As I am coming to the end of my latest class in letterpress, I am feeling so thankful for the time spent offline creating art. Not only do my eyes get a break from the screen, I get to put my graphic design skills to use by actually setting the type with my hands instead of using a keyboard. The process of letterpress printing consists of several stages: composition, imposition and lock-up, and printing. This class I took recently explored different ways of composition including at an angle, and even in a circle. I spent most of the 5 weeks composing a print for my daughter’s room in a circle composition. I also explored some quick prints using large wooden type and a sign maker’s press (a new-to-me press that was sold to grocers and butchers so they could quickly make their own signage).
Here are the two prints I made for my daughter, one using the wood type ( notice the cool patina texture), and the type set in a circle:
Spending time on hobbies like letterpress helps me stay creative and energized for the other work I do. A study by Drexel University showed that as little as 45 minutes spent creatively can help increase a person’s confidence in themselves and ability to complete tasks, and lower their stress. So, what are you waiting for? Get offline and go get creative!
