate two different methods of printing. Ahead of time, we printed a yellow background layer using the wood type lockup on the left. By using less ink, we achieved a weathered texture that made a nice soft backdrop. We wanted to show that letterpress is more versatile at creating other textures besides a deep impression. Then, the chase on the right holds a photopolymer plate that our audience printed with black ink as a second layer.

We used French Muscletone in Kraft, because we like its industrial look and feel. Plus we knew there was no way that every audience member would have the muscles to get a good impression on our Kelsey, so we chose more interesting paper than the stereotypical cotton rag.

We were asked quite a few questions, and I thought I’d share some of them on the blog. It was awesome to have everyone engaged in the discussion. It was really flattering, because some of these students are crazy talented. (They had a little gallery of work set up and we were pretty impressed.) Overall, it was a great experience, and we’re grateful to have been invited.

Read our letterpress FAQs and see more pictures from Interfaces…

Interfaces 2010

Christina and I were invited to speak at the Interfaces 2010 design conference on Saturday May 22nd at the International Academy of Design and Technology in Troy. Speakers at the conference will include digital media experts, creative directors, game designers, and motion designers. Christina and I will give a brief talk on the modern applications of letterpress printing as well as a hands on letterpress demonstration in which attendees with be able to hand print and take home their own postcard. The conference runs from 9am – 5pm and tickets are $30, with discounts available to faculty and students.