IT’S THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MASH-UP! DIGITAL TECH MEETS ANALOG LETTERPRESS PRINTING EQUIPMENT.

Session 1: Virtual, Thursday, March 6, 2025 6pm-7:30pm Central Time

Session 2: Virtual, Thursday, March 13, 2025 20-min 1:1 by appointment in the evening

Session 3: In-person, Saturday, March 29, 2025
Section A 10am-1:30pm or Section B 2pm-5:30pm at Red Bird Press

Large class may be split into two sections for more personalized teaching and optimize time on press for each student. You must be available to attend all 3 sessions and either Section A or Section B on Saturday. (Classes with 4 students will use Section A only).

This multi-week, hybrid workshop is developed to teach you the steps and introductory skill needed to begin letterpress printing your own designs or artwork. Contemporary letterpress printed announcements, stationery, and business cards frequently employ digital methods, but it’s also possible for artists to letterpress print a hand-drawn illustration.

This class will introduce students to the foundational skills required for successful digital letterpress including file creation and output, plate ordering tips, appropriate inking, and printing on a hand-operated press. Along the way we’ll trouble shoot problems as they arise for a wholistic learning experience. Learn how exciting it is to letterpress print your artwork from a custom created plate.

Session 1 and 2 will meet virtually for didactic learning and 1:1 file feedback from the instructor.

Session 3, we will meet in-person at Red Bird Press to print our plates.

Please note, this class does not teach you how to use design programs. Prior knowledge and access to digital design and illustration software is the responsibility of each student.

Students must have a computer, internet, and access to design programs such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, or Photoshop. Prior experience with digital design programs is required as the scope of this class does not include how-to use design software. Prior letterpress printing experience is not required.